Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable Fashion 101
Circular fashion is one approach to sustainable fashion that is often overlooked. It gives us a different framework by which we can look at how we relate to our clothes and the environment and promises a more thoughtful and regenerative approach to the fashion industry. So, what is circular fashion and why does it matter?
We live in a capitalistic society where consumerism dictates the economy, which in turn impacts everything from the social services we receive to the laws and policies that are enacted. Because we are all part of this larger system that revolves around what we buy, we can leverage it to our benefit by choosing to buy better. So, what is a conscious consumer and why does it matter?
Sustainable fashion certifications guarantee that specific production standards are met and can be a helpful way to differentiate sustainable brands from greenwashing brands, but there are still limitations. As a conscious consumer, having an understanding of these can give you a more holistic view of how different agencies play into the sustainable fashion conversation. Here are five limitations and criticisms of sustainable fashion certifications.
A huge part of building a more sustainable closet is prolonging the lifespan of the items that you own. Shoes, however, can be tricky because they’re in constant contact with the ground. But as everyday people who care about the environment, we can still do our best to take care of them. So here are 4 steps that you can take to make your shoes last longer.
While shopping consciously can be a great way to start to live more sustainably, individual choices can only make so much of a difference. Environmental activism goes beyond our personal choices and it includes getting politically involved and dedicating time to collective organization so that we can maximize our impact. To help you get started, here are 8 organizations that advocate for sustainable fashion.
Sustainable fashion is term that refers to fashion that is created in an environmentally conscious way. In today’s society, there is no such thing as truly sustainable fashion but we can do our best to work towards regenerative models and as individual consumers, the option to rent clothing is an approach that has been gaining popularity lately. So, how sustainable is rented clothing?
Learning about sustainability is an ongoing process. Whether you’re looking to dive into the intellectual thought and theories about why exploitative systems exist (both in fashion and in a greater social context) or are simply looking for practical fashion advice so that you can be more mindful in your day-to-day actions, there is a sustainable fashion blog or publication that will support you in that. Here are 5 of my favorite sustainability/sustainable fashion blogs that talk about more than just fashion from a superficial perspective.
As intersectional conversations around social justice, climate justice, and inclusivity have taken center stage in the media these past few years, consumers have begun to demand more from their go-to brands. But why then, does sustainable fashion have such a big size-inclusivity problem? Could it be that the nature of sustainable production does not mesh with size inclusivity? Is it even possible to produce size-inclusive sustainable fashion?
Whether you’re looking to adopt a capsule wardrobe or are simply hoping to be more intentional with curating your wardrobe, applying a minimalist approach can be beneficial. Here are 6 tips to consider when minimizing your wardrobe.
A big part of this sustainable fashion journey is the ongoing learning about different perspectives and conversations that are happening in this space, so here are 20 movies/podcasts/books//youtubers/and blogs for you to consult this coming year.
Having an organized and curated closet can make the process of getting dressed easier. A streamlined and intentional selection of garments can help you to more quickly get to the core of what you’re trying to express on that particular day. Here are 7 questions to ask yourself when you are decluttering your closet.
TENCEL® is an innovative, lightweight, and versatile fabric that works especially for hot summer days. This article will explore this increasingly popular fabric and its role in sustainable fashion.
Fashion Revolution Week has garnered a lot of media attention these past few years and because of that, it’s become a prime opportunity for businesses to launch their greenwashed campaigns. To shed some light on the techniques, I’ve written a fun letter to them. As a consumer, I hope that you’ll consider it as a guideline for some key indicators of greenwashing.
Sustainability, and sustainable fashion, in particular, are two topics that I’ve wanted to formally learn more about. Here are the top 8 sustainable fashion books by industry leaders that you should add to your booklist.
Let’s talk about accessibility in sustainable fashion. With basics ranging from $30-$80 and more intricate garments costing up to hundreds of dollars, it’s a challenge for people on a budget to support brands that align with their values. Even so, remember that sustainable fashion pertains to more than just those brands. Here are the top five tactics to affordably build a sustainable closet.
Last week, we discussed the importance of fabric choice and its relation to sustainability. This week, I wanted to delve more into the world of synthetic fabrics, microplastic (or microfiber) pollution, as well as my thoughts on microfiber catchers such as the Guppy Bag or Cora Ball.
Fabric choice is important when building a sustainable wardrobe. The textile that your garment is made from can be a key indicator of how sustainably or ethically it was produced. Here’s why natural fiber clothing matters and how to care for individual fabrics.
Rampant consumption is an issue within the sustainable fashion community. From large purchases from sustainable brands to thrift hauls, rapid overconsumption is something that many of us struggle with. Here’s a list of 5 questions that you should ask yourself before buying that garment.
Clothing donation is generally thought of as a good thing but have you ever thought about where those garments actually go and who they impact? Here are a few ways that your donated clothes might not be doing as much good as you think they are and some tips to consider before your next closet clear-out!
Navigating the world of ethical and sustainable fashion can be tricky. There are so many factors to consider when deciding whether a brand fits within your specific set of values and the presence of greenwashing has made it difficult to identify authentic companies. How do you know which brands are truly sustainable and ethical in practice? Keep reading to learn how!
You’ve probably heard about the damage that fast fashion does to the Earth. From the amount of water that goes into growing cotton to the sheer tonnes of textiles wasted every second, conventional fashion is one of the worst contributors to climate change. So what’s the alternative? Sustainable fashion. This article will answer what sustainable fashion is and why it matters.
Fast fashion is wrecking the world and the best way we can combat it is by making a lifestyle shift. Adopting a sustainable closet can be intimidating but here are some quick tips to help you get started!
There are a multitude of things that I do in order to relax, but one that I particularly enjoy is settling down on a nice fluffy couch and watching an interesting documentary. Here are my top five relating to the fashion industry in no particular order.
Minimalism
Heading on vacation? Here's how to create a summer travel capsule wardrobe for your YOUR itinerary (+ sample packing lists & destination-specific outfit inspo)!
Here's how to set clear goals and budgets for your No Spend Challenge so you can succeed without feeling deprived!
A fall capsule wardrobe needs to span the whole range: from the humid afternoons of early September to the chilly evenings of November. So here's a list of garments to include plus tips to tailor it to your specific closet.
A 2 week travel capsule wardrobe is a small, consciously-curated collection of 12-15 garments that you will rotate through during your travels. Save luggage space and skip additional baggage fees with these tips and tricks (plus sample packing lists) for your 2 week holiday.
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of garments and accessories that mix cohesively to make different outfits. It's a tool to help you streamline your closet and make getting dressed easier. Tired of closet overwhelm? Here's what a capsule closet is, why you need it, and three beginner-friendly steps to build the perfect one for you.
Because of TikTok and viral social media marketing, we’re seeing a rise in microtrends that push fashion retailers to create (and trash) garments at record rates—leading to increased waste and production emissions. As conscious consumers, one way we can mitigate the environmental impact is to decide if a trend is worth participating in. Here are four questions to ask yourself to decide if a trend is for you
Whether you’re looking to adopt a capsule wardrobe or are simply hoping to be more intentional with curating your wardrobe, applying a minimalist approach can be beneficial. Here are 6 tips to consider when minimizing your wardrobe.
I recently decided to take a 3-6 month trip to Taiwan and because I wanted to stick with my commitment to sustainable fashion, I decided to pack a capsule wardrobe. This 33-piece capsule closet includes daily wear, clothing for special occasions, outerwear, shoes, workout clothing, and pajamas.
One of sustainable fashion’s biggest tools is the capsule wardrobe. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding this idea so here are 5 capsule wardrobe myths that need to go!
Having an organized and curated closet can make the process of getting dressed easier. A streamlined and intentional selection of garments can help you to more quickly get to the core of what you’re trying to express on that particular day. Here are 7 questions to ask yourself when you are decluttering your closet.
Slow Fashion Season is right around the corner and to prepare for it, I decided to reorganize my closet and do the Closet Mass Index.
Have you ever given any thought as to how you were taking care of your clothes? How you launder, store, and care for your clothes can have a significant impact on keeping them looking good (and wearing well). Ready? This is a beginner’s guide to making your clothes last longer.
Secondhand Shopping
Heading on vacation? Here's how to create a summer travel capsule wardrobe for your YOUR itinerary (+ sample packing lists & destination-specific outfit inspo)!
Second hand home decor is not only more sustainable, but also unique. With a little creativity, you can easily upcycle someone else’s trash into something that brings you joy. So, here are the best online thrift stores that sell used home goods and furniture.
ThredUp and Poshmark are two of the most popular online thrift platforms out there. So let's take a look at these two consignment marketplaces and break down exactly how they work, what they're best for, and how much you can make as a seller.
One of the biggest deterrents to thrifting is sanitation. When you buy something secondhand, you don't know how clean it is. So, do thrift stores wash the clothes that they resell? Here's everything you need to know about hygienically shopping preloved clothes.
In 2018, I quit fast fashion. It it took me a few years, but I now I only shop secondhand (thrift). If you're ready to learn more about this eco-friendly and budget-conscious way of shopping, here's Thrifting 101: everything you need to know about buying preloved clothes.
So, you’re passionate about sustainable fashion and see reselling clothes as an opportunity to promote the cause and earn a few bucks. But as a conscious consumer yourself, you’re concerned about the potential implications that starting such a business might have on the environment and the people involved. So, here are a few tips on how to sell secondhand clothing ethically and sustainably.
Although Facebook is certainly antiquated when it comes to social media function, it still offers certain features that other social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok don’t offer. Today, we’re going to break down Facebook Marketplace and 5 tips on how you can best use it to thrift unique clothes!
It’s no secret that thrift shopping is my favorite approach to sustainable fashion. The garments tend to be cheaper, higher quality, and more unique than what you might find at a conventional fast-fashion retailer. So here are 8 pieces of clothing that you should always thrift over buying new.
Sustainable fashion has become a huge buzzword these past few years, leading to ongoing arguments about how we as consumers can best reduce the negative environmental and social impact that our closets may have. While each approach to sustainable fashion has its own pros and cons, here are 7 reasons why secondhand shopping is my preferred approach to sustainable fashion.
If you’re hoping to add more secondhand finds to your closet, online thrifting platforms are some of the most convenient ways to purchase secondhand garments at the moment. In this article, we’re going to dive deeper into 5 online thrifting platforms for secondhand fashion.
While “thrift hauls” aren’t sustainable at all, I do believe that mindful thrifting can be a viable alternative to traditional shopping. As a means for personal accountability, as well as to spark conversation around how we can be more mindful consumers, here are some of the secondhand pieces that I’ve picked up over the last four months and my logic behind those purchases.
Fall is right around the corner and as we approach this seasonal shift, you might be considering a few new items for your closet. However, before you head straight to your favorite sustainable brand, ask yourself if the items you’re looking for can be purchased secondhand. Here are 8 online thrifting platforms for secondhand fashion.
If you’re looking to create a more sustainable closet but can’t afford some of the sustainable fashion brands on the market, a smart alternative is to shop secondhand. Thrifting is an art form and to help you master this skill, I’ve compiled a list of tips from some secondhand shopping rockstars in the community to share with you!
Rampant consumption is an issue within the sustainable fashion community. From large purchases from sustainable brands to thrift hauls, rapid overconsumption is something that many of us struggle with. Here’s a list of 5 questions that you should ask yourself before buying that garment.
Shopping Guides
Save time and jumpstart your conscious consumption journey with these 7 sustainable fashion marketplaces that curate only the best of the ethical and eco-friendly fashion brands out there.
It’s hot girl summer and that means watersports, pool time, and beach days! Of course, the most sustainable swimwear option already exists in your own closet but I understand if it’s about time to get a new set. So, here are the top sustainable swimwear brands to support this summer (plus uk + australia options as well)!
Choosing to buy from small, sustainable fashion brands instead of from larger conventional corporations is a simple yet effective way to align your personal spending habits with a greater purpose. If you’re a conscious consumer in Singapore, here are 10 of the best sustainable fashion brands to shop from.
Organic cotton is a grown without pesticides from seeds that have not been genetically modified and is a more sustainable alternative to conventionally-grown cotton. If you’re considering swapping out some synthetic fast fashion finds for organic cotton brands, here are 8 brands to look into!
Organic Basics is one of the most credible sustainable fashion brands producing sustainable and ethical undergarments. I’ve tried out a few of their undergarments over the past year and here are my honest thoughts on the brand.
Hara the Label is a sustainable and ethical underwear brand based out of Australia. Their pieces are created with organic bamboo fabric and their labor is ethically treated. Hara sent me four pieces to try on and here are my thoughts on those pieces!
The holidays are right around the corner and as there are plenty of sustainable and BIPOC-owned gift guides out there already, I thought that it would be nice to provide an alternative list of (COVID-appropriate) experiences that you could share with loved ones this season. Below is a list of 16 conscious holiday gifts and experiences for a mindful holiday season.
Underwear is just one of those garments that will always need to be replaced. Shopping secondhand undergarments can be a risky endeavor, so the best option here is to purchase new from sustainable brands. Here are 6 sustainable underwear brands for you to try out!
Joseph & Stacey is a Seoul-based Korean leather design and handbags company. Their bags are high quality, have a unique tie to Asian aesthetics, and best of all, are ethically produced. I was gifted two bags to review for the Spring/Summer 2019 season and here are my thoughts!
Style Tips
Summer is *literally* around the corner so that means it’s white pants season! For the longest time, I avoided white pants and saw them as high maintenance but this year, I finally decided to jump on the bandwagon and I have to say that my wardrobe is forever changed. If you’re lost about how to wear white pants, here are five ideas that you can try out today.
It's officially Spooktober! Halloween and holidays in general can be pretty bad for the environment. We’ve developed this culture of going out and buying new things simply in the spirit of the occasion so in contrast to that throw-away culture, this blog post will provide 5 Halloween costumes that you can create sustainably from clothes that you already have in your closet!
I’ve said this here a billion times already, but I’ll say it again--the most sustainable clothes are the ones that you already own. Here are 6 tips for rewearing what you already own and finding inspiration through sustainable fashion.
We’re about halfway through Slow Fashion Season and I just wanted to keep you guys updated about how my journey has gone!
Have you ever noticed that we spend hundreds of dollars on a Halloween costume that we only ever wear once? Here are two super quick, super easy, and super chic sustainable Halloween ideas that feature clothes you probably already have in your closet.
Lookbooks
It’s officially autumn and in honor of this transitional season, I’ll be sharing 12 outfits from sustainable sources grouped in accordance with the three months of fall.
It’s officially summer so let’s bust out the summer dresses and short shorts! Here are 8 thrifted and sustainable fashion looks that I felt were representative of this warmer time of year.
I know, I know...it’s almost autumn...why are you dropping this right now? Well, I’ve gotta say, sometimes that’s just how life works. This summer lookbook is a log of the outfits that I wore this summer as well as a documentation of how the past few months have gone.
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of garments and accessories that mix cohesively to make different outfits. It's a tool to help you streamline your closet and make getting dressed easier. Tired of closet overwhelm? Here's what a capsule closet is, why you need it, and three beginner-friendly steps to build the perfect one for you.