As a recent adult and a part of the GenZ generation, I can tell you one thing for sure that no matter what happens in the world, the fashion industry never dies and along with that, the trends keep changing every month or year. For me personally, I find it extremely important to be up to date about the recent fashion trends and the new arrivals in stores and what the current celebrities are wearing. What I do forget is that a lot of these trends are set by the fast fashion side of this industry which doesn’t really help support the already rapidly increasing global warming. However, I did find some sustainable trend tactics that won’t only save the planet but also look good.
- Upcycling and repurposing clothing: Upcycling and repurposing clothing involves taking old clothes and turning them into new items. For example, a pair of old jeans could be turned into a denim skirt, or a worn-out sweater could be transformed into a cozy blanket. This trend promotes sustainability by reducing waste and minimizing the need to buy new clothing.
- Sustainable fabrics: Sustainable fabrics are materials that are produced with minimal environmental impact. Organic cotton, for example, is grown without the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment and to workers. Hemp is another sustainable fabric that requires less water and pesticides than other crops, making it an eco-friendly choice for clothing. Bamboo is also a popular sustainable fabric due to its fast growth and low water requirements.
- Minimalism and timeless designs: Minimalist fashion focuses on simplicity, quality, and functionality. It encourages buying fewer, higher-quality pieces that can be worn for years to come, rather than following fast fashion trends that quickly go out of style. Timeless designs are versatile and classic and can be mixed and matched with different pieces to create a variety of outfits.
- Renting and borrowing clothing: Renting and borrowing clothing is becoming more popular as people seek to reduce their environmental impact and save money. Clothing rental services allow customers to rent high-end, designer clothing for special events, while borrowing services provide a way to exchange clothes within a community or network.
- Transparency and ethical production: Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental and social impact of fashion, and are demanding transparency and ethical production practices from fashion brands. This includes fair wages for workers, safe working conditions, and responsible sourcing of materials. Ethical fashion brands are also prioritizing sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste. By choosing ethical and sustainable fashion brands, consumers can support businesses that are working towards a more sustainable future.
Now, I realize that these tips above aren’t actually giving you direct answers as to what to purchase to stay in line with the trends but they are extremely valuable tips on how to buy clothes instead of blindly following whatever you see on social media. It isn’t necessary that one must have to stick to buying at one of the high-end brands or the popular ones to be in style. To be honest, doing that would only make you promote the negative impacts of fast fashion. Look around, I am sure there must be some local vintage or second-hand store that will maintain your style and be eco-friendly at the same time.