We buy far too much new clothing that is produced far too cheaply. A negative trend that is summarized under the term fast fashion, but which you can counteract: It's high time to stop the consumer frenzy and think more consciously about what we buy and how we care for our clothes. Sustainable fashion and the slow fashion movement are just two current topics for a more conscious fashion style. We take a closer look at these and other terms and explain the differences and similarities. Get to know the most important fashion terms and their philosophies and promote sustainability in the fashion world.
Sustainable fashion is often equated with eco and organic clothing. This may or may not be the case. Sustainable fashion goes beyond environmentally friendly textiles and is closely linked to characteristics such as vegan/animal-friendly. Sometimes sustainable garments are made from recycled fibers or upcycled clothing. However, when sustainable clothing is made from scratch, it is produced according to certain guidelines. For example, the use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical dyes is restricted.
For sustainable fashion to meet the definition, it is not enough for an item of clothing to carry the “organic” label: many consumers are aware that fast fashion causes pollution, but organic clothing can also contribute to marine pollution. The microplastics from the synthetic fibers in our clothes end up in our rivers and oceans when we wash them. As a result, we may be ingesting our own clothes with our food. With a GUPPYFRIEND wash bag, you can catch the microplastics and protect the environment and the oceans. When buying new clothes, also make sure that (primarily) natural fibers such as cotton are used.
The aim is to find a better balance between what we want and how we produce it. The aim is to eliminate human suffering and exploitation from the production chain. The fair trade movement supports manufacturers from underdeveloped countries to ensure fair wages and the protection of workers' rights. In addition, fair fashion promotes systemic changes that empower workers and production methods that minimize environmental impact. Fair trade is therefore closely linked to sustainable fashion. Ecologically produced clothing is good for our planet. They also reduce the sometimes negative environmental impact of the fashion industry in the countries where cotton is grown, denim is dyed and workers are exposed to the chemicals used in textile production.
The true cost focus of sustainable fashion: the sometimes negative environmental impact of the fashion industry. Sustainable fashion combats problems such as pollution caused by production, water pollution caused by washing clothes and waste caused by discarded clothes.
Slow fashion is an overarching term for all these movements. Slow fashion calls for sustainability in the fashion world and gives everyone the opportunity to make a contribution.
Slow fashion aims to promote the social awareness of all people along the fashion chain, from designers to consumers. This is the only way to become more aware of the true cost of fashion, i.e. the impact of the textile industry on workers, communities and the environment.
But consumers can also move mountains: Instead of buying clothes produced in large quantities, you can give old garments a second life. Instead of quantity, focus on quality: higher quality garments last longer. Think about whether you really like and need the items the next time you buy them. Treat your clothes with care. Then they will serve you longer.
“It is estimated that 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. That's the equivalent of 15 shopping bags per meter of plastic on the world's coastline.” - Bernard Merkx, co-founder of Waste Free Oceans
- Washing at lower temperatures releases fewer synthetic fibers.
- Dylon products are gentler on your garments.
- Wash as many items of clothing as possible at once and reduce the spin speed.
- Hang your laundry to dry instead of putting it in the dryer.
- Wash fleece inside out or in a washing bag.
A decision tree helps you to determine how fast you consume and how you can slow down in terms of fashion.
Image credits:
Header image: Getty Images
Image of clothes rack with 100% Organic tag: Fotolia
Image of woman holding elegent piece of fabric: Stocksy
Image of woman pinning fabric: Stocksy
Sources:
- Sustainable clothing: A practical guide to enhancing clothing durability and quality
- A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future Report
- More than ever, our clothes are made of plastic
- Fair Fashion: Sustainable Dictionary
- The True Cost of Fast Fashion