There is an increasing demand for brands to deliver more sustainable fashion as the adverse effects of fast fashion come into view. These negative outcomes, such as unexpected illnesses, environmental damage, and more, are only worsening as fast fashion continues its reign. Sustainable and ethically sourced fashion is a great way to not only take care of the environment but also your health.
This fall, make an effort to shop sustainably for clothes that will last and be in style for a long time. Continue reading to explore sustainable fashion trends for this fall and beyond.
Why Sustainability Matters
Overconsumption and fast fashion are products of the ever-changing fashion industry. Over 150 billion clothing garments are produced each year, and 15 to 45 billion of these items are never sold. That’s a lot of clothes!
Clothing brands, manufacturers, and consumers share the responsibility for addressing these staggering statistics. Since the overproduction of clothing is based on predictions made by retailers, there will always be a surplus to avoid running out of garments. The journey to sustainable fashion is year-round and must be a goal for all levels of the fashion industry, including corporations and the consumer.
Natural Fibers
Natural and organic fibers are on the rise. Natural fibers are derived from plants and animals, the most common being cotton and linen from cotton and flax plants. Animal fibers, like silk, wool, and cashmere, come from silkworms, sheep, and cashmere goats.
The benefits of natural fibers are significant. Clothing and other materials made from these natural fibers are much more comfortable and breathable compared to synthetic fibers. These fibers are also durable, meaning they will hold up much better, which is much more suitable for colder weather.
Natural fibers are also biodegradable and don’t release toxic chemicals when decomposing. Compared to synthetic fibers, natural fibers take the cake in comfort, durability, and sustainability.
Recycled & Upcycled Fashion
If you’re feeling creative, upcycled fashion may be for you. Upcycled fashion incorporates scrapped materials, like unwanted clothing and scraps, fabrics, and more. Upcycling is the process of taking these materials and making them into something new.
Recycled fashion is not the same as upcycled fashion. Recycled fashion is when recyclable materials are reworked into a new and improved material. Examples include shredding cotton or wool down to fibers to reweave them into new fabrics. This process can be done to other recycled materials, like plastic, to help avoid landfills.
Second-Hand
A fast-growing fashion trend is shopping second-hand, commonly called thrift shopping. Second-hand shopping sales are projected to make up 10% of the global fashion market in 2025. Along with this, sales from shopping second-hand are expected to reach $350 billion in 2028.
Shopping second-hand is a more sustainable way to find unique and fun items. Especially for fall, you’ll find pieces for layering that have stood the test of time.
Investing in Slow Fashion
On the flip side of fast fashion, there’s slow fashion. Slow fashion aims to protect the planet and our health with more sustainable fashion. A large part of slow fashion is investing in clothing that’s durable and safe for you and the environment. Here are some fall staples that would make substantial investments for this season.
- Lounge Sets: Lounge sets have made their mark in recent years. When cozying up on a cool fall day, a comfortable lounge set is the perfect companion for relaxation.
- Denim: One of the biggest staples in any closet is denim. Investing in a good pair of jeans or denim jacket will last years and surely give you your money’s worth.
- Shoes & Boots: Conquer muddy fall hikes with a solid pair of sneakers or boots. Purchasing quality pairs of shoes for the fall season is another way to plug sustainability into your wardrobe.
- Jackets: Like denim, quality jackets are another closet staple. Whether you’re shopping for a light rain jacket or a heavy puffer coat, going for quality and sustainability helps you and the environment.
One company paving the way for sustainability is Merci Dupre, a brand founded on the principles of making clothes better for people and the environment. Created by Dr. Christina Rahm, founder of DRC Ventures, Merci Dupre aims to educate and uplift consumers to prioritize their health when shopping. Merci Dupre is one of many sustainable brands taking the necessary steps to make a positive change in the fashion industry. Leading brands, such as Patagonia, Reformation, Everlane, and more, are redefining what it means to be sustainable in the fashion industry.
When considering what clothing items you want to purchase this fall, consider sustainability. These trends in sustainable fashion can make a big difference in your life and the well-being of our planet. Although some brands are beginning to make the change for sustainable and ethical clothing, it’s up to consumers to choose sustainability.
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