What is the true meaning of sustainable fashion?

By Martina Nováková

Sustainable fashion and collections alike have sprung up like mushrooms in every imaginable corner of the fashion landscape. While the thought behind every green endeavour counts, what is the true meaning of sustainable fashion and what is this bold movement aiming to achieve? Let’s dig in and answer all your burning questions about sustainable fashion.

The sustainable fashion movement was born to counteract such wrongdoings and show it can be done differently by making dazzling fashion pieces in the most sustainable way possible.

What is the definition of sustainable fashion?

Terms like “sustainable”, “slow fashion”, or “fair fashion” generally refer to one simple idea – producing long-lasting garments ethically and eco-friendly. It’s now common knowledge that the mainstream fashion industry has quite a few skeletons in the closet. From omitting enormous carbon emissions to severely underpaying garment workers, the sustainable fashion movement was born to counteract such wrongdoings and show it can be done differently by making dazzling fashion pieces in the most sustainable way possible. Even since it has grown into a multifaceted, one-size-does-not-fit-all approach with “less is more” as its prime foundation. 

(Best) sustainable fashion brands

Contrary to rather popular belief, there are many sustainable fashion brands to choose from. Long gone are the days when your only sustainable option was an unprocessed bamboo t-shirt with a questionable shape. In the past few years, many took the fashion situation personally and started their sustainable fashion projects to fill the gap in this booming market. 

Now you can pick and choose the best sustainable fashion brands out of a few hundred out there. And there are many criteria to think of when it comes to the word “best”. Some labels craft more captivating designs, some focus on their circular efforts. Of course, there are still a few critical challenges to overcome – especially when it comes to the inclusion and sizing of sustainable labels. Not one brand has figured it all out, yet they keep taking decisive steps towards the sustainable ideal. Think about what is the most important to you and take it from there.

Think about what is the most important to you and take it from there.

Is sustainable fashion expensive?

Not necessarily! Sustainable fashion brands, while essential, are just one piece of the puzzle. Second-hand options, rental concepts, or a minimalist approach to your closet are more affordable options that won’t break your bank account when going sustainable. After all, the most sustainable items are those you don’t buy in the first place. Wearing what you already own is the best thing you can do for your purse and the planet. Plus, the more you wear an item, the lower the cost per wear gets. It’s a win-win for anyone looking for a sustainable bargain.  

Being conscious about your fashion choices and not getting everything that you lay your eyes on is the underlying philosophy of the sustainable approach to fashion. And if you decide to get something, explore first vintage and preloved alternatives that are both cheaper and greener than any new piece from the most sustainable brands out there. 

Where to buy sustainable fashion? 

When the time comes that you find yourself in need of something fashionable, there are plenty of spots to get your dream item sustainably. Depending on where you live in the world, you can choose among many stylish webshops that curate sustainable fashion for you. Find our favourite online sustainable websites as well as brands in this handy article.

Why is sustainable fashion important?

There are too many reasons to list them all! The sustainable fashion movement came about as a timely response to a critically broken system of the current fashion industry, ready to fix the pressing issues of climate impact and social injustice within the fashion ecosystem. That has set a new golden standard for mainstream fashion brands that were getting away scot-free with the alarming status quo. Ultimately, sustainable fashion’s endgame is to become the only type of fashion out there – as it exactly should be.

Sustainable fashion’s endgame is to become the only type of fashion out there – as it exactly should be.

Photo’s by Laura van der Spek and Landa Penders