Nowadays, sustainable fashion is one of the most discussed topics there are.
Consumers have become more aware and stunning clothing pieces are simply not enough anymore. Before purchasing a dress or an accessory they want to know how these are produced, to make sure they won’t contribute to the planet’s deterioration or that they won’t exploit workers’ precarious conditions.
However, not everyone really knows what sustainable fashion is and entails. Most importantly, a lot of consumers are not aware of the advantages of this particular branch of fashion.
What is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable fashion is that type of fashion that respects the environment and society during all its phases: from conception, to production, through distribution to sale.
First of all, the goal of sustainable fashion is to work with less polluting raw materials, reducing waste in production such as water and electricity costs and producing durable parts, stimulating conscious consumption. By doing so, sustainable fashion companies hope to guarantee the planet’s safety, an issue that cannot be postponed and needs to be tackled right away.
In light of this, industry 4.0 will be able to bring numerous advantages to the fashion sector. In fact, thanks to the newest technologies it will be possible to produce less polluting and more durable materials, making production processes more efficient and reducing the use of raw materials. A massive achievement for the environment.
However, when we talk about sustainable fashion, we cannot neglect the issues related to the poor working conditions that employees of many production factories have to face in many areas of the world.
In this regard, most of you probably know that the early 90s have been a defining moment in fashion’s history. In particular, during those years some major fashion brands such as Levi’s, Nike and Adidas were accused of serious issues, including underpaid work and child labor.
These are just some examples but the list goes on and on, especially if we take fast fashion into consideration. With this term we refer to that sector of fashion in which production occurs as fast as possible and at the lowest cost in order to keep up with current trends.
What are sustainable fashion’s advantages?
We already mentioned it but it’s worth repeating: the first advantage of sustainable fashion is a lower environmental impact, the basis of the well-being of the world population. In fact, if our planet overheats, if its air becomes increasingly polluted and its waters contaminated, it will be a threat to many.
Secondly, sustainable fashion can greatly improve the conditions of the workers involved in the life cycle of a fashion product. In particular, the production that very often takes place in countries where minimum wages or acceptable working conditions are not guaranteed. It is also for this reason we, as customers, have to choose wisely where to buy from.
For example, there are also certifications issued by local or international entities that guarantee consumers the purchase of products made in full compliance with environmental and social sustainability standards.
In this context, companies have a crucial role. In order to guarantee a more “responsible” fashion they need to be fully transparent not only about their professional values but also their production processes. Therefore, providing consumers with all the information regarding the finished product through offline and online communication is crucial.
In addition, buying from brands that work ethically is a huge opportunity we have as customers. Lately, a lot of companies that operate in the jewelry industry are concerned with ethical crafting and offer a wide selection of handcrafted jewelry. A good alternative to well known brands for those who want to buy responsibly and ethically.
Lastly, sustainable fashion also pushes towards a re-enhancement of the traditions of many countries, bringing awareness of the arts and resources that each land can offer its population. Obviously, the rediscovery of traditional and artisanal products does not happen if the latter are not transformed and improved through an innovation process.
In fact, the development of sustainable fashion can push and contribute to the emergence of new technologies and new processes, strengthening a growing sector and generating new opportunities for social and economic growth.
For all the reasons mentioned and discussed, sustainable fashion is one of the most relevant trends of our era. And it’s time to acknowledge that.
