5 Reasons to Switch to Sustainable Fashion for Your Summer Looks
The global fast fashion market is showing no signs of slowing down. According to one projection, its market value is expected to reach just over $188 billion Australian dollars in the next few years. However, fast fashion is slowly getting edged out of its number one spot by a more thoughtful approach to fashion: sustainability.
Slow fashion is having its rightful moment in the spotlight. Sustainable practices are being touted more and more and rightfully so. Having a basic awareness of the processes used to make the clothes we wear is important in today's society.
Slow fashion seeks to approach clothing production and consumption through sustainable and ethical practices. Understanding the full impact that fashion has on our world is a good place to start. If you're gearing up for a new summer shopping season, you've come to the right place.
In the next few sections, we'll go over 5 reasons why switching to sustainable for your summer looks is the right way to go. Let's start with the most obvious...
1. Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
The fast fashion industry is responsible for a multitude of damaging environmental practices.
Fast fashion is known for its rapid pace of design, production, and global output.
New collections are offered weekly in many stores, and many of the garments offered are not meant to last.
The marketing of fast fashion garments essentially dictates to the consumer that overconsumption and overproduction are okay.
Switching to sustainable, slow fashion means we are directly helping to reduce the huge carbon footprint brought about by the global garment industry. Sustainable fashion helps do this in a few ways. Some of which include:
- Reusing or repurposing existing materials
- Using fewer toxic chemicals during production
- Using less plastic while producing garments
- Focusing on water conservation
- Making clothing items to last
- Slow fashion puts the focus on clothing made with less wasteful practices and items that are meant to be worn for years to come.
2. Saves You Money
That's right. Shopping slow fashion helps your bank account!
How many times have you gone to a major retailer for a little retail therapy and purchased a couple of items, only to find out that the items were poorly made and fell apart within a couple of wears?
It may seem counterintuitive at first, but spending a little more upfront for a piece that will last you for years is simply a better spending habit.
A garment cheaply made ends up being a purchase that costs you more in the long run.
Slow fashion means investing in pieces you can enjoy for years as opposed to weeks. Shopping sustainably might also mean you're okay thrifting or shopping in your own closet!
Whether you're buying brand new or lovingly used, slow fashion helps keep money in your pocket. Looking good and saving money? Sign us up!
3. Good for Spreading Awareness
How many times have we all received the question: "Oh my gosh, I love your dress! Where did you get it?" When it comes to sustainability, this question provides an immediate avenue to bring sustainability to the forefront of the conversation.
This sort of scenario is a great opportunity to tell others where you snagged that perfect little black dress, while also educating them on the topic of good sustainability habits.
Getting into the habit of having such conversations when they crop up naturally is a great way to help educate on the importance of sustainability.
It's also an easy way to promote your favourite eco-friendly brands. A win-win for everyone.
4. Helps You Stand Out
From casual shoppers to die-hard fashion enthusiasts, we all know that a clothing piece from a major fast-fashion retailer tends to be a dime a dozen.
One of the benefits of switching to sustainable fashion is the originality it allows you to bring to your wardrobe.
Slow fashion tends to emphasize investment pieces or pieces that are wholly original. Many eco-friendly brands have made the shift to using ethical production practices such as moving away from poor working conditions, poor wages, and unsustainable production timelines.
Companies that follow sustainable initiatives likely have more original pieces to choose from. You can feel good about buying a new jacket or swimsuit knowing there aren't thousands of the exact same piece out there. It'll be an original purchase made with care.
5. It's the Right Thing to Do
Slow fashion is simply meant to last. When you invest in sustainable clothing, you're investing in pieces meant to last you many years to come.
You're not simply buying something due to a fleeting trend or popular aesthetic.
Furthermore, sustainable clothing also means you're contributing your support to low-impact options such as:
- Ethical and fair working conditions
- Recycling of textile waste
- Reduction in use of harmful chemicals
- Use of organic material
- More clothing kept out of landfills
Sustainable fashion is being cognizant of what you purchase and how it impacts the world around you.
Ready to Shop Sustainable?
We don't have to give up our retail therapy just yet. There are ways to shop sustainably and still find new, beautiful fits for the summer season.
At Wallis and Jazz, we craft each piece with care and attention. We're an Australian designer brand dedicated to making hand-crafted garments. We craft our clothing with sustainability in mind, all while bringing a tropical, unique edge to each piece.
Why not start by exploring our Classics collection for a quick taste of how clothing can feel like a luxurious adventure into sustainable fashion?