This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Emily is a proud Midwesterner, living in Iowa. Reading literary fiction has always been her favorite. She also enjoys yoga and tending to her hundreds of houseplants -- you might say Emily is a bit “crunchy granola." She is the producer and host of a podcast about vintage and second-hand style, called Pre-Loved Podcast. She’s really into sustainability, and old things! IG: @emilymstochl
View All posts by Emily Stochl
Emily is a proud Midwesterner, living in Iowa. Reading literary fiction has always been her favorite. She also enjoys yoga and tending to her hundreds of houseplants -- you might say Emily is a bit “crunchy granola." She is the producer and host of a podcast about vintage and second-hand style, called Pre-Loved Podcast. She’s really into sustainability, and old things! IG: @emilymstochl
View All posts by Emily Stochl
On the April 24, 2013, the Rana Plaza Factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing 1,138 Bangladeshi garment workers, and injuring hundreds more. Fashion Revolution is a global movement, born out of this disaster, which works across the fashion supply chain to transform the fashion industry into a safer, and more sustainable ecosystem.
Unfortunately, 6 years after the Rana Plaza Factory collapse, many garment workers across the world still live in poverty and dangerous conditions. These workers—many of whom are women—are subject to exploitation, abuse, and erasure, all for the sake of fast fashion.
The first step toward a change in the fashion industry is increased knowledge and transparency. This yearFashion Revolution Week is April 22–28. We’re encouraging you to arm yourself with knowledge. Read these books on sustainable and ethical fashion to learn about who made your clothes, and under what working conditions they were made.
If you want more resources on how to use your voice to call attention to this cause, visit Fashion Revolution and download the citizen action kit.
In this fast fashion exposé, journalist Elizabeth Cline calls attention to over-consumption and cheap clothing. This retail phenomenon is called “fast fashion,” and it is a relatively new fashion trend. Essentially, consumers are buying more clothing, at lower prices, and disposing of it more quickly. None of this adds up well for our planet, or the people living here, and Cline asks us to reconsider our retail habit, and to think about the cost of cheap clothing when we shop.
True Story Newsletter
Sign up for True Story to receive nonfiction news, new releases, and must-read forthcoming titles.
Thank you for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox.
** Editor’s Note: Elizabeth Cline has another ethical fashion book, The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good, due out August 2019.
Safia Minney is the founder of the fair trade fashion label People Tree. Naked Fashion explores the idea of making the fashion industry more sustainable, and showcases perspectives from across the fashion supply chain. It features stories from designers, models, and journalists alike—people like Emma Watson and Vivienne Westwood—discussing all that goes into a more green fashion industry.
Lucy Siegle is an ethical living journalist who, in To Die For, explores the impact the fashion industry has on people and the planet. She visits garment worker factories to converse with workers about child labor, unjust working conditions, and the alarming suicide rates in the industry. She explores fashion’s impact on animals in the leather and silk industries. And she exposes the devastating effects of the cotton industry on our Earth. Fashion, the way it is produced today, is wearing out our world. But Siegle believes we can move forward from this, and offers up ideas for how to become an “ethical fashionista” and how to improve each of these situations with our consumer choices.
It used to be easy to explain who was involved in our fashion supply chain. Consumers owned very few garments, and they had them mended by local tailors and seamstresses, or they even made them themselves. The clothes in our wardrobes were cherished and taken care of for years and years. But in recent decades, the rise of fast fashion has changed that idea completely. The idea of holding onto something well-made for many years is just about unheard of.In Wardrobe Crisis, fashion journalist and Vogue sustainability editor Clare Press explores the history behind what we wear, and makes a convincing argument that we need a return to slower fashion.
Clare Press produces and hosts a popular ethical fashion podcast by the same name.
Hopefully this round-up leaves you looking at your closet a little differently this Fashion Revolution Week. Next time you’re wondering about the conditions in which your clothes are made, you’re encouraged to ask your favorite brands, “who made my clothes?” and see if you’re satisfied with the answers.
FAQs
It generates tons of waste, uses massive amounts of water, and contributes to a significant amount of carbon emissions. Sustainability in fashion is important because it seeks to address these issues and create a more environmentally and socially responsible industry.
What is ethical sustainable fashion? ›
The general definition of ethical fashion is “fashion that aims to reduce the negative impact on people, animals, and the planet.” Producing an item of ethical clothing involves design, labour, and materials, and ethical fashion is kind to the planet and people every step of the way, from seed to garment.
What is the greatest challenge to developing an ethical and sustainable fashion industry? ›
Sustainability challenges in fashion include the cost of raw materials, carbon footprint, unsold inventory, and poor working conditions.
What is the story of sustainable fashion? ›
Rising awareness of the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion has spurred the growth of conscious consumerism, as more people are drawn towards sustainable and ethical fashion options. This shift in consumer behavior has been driven largely by the realization that fast fashion contributes to: Climate change.
How does sustainable fashion affect society? ›
Reduced Carbon Dioxide and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Sustainable clothing uses biodegradable components from natural or recycled fibers. These materials grow with no pesticide or fertilizer use, consume less energy and water, and employ no chemical treatment, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint of these brands.
How does ethical fashion affect people? ›
Ethical fashion is more or less a combination of both Fair Trade and sustainable fashion. It focuses on both the social and environmental impact of fashion, seeking to improve the working conditions of laborers, along with the environmental impact of the clothing production process.
What is the difference between ethical and sustainable fashion? ›
Put simply, sustainable tends to refer to environmental impact whereas ethical refers to the human one.
How is sustainable fashion different from ethical fashion? ›
While ethical clothing producers may place some focus on reducing waste, they are more concerned with how their staff are treated. On the other hand, sustainable brands make a conscious effort to create zero-waste designs and opt for biodegradable packaging materials.
What is sustainable fashion and why is it important? ›
Sustainable fashion is a term that is popularly thrown around, but what exactly does it mean? Simply put, sustainable fashion is the practice of creating clothing and accessories in a way that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable.
What is the most sustainable fashion brand? ›
Patagonia is one of the biggest leading brands in sustainable fashion. They are known for their commitment to the environment and to promoting sustainability and ethical business practices throughout the clothing industry. Find out more about Patagonia's environmental ethos here.
Additionally, many sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester fibres, can be more expensive and harder to come by than traditional materials. Additionally, sustainable production methods, such as using non-toxic dyes and reducing water usage, can also increase costs.
Why is sustainable fashion better than fast fashion? ›
Unlike fast fashion's harmful production methods and reliance on synthetic materials that take centuries to decompose, sustainable fashion prioritizes eco-friendly materials and clean manufacturing processes.
What are the 5 Rs of sustainable fashion? ›
The goal is to achieve the 5R principles: reduce, reuse, recycle, re-design, and re-image [24] . This does not only benefit the planet but also enhances the brand's reputation and attracts eco-conscious consumers. ... Circular economy is an important concept in achieving sustainability.
Did you know facts about sustainable fashion? ›
Almost all textiles are recyclable. The fashion industry (including apparel and footwear) accounts for 8.1% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable fibers can save 20% of CO2 emissions. The fashion industry is responsible for 20% of total wastewater globally.
What are the 7 Rs of sustainable fashion? ›
The 7 R's of sustainable fashion are as follows: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, and Rot. These principles aren't just random; they're a hierarchy of recommended steps to take before throwing away a piece of clothing as the last resort.
Why is sustainability important in fashion? ›
Environmental impact: The fashion industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution, including water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation. By adopting sustainable practices, fashion designers can reduce the industry's impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Why is ethical fashion needed? ›
The clothing is made of higher quality materials that are built to last, unlike fast fashion brands. Eco-friendly fabrics also tend to be softer and more durable. As a result, you discard a lot less than you would with fast fashion items. Focusing on quality helps reduce textile waste!
What is sustainable vs ethical fashion? ›
Sustainable companies aim for a greener process, such as using less water or non-toxic dyes during production. For ethical labels, they guarantee workers have safe and just working environments regardless of their manufacturing techniques (although that may play a role).
How does ethical fashion help the environment? ›
It promotes the use of eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing processes that minimize pollution and waste. By choosing clothes made from sustainable materials, we reduce the demand for synthetic fibers which are non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment.
Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth Cline
