There was a time when finding clothing brands made from sustainable materials and practices was unheard of. In fact, the terms “eco-friendly”, “sustainable”, and “fashion”, were never spoken in the same sentence. Yet with an increase in natural disasters, pollution, and health outbreaks, it would seem that fashion brands large and small are taking a really hard, close look at their products and the massive carbon footprint it leaves behind.
Fast-forward to current times and you can see more green and socially conscious fashion brands making positive changes for their consumers and the environment. Check out some of these environmental trends in the fashion industry:
Minimalism is In
Ever wonder how guys are able to wear the same button-down and black slacks all week and never get judged, but a woman wears the same pair of shoes in a week and she gets labeled basic? Well ladies, no more buying tons of clothing that you aren’t going to get much use out of. Minimalism is a growing trend in the fashion industry.
Also referred to as a capsule wardrobe. The idea is to purge your closets and keeping only key staple clothing items that pair well with other items to create new looks. Keeping the right to express your personal style women now have fewer items to choose from which surprisingly leads to better outfits. The “less is more” concept reduces the frustration of knowing what to wear and prevents the need for a ton of clothes you’ll never wear.
Second-Hand Fashion is Back
Consignment shops and second-hand stores are making huge comebacks. Savvy fashionistas who want to find great items at an affordable price (while also reducing the need for manufacturing new fashion items) trek to the nearest second-hand store instead. If you think there’s nothing there for you but clothes from decades ago, think again. These days you can find items from the 50s and 60s to the 90s and current trends to mix and match and create your own personal style.
Sustainable Materials are Here to Stay
Moving away from toxic and wasteful materials to make today’s trendy fashions, more brands than ever are turning to sustainable solutions. From cotton and hemp to bamboo and beyond you can purchase all-natural fashions that help the environment and improve your health. Not sure which brands are eco-friendly? You can use sites like Modvisor.com to compare some of the best brands in the industry. You can also check out customer reviews and read product labels to research the safety of materials used.
Rentals Are All the Rave
Did you know that on average a woman only wears the items in her closet three times or less? Talk about a waste of money and resources. That’s why more environmentally conscious women are switching things up by renting fashions. With popular clothing rental sites, you can rent anything from a work wardrobe to evening wear for a special occasion. Rent it, wear it, return it, and repeat. The perfect way to keep your wardrobe looking interesting without wasting resources, closet space, or money.
Upcycling
Using old fabrics and materials to recreate new fashions has become so trendy it’s even reached the runway. Designers like Marine Serre have been showcased turning things like old water suits into luxury items fit for high-fashion or everyday life. Millennials have also become very active with recycling and upcycling fashions at home to recreate trendy items that help them express themselves.
The fashion industry is an ever-evolving market that will continue to change to meet the demands of their target consumers. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, reduce the number of toxins your body is exposed to, or simply stand up for global change, investing in these eco-friendly and sustainable fashion-forward trends is a great place to start.
