Sustainable Fashion 101

Sustainable Fashion 101: key definitions and terms

Step into the world of sustainable fashion, where style meets conscience. In this blog, we delve into the fundamental definitions of sustainable fashion, unravelling the intricacies of eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and the broader impact on our planet. Whether you're a seasoned eco-fashionista or just beginning your journey towards a more sustainable wardrobe, join us as we navigate the terminology and concepts that shape this ever-evolving movement. Together, let's go through the A to Z’s of sustainable fashion.

Biodegradable: Biodegradable clothes are made from materials that can naturally break down over time when exposed to the environment. This breakdown takes place through microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or other natural processes. The time it takes for biodegradable clothes to break down depends on external environmental factors. Biodegradable clothes can decompose in various environments, including landfills, oceans, or soil.

Compostable: Compostable clothes are a specific type of biodegradable clothing designed to break down efficiently in a composting environment. Compostable clothes undergo a controlled decomposition process within a composting system, where the presence of oxygen, moisture, heat, and microorganisms facilitates the breakdown of organic materials. Compostable clothes
break down more efficiently and leave behind nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich soil and support plant growth.

Consumerism: Consumerism is characterised by the excessive consumption of goods and services, often driven by materialistic values and desires. It emphasises the acquisition of possessions and pursuing wealth and status as indicators of personal success and happiness.
Consumerism often prioritises short-term gratification and accumulation of possessions over long-term well-being and sustainability.

Downcycling: Downcycling is a process in which materials or products are recycled or repurposed into new forms or lower-quality materials. Unlike upcycling, which involves transforming materials into products of higher value or quality, downcycling typically results in a loss of quality or value in recycled materials.

Eco-friendly materials: Eco-friendly fabrics are sustainably sourced and produced, prioritising environmental and social responsibility. They include organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, Tencel, and recycled polyester. These fabrics are grown or manufactured using methods that minimise chemical usage, water consumption, and carbon emissions. They are biodegradable, renewable, and often support fair labour practices throughout the supply chain.

Ethical consumption: Ethical consumption involves purchasing decisions prioritising social and environmental considerations. It focuses on buying products produced and distributed in ways that minimise harm to people, animals, and the planet. Ethical consumers prioritise factors such as fair labour practices, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and social justice when choosing what to buy.

Ethical production: Ethical production prioritises fair treatment of workers, sustainable sourcing of materials, and transparent supply chains. This means ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable working hours for garment workers, as well as using

environmentally friendly materials and production processes.

Fast fashion: Fast fashion refers to the mass production of inexpensive clothing, designed to capture current trends and quickly bring them to market. It is characterized by short production cycles, low prices, and a constant stream of new designs hitting stores. While fast fashion offers
affordability and accessibility to consumers, it comes with negative social and environmental impacts. The fast fashion industry contributes to exploitative labour practices, environmental pollution, and the depletion of natural resources.

Non-eco-friendly materials: Non-eco-friendly fabrics are typically derived from petroleum-based chemicals or produced using intensive agricultural practices. Fabrics like
conventional cotton, polyester, nylon, acrylic, and conventional rayon contribute to environmental degradation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. They may involve the extensive use of pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, and energy-intensive processes, leading to negative impacts on ecosystems, human health, and communities.

Recycling: Recycling for clothes, also known as textile recycling, involves the collection, sorting, and processing of old or unwanted clothing and textiles to give them new life and purpose. It aims to divert textiles from landfills and promote sustainable practices within the fashion industry. Textile recycling helps reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry by conserving resources, reducing landfill waste, and minimising the need for virgin materials.

Slow fashion: Slow fashion is an approach to clothing and fashion that prioritises sustainability, ethical production, and mindful consumption. The essence of slow fashion lies in creating garments made to last, both in terms of durability and timeless style. It emphasises quality over quantity, encouraging consumers to invest in well-made pieces that have a lower environmental impact and support fair labour practices.

Unethical production: Unethical production often involves practices that exploit workers and harm the environment. This can include unsafe working conditions, low wages, child labour, excessive overtime, and pollution from harmful chemicals and waste disposal. Unethical production also tends to involve opaque supply chains, making it difficult to trace the origins of materials and ensure accountability.

Upcycling: Upcycling clothes is the process of transforming old or unused garments into new and improved clothing items or accessories, often to add value or extend their lifespan. Unlike recycling, which breaks down materials to create new products, upcycling involves creatively repurposing existing materials to create something of higher quality or aesthetic appeal.

As we conclude our exploration into the definitions of sustainable fashion, it becomes clear that this movement is not just a trend but a necessary shift towards a more ethical and environmentally conscious industry. By understanding the various aspects of sustainable fashion, from eco-friendly materials to ethical consumption practices, we empower ourselves to make informed choices as consumers and support brands that align with our values. As we continue on this journey, let us strive to promote transparency, accountability, and innovation
within the fashion industry, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.