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The word sustainable gets thrown around alot, especially when it comes to fashion. So much so, that it can sometimes feel as though it has lost all meaning and appears nothing more than a marketing gimmick. We don’t blame you if you feel slightly dubious everytime you see something labeled sustainable without any explanation as to why. Despite this, if you are serious about conscious consumption, there are some baseline requirements you can apply to anything you purchase to ensure you are reducing your environmental impact, while still creating your own personal style. From staying up to date with the latest trends to building a capsule wardrobe of staple pieces—we guide you through how and where to shop while still remaining eco-conscious.
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Rise of Sustainable Fashion
More than just a buzzword, the concept of sustainable fashion has been gaining traction over the last decade. We are all guilty of buying garments, only to wear them once and not think about where they end up once we decide to get rid of them. It is not just about switching to sustainable brands, but also about shopping responsibly and changing your purchasing habits. Reframing your mindset to really think about what you are buying and whether you really need it is already a step in the right direction to being more sustainable. When you do decide to invest in a new piece of clothing, you need to consider where it was manufactured, the fabric used and how well it is constructed. The top tip when it comes to shopping sustainably is always to buy less but buy better.
Sustainable Fashion Brands
Luckily there is no better time to start shopping sustainably. Everyone from big brands to small independent designers have been making the switch to offer more eco-conscious fashion that combines the latest trends with lower-impact fabrics and ethical production practices. Whether you are looking for some timeless classic workwear, boho chic dresses, breathable gym gear or second-hand treasures— we have compiled this guide of the best eco-conscious brands for every style and occasion to set you on your way to building a sustainable wardrobe.
Elegant Minimalism
Before you start browsing eye-catching outfits, take a look at your lifestyle, go through your wardrobe and evaluate what pieces you get the most wear out of. More than likely the clothes you wear on repeat are the most basic styles—white shirts, jeans and black pants. These pieces don’t have to be boring. Style icons such as Audrey Hepburn and the Olsen twins make simple garments look elegant by choosing quality fabrics and fit to elevate their everyday wardrobe staples.
One of our favorite brands for contemporary takes on timeless pieces is the Australian based St. Agni. Designed and constructed to last, their collections are wearable and minimalist with a modern feel. They use Tencel, organic cotton, hemp, linen and recycled viscose for their garments and in addition to their stylish essentials their line of shoes and bags is perfect for the current quiet luxury trend.
Artistic Bohemian
If you prefer to forgo trends and keep your style comfortable and colorful, you will love Christy Dawn’s collection of bohemian dresses, sweaters and outerwear. From floaty floral skirts to quilted striped jackets—these are pieces that are both practical yet joyful. These garments are also trans-seasonal and can be worn in summer with sandals or teamed with boots in winter—meaning you can repeat wear them all year long. Christy Dawn works with the Oshadi Collective to revitalize the ecosystems of over 200 acres of land. Together they replenish the soil and increase biodiversity where their cotton is cultivated.
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Athleisure Eco-Warrior
Athleisure has crossed over to the mainstream to become the daily uniform of people everywhere. You don’t have to be on your way to workout to be wearing gym gear anymore. Whether you are catching brunch with friends or working from home—on the days when comfort is the main priority, leggings are what most of us reach for. It may even encourage us to squeeze in a yoga or spinning class at some point. Girlfriend Collective uses recycled materials to create their stylish athleisure collections. Not only are they available in a huge range of sizes, they also offer a resale program and a recycling initiative that gives you store credit in exchange for your old garments.
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Gender Neutral Street Style
Wildfang is a climate neutral brand from Portland, Oregon that is on a mission to rethink fashion’s gender norms. Catering for masculine, feminine and everything in between their collections redefine tailoring and denim. Our favorite piece from them has to be the best-selling coverall, but they have tons of great options.
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Modern Vintage
Probably the most sustainable option out there is to shop vintage pieces. For unique and one of a kind garments second hand stores are where to find real hidden gems. If you don’t have time to trawl through rails of 50’s dresses and 90’s leather jackets, head over to the Levi’s second hand website to pick yourself up a pair of essential jeans. If everyone chose to buy only one used item this year it would save almost 450 millions pounds of waste.
Circular Fashion
The aim of circular fashion is to extend the life of a garment. One person’s rubbish is another person’s gold and just because you are done with a piece of clothing doesn’t mean that someone else might not find a use for it. Before you throw out your clothes, think about whether they can be resold, likewise if you are looking to purchase an item think about whether there are any pre-loved options available. Some brands make this easy by offering return programmes. Patagonia has one of the most extensive collections of worn items, so be sure to check out their dedicated site next time you need outerwear.
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Explore Your Sustainable Style
Whatever your tastes and lifestyle may be, there is always a more sustainable option available if you put in a little extra research before purchasing. Try to invest in quality pieces that will last you longer, this will not only save you money in the long run but also reduce your waste. A lot of multi-brand retailers now over curated sustainable edits to narrow down your options and help you to make more eco-friendly fashion choices.
