The demand for sustainable clothing has been on the rise, including here in Singapore – and it’s not hard to see why!
These days, the average consumer is becoming more mindful and eco-conscious about how their day-to-day decisions impact the environment, from the food they eat to the clothes they wear.
That’s why many are turning to brands that promote and prioritise sustainability, which explains the growing popularity of sustainable clothing not only in Singapore but around the globe.
In this article, we’ll talk more about what makes sustainable clothing important and some trends you might need to know.
What makes clothing sustainable?
You’re probably curious about what makes a piece of clothing “sustainable.”
At its core, sustainable clothing refers to garments that are manufactured with consideration for their environmental, social, and ethical impact.
It aims to minimise the environmental footprint of the clothing industry by using ethically sourced materials, reducing textile waste, and preserving natural resources. Providing a safe working environment to the people involved in the process is also one of its tenets.
Common examples of sustainable clothing are clothes made from organic and natural materials, as well as those made from recycled ones.
Ultimately, sustainable clothing serves as a more responsible and eco-conscious approach to clothing, proving that it’s possible to produce stylish and durable clothes while prioritising the planet’s well-being.
The importance of sustainable clothing
It’s hard to understate the role that sustainable clothing plays in today’s world, especially in the age of growing climate crises. Here’s why:
1. Mitigated environmental impact
Sustainable clothing focuses on reducing the negative impact of the entire clothing industry by adopting eco-friendly practices, such as the use of natural materials and renewable energy sources.
This is the opposite of fast fashion, which is typically associated with water pollution, excessive textile waste, and environmental destruction.
2. Reduced waste
The fast fashion industry is often associated with low-quality clothes that quickly degrade over time, further contributing to the amount of textiles in landfills.
Meanwhile, sustainable clothing disrupts this cycle by producing durable garments that last longer, reducing the burden on landfills.
3. Ethical practices
Sustainable clothing promotes safe working conditions, fair liveable wages, and ethical treatment of every worker involved in the supply chain process, helping to end the culture of exploitation among garment farmers and factory workers.
4. Empowered consumers
Growing awareness of the negative impact of fast fashion empowers consumers to make more sustainable and ethical choices.
As a result, clothing brands are driven to incorporate sustainable practices into their business models and supply chains to meet this rapidly growing demand for sustainably made clothing.
Sustainable clothing trends you should know
As the clothing industry pushes further into its sustainability journey, some sustainable clothing trends are expected to make a bigger splash this year, including:
- Slow fashion: This encourages choosing timeless and classic pieces designed for longevity over fleeting or short-term trends, promoting more conscientious purchases.
- Upcycling: This involves transforming or repurposing old or discarded clothing into new garments or items, teaching consumers to be more creative with clothes they no longer wear.
- Virtual fittings: This offers consumers a more eco-friendly and seamless shopping experience while helping brands optimise inventory and reduce overall waste.
If you’re on the lookout for sustainable and eco-friendly pieces to add to your closet, check out the local clothing brand Something to Hold, a clothing brand in Singapore that incorporates organic and natural fabrics into their pieces.
