It’s cool to worry about the global impact fast fashion has on the planet, civilians, and our bank accounts. Find out why ethical practices in fashion are changing the world!
In 2026, sustainable fashion is driving huge sales, saving the economy and protecting the lives of young children. In a notoriously corrupt industry, from its treatment of models to the treatment of its workers, fashion is finally starting to see a positive shift. Here’s why!
What actually makes fashion ‘sustainable’
The term ‘Sustainable’ has become a bit of a buzzword in the fashion industry. And for good reason, too. At large, it’s an ethical solution to saving the planet, and avoiding slave labour enforced on children in third-world countries.
Sustainable fashion seeks to restore the imbalance in the immoral ethics of buying and selling, and the damage that fast fashion continues to cause on the planet. It’s also sometimes referred to as ‘slow fashion,’ aka a more ethical concept and process with little to no negative repercussions on the planet and factory workers.
No matter which way you look at it, shopping sustainably is a win-win situation for everybody. But what does ‘sustainable fashion’ actually mean? And how is it defining the future?
How Sustainable Fashion Protects the Earth
Sustainable fashion directly impacts the planet because it readdresses issues of overconsumption and thus, unnecessary waste. Additionally, shopping at sustainable clothing brands reduces the likelihood of toxic pollution. In a new article by The Royal Trinity Hospice, they revealed that, “Fashion production is the planet’s second most polluting industry, accounting for around 10% of global carbon emissions.”
- Generational Growth: How to Start Building a Legacy for the Future
- How to Craft a CV That UK Recruiters Notice
- The £100 Billion Opportunity: How to Find Your Place in the UK Sports Industry
- Rugby Explained: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to the Game
- Stop Overlooking the Best Jobs: The Surprising Truth About the UK’s Most In-Demand Skill
Which Major Brands Swear by Sustainable Fashion?
The idea of ‘sustainable fashion’ was officially coined in the late 70s during the rise of environmental consciousness. Since then, the concept has blown up into high-end businesses. Famously, some of the biggest brands that have made promises to incorporate more ‘slow’ fashion include Ralph Lauren, who have an entire section about sustainability on their website, and Adidas, among others.
What Are the Experts Saying?
Throughout its history, fashion experts, from designers to buyers and sellers, have all had their fair share to say on the subject. Throughout her career, the late critically acclaimed fashion designer and activist, Vivienne Westwood, spoke about the importance of repurposing fashion. And the power of upcycling. In one interview, she says:
“As a fashion designer, I say buy less clothes. Keep wearing things that you’ve really chosen, that you love. And that is status. It’s not that you have to just keep consuming. A status symbol is a book. Walk around with that under your arm, kids. I mean, that’s status.”
How Is Sustainable Fashion Moving the Future?
Sustainable fashion is moving the needle in so many ways. Mostly because ethical practices have become a benchmark for new brands. It’s now expected. Whereas there was a point in time when this was just a nice gesture.
