When it comes to building an eco-conscious wardrobe, achieving sustainability doesn’t have to be preachy or dull. In North America, there are now a plethora of options that deliver on style, complete with thoughtfulness for both the environment and society. Find out the latest sustainable choices available to North American fashion lovers, perfect for ethical consumers everywhere.
1. Taking a Closer Look at Eco-Conscious Clothing
It can be hard to find the perfect fit — literally — when you’re shopping for clothes. But for those looking for an ethical option, eco-conscious clothing is an alternative worth seriously considering. Here’s a closer look at what this type of clothing has to offer.
- Environmentally Friendly Fabrics. Eco-conscious clothing is typically made with natural materials or fabrics created from recycled materials. Common fabrics used in these goods include organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester, and tencel lyocell.
- Durable and Long-lasting. These clothes are made to last. The natural fabrics are often more durable than synthetics and can, therefore, be worn frequently without feeling heavy or uncomfortable.
- Variety of Styles. Gone are the days when eco-friendly clothes were only plain and boring. Nowadays, these sustainable materials come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and fits to suit any fashionista.
- Animal-friendly. Eco-conscious clothing doesn’t just help preserve our environment — it also helps animals. Many of these clothes also don’t use animal derivatives such as lana, leather, and fur for their production.
Eco-conscious clothing is a perfect option if you’re conscious about the production methods of your clothes. And with more brands opting for sustainable materials and recycling, it’s becoming easier to find clothing items made with eco-friendly fabrics. So whether you’re looking for something stylish or something that expresses a statement, eco-conscious clothing is the way to go.
But what’s the difference between eco-conscious clothing and sustainable fashion? While eco-friendly clothes are typically made from natural and recycled materials, sustainable fashion focuses on creating garments that are made to last. This means that the pieces are designed to use fewer resources, minimize waste, and optimize product life cycles.
In the end, eco-conscious and sustainable clothing are both great options for those looking to create a fashion-conscious wardrobe that’s also ethical. By supporting these movements, we can help put an end to fast-fashion that’s damaging to our planet.
2. Sustainable Fabrics and Care Practices
Considering the state of our planet, it has become increasingly important to select sustainable fabrics and to practice environmentally responsible care practices when washing and storing our garments.
- A great way to start making more conscious choices as a consumer is to understand the definition of sustainable fabrics and why they are a better option.
- Organic cotton is one of the most popular sustainable fabrics, which is produced without the use of any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
- Linen is another great option, as it is low maintenance and highly durable. It is woven from the fibres of the flax plant, which is grown using fewer resources than other traditional fabrics.
- Hemp is quickly becoming a highly desired material; it has natural antibacterial properties and is biodegradable, making it environmentally friendly.
Once you have chosen your sustainable fabric of choice, it is important to pay attention to how you care for your garments. We can no longer rely solely on washing our clothes in cold water or hanging them to dry; we must take proactive measures to reduce the waste we produce.
- Invest in quality reusable items such as hangers, storage bins, and travel bags. It is important to eliminate single-use plastic items, such as plastic dry-cleaning bags.
- Try second-hand clothing and recycle where possible. Shop at thrift stores and second-hand markets, and look for labels indicating that the clothing has been made with sustainable fabrics.
- Be mindful of how you wash your clothing, using only the necessary amount of detergent. Use a natural detergent or laundry soap if possible, and try to handwash where appropriate.
- Hang your clothes to dry instead of using the tumble dryer as much as possible. The heat from the dryer damages the fibres of the garment, shortening its lifespan.
By switching to fabrics and care practices that are more sustainable, we can make a positive impact on our planet and create a better future for generations to come.
3. Exploring Eco-Friendly Fashion Brands in North America
As the need for sustainable fashion grows, many brands around the world are taking on the challenge of creating eco-friendly fashion. North America is no exception. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most exciting brands leading the way in eco-friendly fashion.
SVILU is a New York-based eco-friendly brand that sources its materials from only sustainable sources. Its line of beautifully designed womenswear is handmade in Canada using hemp linen and other natural fabrics. As of 2020, SVILU has said it is now aiming to become climate positive by 2025.
Thr3efold is a Canadian apparel and accessories brand founded on sustainability and ethical fashion. It offers a wide range of stylish pieces made using informed processes and fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, soya, and recycled polyester. The brand sources all its materials from North American countries that adhere to fair trade and environmental regulations.
NOMAD is a Mexico-based lifestyle brand with sustainability in the core of its mission. Its focus is on creating fashion inspired by traditional Mexican artisanship. All of its clothes are made with soft, natural materials like cotton, hemp, and bamboo, and these are all sustainably sourced too.
Fellow Earthlings, based in the United States, focuses on creating gender-neutral sustainable fashion. The company renovates and repurposes materials like wool, cotton, and vintage fabrics thus reducing its environmental impact. It also offers clothing rental services and produces ethical products for both men and women.
Lark & Berry is a brand that produces luxury jewelry using lab-created diamonds and recycled metals. Its mission is to make luxury ethical, sustainable, and more accessible. All of its pieces are made using recycled gold and silver, and its diamonds are created in labs instead of being mined, providing a more sustainable alternative.
4. Building an Ethical and Sustainable Wardrobe
With the rise of fast fashion, it can seem impossible to build an ethical and sustainable wardrobe. But with a little bit of effort and thoughtfulness, you can begin to create a closet you can feel proud of. Here are 4 ways to get started:
1. Research
The most important thing with ethical and sustainable fashion is to educate yourself on the clothing industry. Learn about the companies you’re buying from, understand what materials and production methods are used in their clothing, and consider the effects of their practices on the environment. By taking the time to become an informed consumer, you will be better able to make choices that fit your values.
2. Invest in Quality
High-quality clothes may cost more upfront, but they typically last longer and need less frequent replacement. With a few well-crafted pieces, you can easily make them last a long time and even pass down as vintage finds to your own children. Investing in quality may also mean fewer trips to the store for new clothes, resulting in less demand for low-quality clothing produced quickly and cheaply.
3. Shop Second-Hand
Second-hand stores are a great way to find the clothes you love without contributing to irresponsible production practices. From vintage to thrift stores, you’ll be able to find unique styles while helping to reduce the demand for cheap, mass-produced fashion. Not to mention, secondhand stores can sometimes be a great source for quality items that you wouldn’t necessarily be able to find at an affordable price elsewhere.
4. Buy Local and Sustainable
If you decide to buy new clothing items, make sure to invest in ethical and sustainable brands, such as those that use organic fabrics, eco-friendly dyes, and fair labor practices. Buying locally can also help reduce your carbon footprint by cutting down on transportation, and you can take pride in supporting your local businesses. You can even search for sustainable companies online if you’re unable to find them locally.
Committing to an ethical and sustainable wardrobe is a practice that takes time and dedication. Keep these points in mind and you’ll be well on your way to making conscious choices that make you feel good.
Ready to shop eco-consciously? Thanks for taking the time to learn more about sustainable wardrobe choices in North America. Whether you’re looking for vintage gems, sustainably-sourced items, or eco-friendly investments, there are countless options for your new wardrobe. So, take a step in the right direction and make a commitment to your apparel’s ecological impact. Let’s make a world where fashion takes a more sustainable path!
