Making a Difference Through Sustainable Fashion

92 million tons of textiles are wasted every year and massive amounts of clothes end up in landfills and continue to harm the planet. Through the latest efforts of consumers and major brands to improve their environmental efforts and even take a stand toward environmental initiatives, it is critical now more than ever to manage the impacts these brands have on the fashion industry and the world around them. Many brands on the market have made it their mission to make articles of clothing, and even repurpose used clothing, sustainably to help mitigate the amount of waste in the fashion industry. As these brands gain international attention, brand powerhouses are taking notice and enacting changes within their companies to support environmental efforts. Here are some powerhouses that are setting themselves apart from others through their environmental efforts and are great places to shop from, along with some smaller brands, to build a sustainable closet!

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Patagonia has been a long-standing pioneer in eco-friendly outdoor clothing. Starting in 1993, they created fleece made from recycled plastic bottles, and they have only improved their materials and expanded their scope since then. Additionally, they have a repair and reuse program in place, so consumers’ investments in Patagonia products last a long time. Patagonia has been at the forefront of the fight for many initiatives for many causes, with their most noteworthy causes being environmental activism and the preservation of our natural resources.

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In honor of Earth Day this year, Lululemon launched a new sustainability initiative, the Like New resale program, as a way or customers to resell pre-loved items in exchange for a gift card. Customers can now shop the site for gently used clothing that has been collected and renewed to be sold. Celeste Burgoyne, President of Lululemon, announced that this program is a major step to achieving their Impact Agenda goals to reduce their environmental footprints. Lululemon’s goal of using entirely sustainable materials by 2030 is a key example of a powerhouse brand starting to value the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry. This entices consumers to pay the initial larger price tag knowing they can not only resell their used clothing for a gift card, but also can rest assured that one of their favorite brands is doing their part in decreasing the negative impacts their brand has on the environment.

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Veja is known globally for producing ethical sneakers. They have invested in research and new technologies to be able to use eco-friendly materials and recycled packaging. They have even introduced their new material called “B-mesh,” made from recycled plastic bottles. Veja has taken its environmental initiatives into account for every decision they make and sets a great example for other internationally acclaimed brands to join the movement of enacting change from within these brands. Veja goes beyond environmental initiatives by making sure that those working to gather the material are integrated into the company, paid a livable wage, have personalized social support, and even the opportunity to develop a career plan. By valuing its people and the world we all love and share, Veja is a great place to invest in durable sneakers while being part of the change.

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H&M is an eco-friendly brand that supports recycled clothing. Their “conscious exclusive” include clothes made from sustainable materials. It features pieces designed by Stella McCartney for Adidas’ Primeknit collection and is made from 100% recyclable PET plastic bottles sourced from beaches around the world, the first of its kind. H&M’s sustainability initiatives include recycling used material into new products anywhere from insulation panels for buildings to clothing. They have a partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to further drive their dedication to assist in the transition towards a circular economy and a thriving secondhand clothing industry. H&M has also partnered with Greenpeace and other organizations to help promote sustainable fashion choices.

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ASOS Reclaimed Vintage is a brand that believes in the power of recycling and sustainability. They offer consumers vintage clothing as well as new items that are made from recycled materials. ASOS uses eco-friendly methods such as organic farming practices to produce naturally dyed materials and recycling old clothes into new ones. If you are looking for a trendy, vintage look that also supports sustainability in fashion, this is a great choice!

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Athleta, a subsidiary of Gap, is a recycled clothing brand that makes women’s clothing for all areas of life that are comfortable and stylish. Its main focus is on female athletes, and athleisure clothing and is one of the only brands to incorporate a fitness line for girls. Athleta is committed to its community, giving back, and being a “force for good” which is shown through its certified label as a B corporation. Athleta supports sustainability, and with its dedication to social impact and inclusivity, Athleta is a brand that uses its platform to enact change and attracts those that support these changes.

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Urban Outfitters hasn’t had a good track record for its production practices in the past. However, to deal with this, the brand has introduced its very own upcycle program with its Urban Renewal team dedicated to sorting through the surplus of material that generally would end up in landfills and turning them into recycled clothing materials. While Urban Outfitters is only creating a limited number of these products, having a big-name brand like Urban joining these other brands through sustainable efforts is a major step in the right direction of not only reducing Urban’s carbon footprints but hopefully spearheading other major brands to do the same.

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The Girlfriend Collective follows the motto “don’t make waste, wear it.” They are a transparent company that produces activewear ethically made through recycled plastic. The company was founded in 2013 to create a sustainable future for the fashion industry. This brand offers trendy clothes for women who want to be fashionable while doing good for the planet. Girlfriend Collective, and other recycled clothing brands, offer consumers a sustainable alternative that they can wear without sacrificing style or comfort.

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American Recycled Clothing has helped recycled clothing become a popular trend as people realize that they can reduce their environmental footprint. This brand was founded on the idea that consumers should be able to buy high-quality secondhand apparel without sacrificing what has drawn people to fashion since its beginning. They believe they can help create a secondhand apparel industry that thrives while creating positive social change around the world. American Recycled Clothing aims to creatively find ways to reuse post-consumer textiles to eliminate landfill waste, reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable consumerism.

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Wolven “makes sustainable sexy” through their leggings and swimsuits made out of recycled bottles. The company is dedicated to helping the environment by making sustainable fashion more accessible for all people. As of 2020, Wolven has been working to make the world better by using recycled materials for their clothing to achieve a more sustainable environment. In addition to this, they also donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations that promote recycling. Wolven has seen an increase in sales as people become more aware of sustainability efforts and consumers have fallen in love with the soft and comfortable clothing that Wolven offers. They have even expanded to utilize sustainable technology for water-resistant jackets and shoes that are made from recycled materials. For those looking for a way to support environmental efforts in the fashion industry without breaking the bank, Wolven is a great choice!

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Environmental efforts are becoming more critical, especially in the fashion industry, to preserve the environment we live in and protect what is left. Whether it’s supporting brands who have made it their mission to make all of their clothing from recycled materials or continuing to support the powerhouse brands who have made the moves to acknowledge the importance of sustainable fashion and take part in the efforts, there is a way for anyone to get involved and be part of the change.

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Advice of the day: Be part of the change you want to see in the world. There is no better time than NOW to get involved in the causes you value.

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Thanks for reading! 🙂