What’s in your Wardrobe: Choosing Fabrics that Feel Good and Do Good
Ever pause while shopping to peek at the label inside a new piece of clothing?
It's not just about the size or the washing instructions; it's about what the item is made of. Sure, we all want clothes that look good, but it's time to think about their impact too. Polyester and other synthetics fibres have become staples in our wardrobes, but did you know they could be hanging around for centuries? These tough materials don't play nice with the planet, often ending up in landfills as eternal waste.
Yet, it's not all straightforward when it comes to natural versus synthetic.
Natural fabrics like leather and silk add a touch of luxury to our wardrobes, but their environmental footprint is not always light. In fact, they can sometimes demand more from our planet than their synthetic equivalents. And while recycling materials like polyester might seem like a step in the right direction, it's not a perfect solution. Recycled polyester can typically go through the recycling process only once before it loses its quality and ends up, you guessed it, in the landfill. This means that even recycled synthetics have a limited lifecycle and still pose a problem for our planet.
So, what’s the answer?
We need clothes that are built to last. Clothes that won't just survive the season but will remain in our rotations year after year. When they've finally reached the end of their wearable life, these items should be prime candidates for recycling or upcycling, not destined for the depths of a landfill.
Being a smart shopper is key. Before you make that next purchase, give the label a closer look. Check if it's crafted with organic or recycled materials. But it's not just about the materials—it's about the ethos of the brand you're supporting. There are plenty of brands out there making a positive impact and paving the way for responsible production, yet many still lag behind. Making informed choices about who we support can drive a significant shift in the industry.
As we navigate the world of fashion, it's crucial for brands to be clear about their practices and for us, the buyers, to understand the implications of our choices.
From organic cotton to regenerated fibres, the more we know, the better we can choose brands that are genuinely making strides forward. Look for transparency in sourcing, ethical manufacturing processes, and commitments to eco-conscious leadership. These are the markers of brands that aren't just talking the talk—they're walking the walk towards a greener future.
We're all in this fashion journey together. It's high time brands stepped up and got transparent about what goes into their clothes. And we, as consumers, need to educate ourselves on the fabric facts – from organic cotton to regenerated fibres. Together, we can create a fashion culture that's about more than just trends. It's about making choices that respect our planet and feel as good as they look. By shifting towards eco-friendly living, we're not just changing our clothes; we're changing the game.