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.”
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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.
We’ve spoken about how sustainable fashion helps the planet and what the experts are saying. Which, above all, are the most important factors? But, for those interested in careers in fashion, it’s also worth noting that sustainable fashion is adding another layer of quality and innovation to the fashion world.
Whether it’s Stella McCartney’s effortless silkwear, or Gabriela Hearts’ headturning runway looks. Many brands have been credited for how avant-garde and high-end their sustainable designs look.
What Can the Younger Generation Do to Push Sustainable Fashion Forward?
Right now, the younger generation is doing a lot to reinvent the wheel with fashion. Credible designers such as Bianca Saunders and Becca Flood are already making a name for themselves as changemakers in fashion for their take on sustainability.
If you find yourself stuck on which places swear by ‘slow’ fashion, check out this article on Vogue. It’s a list of some of the best clothing brands with ethical practices.
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Laviea Thomas is a journalist at Inside Success who writes about film, music and politics.
Outside of that, she is an experienced freelance journalist with bylines in NME, The Quietus, Metal Hammer and more.
Over the years, Laviea has been an active panellist discussing fundamental conversations in the music industry, such as diversity and inclusion, and the importance of grassroots venues. She has been a panel guest for Kerrang! Focus Wales Festival, Future Yard and more.
