Only 5 years ago, sustainability was seen as something odd that only “hippies” or “ecologists” would wear. I was even told once by some person, that they didn’t wear sustainable fashion because they liked “pretty clothes.” A lot of people had the idea that sustainability meant garments were made of paper or tree leaves, and their items would degrade in two weeks or something. Well…
things have changed,
for the better.
As society gets more aware of the crisis we’re all facing with global warming and plastic pollution, only to mention a few of the issues, sustainability is starting to become a must for a lot of people.
Gen Z is becoming the most influential generation alive and they are moving fashion trends to a more conscious approach. Except for those who are saying skinny jeans are out of style and you shouldn’t wear them. I mean, really? Do you want tons of old and new jeans in the landfill only for skinny jeans to be trending again in 3 years? Think it twice, not a smart thought!
However, there is a HUGE difference in digital content. When millennials were on top and they were deciding what was cool and what wasn’t, the aspirational lifestyle was wearing brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Michael Kors. Designer brands were the coolest thing to own and they gave you status…
Status still matters, though.
Only that there’s a difference in today’s aspirational lifestyle in the fashion area. Yes, there are still some people buying their clothes from cheap fast fashion brands or not-so-affordable ones, that their quality is equal to cheap, and insist on making free marketing for unsustainable business models.
The real luxury today is being able to afford sustainable brands.
Only the fools still want to be part of every trend and rather wear poor-quality instead of investing in long-lasting items and only buying a few trendy pieces to keep their wardrobes modern.
Today, expensive is not about logos and designer clothing, but more about quality and luxurious materials, that accidentally and not so accidentally happen to be sustainable.
In a world where polyester is in every store at the mall, including in expensive designer clothes, natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, cashmere, and leather are becoming more difficult to find and that makes them the new luxury. This is great though because the aspiration lifestyle is sustainable.
Of course, sustainable fashion isn’t becoming more affordable every day, but it is definitely more reachable and there are other options for people with lower incomes, like thrifting. But, that isn’t exactly a solution or sustainable fashion.
The problem with thrifting:
Thrifting has become the “solution” and the warrant many fast fashion fans have adopted. The idea of donating or selling their clothes so others keep wearing them after they discarded them keeps them motivated to buy without awareness. You might think, is this so terrible? Well, it isn’t good.
We all know fast fashion is almost disposable fashion, which means the clothes you sell to thrift stores or donate, will only last a few wears to the person who purchases them, and they will go straight to the landfill afterward. (Unless that person decides to upcycle, recycle, or do something else with the item, but sadly most people never even consider these options). Not to mention a lot of garments in thrift stores are old trends, decreasing, even more, the life of the garment.
So, really, thrifting would be a great sustainable model if people sold the clothes they don’t wear because they don’t identify with the items anymore or because the clothes stop fitting, not because they stop looking “trendy and cool” or because it looks already old. If thrift stores weren’t full of old fast fashion, perhaps it would be worth it and fair.
What can we do to help move towards a more sustainable future?
♡ Don’t overconsume. Always be sure about needing something before buying it.
♡ If you need to buy clothes, try to always get it from sustainable and responsible brands. If you don’t know how to begin, start here.
♡ AVOID FAST FASHION unless you have no other options, then this article about how to sustainably buy fast fashion will help you.
♡ If you can afford sustainable brands, avoid thrifting.
♡ Consider donating and selling old clothes as your last option. Instead, whenever you purchase something new, make it your goal to wear that for at least 10 years.
♡ Dismiss polyester and synthetic fibers forever.
♡ Keep reading and learning so you know your options.
Remember, it is all about trying our best and there’s no pressure in doing things perfectly. Do what you can and go as slow as you need to, but act now; it matters.♡
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