We all want to look fashionable, but did you know that you can also be eco-friendly at the same time? There is a new movement of sustainable fashion known as eco-conscious dressing that is becoming popular in North America, and it can help you get the look you want in a way that respects the planet. Read on to learn more about eco-conscious dressing and discover how to use North American wardrobe tips to spice up your closet in a way that helps the environment.
1. Eco-Friendly Fabrics for Your North American Wardrobe
Everyday we have more options for opting-in for an eco-friendly lifestyle. From practices like reducing energy consumption and reusing items, to opting out of certain behaviors — our wardrobe is no exception! Here are our top three eco-friendly fabrics to incorporate into your North American wardrobe to reduce environmental waste but still get the fashion you want:
- Organic Cotton – Organic cotton is a fantastic eco-friendly fabric as it’s fully biodegradable, recyclable and reusable. Plus, the majority of organic cotton used today is grown right here in the USA. From lightweight tees to dresses, this highly versatile fabric comes in a range of styles to fit your wardrobe needs.
- Hemp – Hemp is an affordable fabric that’s quickly becoming popular for eco-friendly fashionistas. It’s highly resistant to wear-and-tear as well as naturally resistant to pests. So, when investing in a hemp-made garment, you’ll have a durable piece that will last. Available in a range of textures from denim to silk-like, this fabric is easily incorporated into any wardrobe.
- Recycled Polyester – Polyester is a great alternative to standard polyester when it comes to eco-friendly fashion. This fabric is created commonly from synthetic plastics such as PET bottles or industrial waste which would otherwise take decades or centuries to degrade in nature. Plus, it’s ultra-durable, wrinkle-resistant and comes in a variety of textures and styles.
To meet our fashion needs and remain kind to the environment all at the same time, opt in for an eco-friendly wardrobe. You can even purchase low-cost vintage wears made from eco-friendly fabrics to stay kind to the environment and sustainable fashion.
Ready to take the next step? Each of these eco-friendly fabrics come in a variety of styles from relaxed to formal, and everything in between. Doing a little bit of research will help you to source the perfect eco-friendly fashion piece for your wardrobe.
You can show your support for the planet this season while still looking stylish and feeling confident with eco-friendly fashion. Traditional fabrics are derived from pesticides and petroleum-based products and lead to added environmental waste — so when you shop for eco-friendly fashion this season, there’s no better statement to make.
2. What Your Clothing Choices Say about Your Environmental Awareness
Clothing choices have an incredible impact on the environment. The types of materials used, the way garments are made and disposed of, and the resources it takes to make a single item, all have lasting consequences. It is becoming increasingly important for clothing manufacturers, fashion designers, and consumers to consider the environment when choosing apparel.
Understanding may offer us all a chance to influence what we put on our backs – and what is put back into the natural world.
Fabric Concerns
Choosing organic fabrics is surefire way to reduce pollution, fracking and water usage. Cotton is the most commonly used fabric for clothing worldwide, and approximately 25% of all chemicals used in the world go into cotton production. Additionally, pesticides used to grow cotton contaminate ground and water sources. Organic cotton farming works to protect farmers and reduce water, land, and air pollution.
- Synthetic and man-made fabrics like polyester, nylon, and rayon contribute significantly to pollution and plastic waste.
- When pressure washing an oily garage floor or concrete sidewalk, detergents with micro-plastics are often used that end up in our turf and waterways.
- The production of synthetic fabrics releases harmful toxins into the atmosphere.
Sustainable Production
The production of clothing is also an important factor to consider. Read labels and take the time to understand the “story” behind the garment. Many brands purposefully source sustainable fabrics, use ethical and fairly paid labor, and closely examine ways they can minimize environmental impacts.
When shopping for new clothes, scrutinize manufacturers and their production standards. Do they use water-saving practices? Are their fabrics upcycled or made from alternative sources? What about their turnaround times? Are they using renewable energy and working to reduce carbon emissions?
As consumers, our individual clothing choices do have the power to affect the environment, so think twice before you purchase. Shopping with environmentally-friendly companies helps ensure that our children and future generations are able to enjoy the planet as we do.
3. Floor-To-Ceiling: Outfit Your North American Wardrobe with Style and Sustainability
From throwback ski jackets with sustainable cotton twill to fur-trimmed parkas made with responsibly sourced fox fur, North America is a dreamland for eco-minded fashion lovers. With its expansive range of locally made garments that hit the mark for both style and sustainability, here’s how to build a wardrobe with floor-to-ceiling appeal.
For Everyday
For everyday looks, high-style basics that feel as beautiful as they look come courtesy of Igby & Jack. The Toronto-based company’s perfect-fit blouses and tees come in a palette of smooth solids and fun prints, and are crafted with lyocell, an eco-friendly fabric that uses 98% less water to make than cotton. Also ideal for warmer days, Orchard Mile’s flowy dresses are made from certified organic cotton in sought-after cuts.
Something Special
Be it for work, weekend brunch, or a night out, Orson + Bodil has you covered with its seasonless offerings. Handcrafted in Vancouver, British Columbia, each piece is stunningly timeless, such as a velvet blazer with an asymmetrical Zippera closure or a comfy-cozy jumpsuit with handmade brass buttons. Orson + Bodil employs everything from organic cotton to linen, hemp, wool, and recycled and upcycled fabrics to create its sustainable designs.
Ready for Rain or Shine
- Tentree’s modern take on outerwear is globally sourced and contains (with the brand’s Unique Fabric System) a pattern of recycled plastic bottles – resulting in reduced water usage and a softer, higher performance that stands up to wind and rain alike.
- Sturling‘s winter wear come equipped with high-def down insulation, faux-fur-trimmed hoods, and sustainable waterproof fabric.
- Stine Goya’s sustainably sourced wool and recycled polyester coats with water-resistant finishes protect against cooler temperatures.
By investing in thoughtfully crafted local brands, North America-based fashion fans can achieve their stylish and sustainable wardrobe dreams.
4. Accessorize with Compassion: Adding Finishing Touches to Your Eco-Conscious Outfits
Everyone loves to finish off their outfit with accessories and that is no different for eco-conscious looks. Here are a few tips on how to accessorize with compassion and style.
- Pick sustainable fabrics. When shopping for accessories, look for items like vegan handbags, scarves or hats made from organic fabrics like organic cotton, hemp or linen.
- Think classic and versatile. Before you buy, make sure the item is classic and versatile enough to be reused multiple times in different outfits. Don’t waste your money on trends as you’ll likely never use them twice.
Investing in quality accessories and durable materials will help reduce waste as these items will still be usable after numerous washes. Classic pieces like sun hats, wool scarves, and faux fur-lined parkas can help add a little extra flair to your outfit while also helping you stay warm in the winter or cool in hot summers.
Go for the handmade. A great way to accessorize your sustainable outfits is to opt for handmade items. Handmade accessories by local artisans are unique and help promote slow fashion, a movement dedicated to reducing waste and creating more sustainable clothing styles.
Second-hand treasures. Another great way to accessorize your eco-friendly wardrobe is to shop for second-hand accessories. Vintage shops are full of hidden gems that can be found and mixed with new items to create a perfect hybrid outfit that is both timeless and unique.
If you’re considering ways to switch to an eco-conscious wardrobe, keep in mind that even small changes— like buying clothes second-hand or researching environmentally friendly brands— can make a difference. By investing a bit of time in your approach to clothing purchases, you can be stylish and sustainable— shaping our planet’s future, one wardrobe at a time.
