Fast Fashion, a toxic industry

Second, only to oil and animal agriculture, the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world. Not only generating 10% of all global CO2 emissions but responsible for deforestation on a grand scale. Over 70 million trees are cut each year to produce cheaper fabrics such as rayon, viscose, modal, and lyocell.

The industry is also the second-biggest consumer and polluter of water, producing 20% of wastewater containing toxic colouring dyes. Not to mention the 92 million tons of solid waste dumped in landfills each year, and the plastic microfibers (up to 700,000 microfibres released in a single domestic wash) entering our waterways and oceans on a daily basis.

Buy Cheap, Pay Twice

Choose quality over quantity to extend the lifetime of your wardrobe. Check the stitching is strong by gently pulling at the seams to see if the garment holds well. Check the stretch by lightly stretching the fabric to see whether the item maintains or loses its shape. Go for a metal zipper, they are usually more robust. YKK zips are normally a sign of quality. Fabric patterns should always match up with the seams. If not, little care has been taken in its production, suggesting an inferior garment. Finally, check the thickness of the fabric by holding the garment up to the light. Thicker fabrics are generally of greater quality.

Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Brands

If you want to cut ties with certain big brands that mass produce and pollute, there is a new wave of thoughtful fashion companies taking sustainability seriously and making strides in addressing the industry’s tainted reputation.

1. RE-NT Revolution: their key commitments to sustainability are through developing longevity, recyclability, and ultimately zero waste. Rent off them and they will clean and repair your garments whilst they are part of your wardrobe, then recycle/upcycle them when they are completely worn out.

2. dorsu: a manufacturing brand, that controls conditions in their Cambodian factories, focusing on quality, eco-friendly materials, waste reduction and fair employment. They make seasonless collections with 3-4 pieces designed to be worn with one another over longer lifecycles.

3. Mud Jeans: operates in a Circular Economy, this brand recycles all their jeans and, in the process uses 92% less water than the average competitor. To add to this, they commit to using organic and recycled cotton, and fair production which is monitored by the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS).

4. ethletic: an award-winning sneaker brand in Fairtrade Standards emphasizing the value of employees. A dollar from each pair of shoes sold in the US goes to a Trade Workers Welfare Society in Pakistan. They also have the seal of approval from PETA as Vegan-friendly products, subsidize shoe repairs, and use natural rubber to make the shoe soles.

5. ThredUp: an online company at the heart of the movement to convince consumers to #chooseused, a campaign endorsed by actress Olivia Wilde. Used apparel of all kinds can be found here, even designer labels and unworn clothes with tags. Thredup is also building a Circular Fashion Fund (CFF) aimed at financing organisations and individuals committed to operating in a Circular Economy business model.