In a world where fast fashion rules and new trends within days, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest must-haves without a second thought.
But have you stopped and wondered about the impact of your clothing choices? Enter sustainable clothing—a term you’ve likely encountered before.
But what does it really mean?
Is it just another buzzword, or is there meat on those bones? Stick around as we unravel the truth behind sustainable clothing, why it matters today more than ever, and how you can seamlessly add it to your wardrobe without compromising style.
The Fast-Fashion Dilemma
Fast fashion is like that sweet tooth you can’t ignore—tempting, instantly gratifying, but ultimately detrimental. These days, clothes are made cheap and quick, only to be discarded when the next trend rolls in.
This throwaway culture not only empties our wallets but also takes a massive toll on the environment. The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that Americans discard approximately 11.3 million tons of textiles annually – that equals 92 pounds of clothing per person! Think about landfills overflowing with last season’s collections and water supplies contaminated with harmful dyes.
One of the nation’s largest states has even recently passed a bill, The Responsible Textile Recovery Act, aimed at tackling the overarching problem of waste and overproduction in the fashion world.
The fashion industry significantly contributes to environmental pollution, with its production, consumption, and waste disposal processes leading to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change.
For instance, did you know that 60% of apparel items are in landfills within a year after purchase? That’s a lot of waste.
We think it’s high time we ask ourselves if the price tag is worth it…
The Emergence of Sustainable Clothing
Sustainable clothing isn't just a catchphrase; it's a movement that's gaining serious traction. People everywhere are waking up to the environmental and social costs of their fashion choices. What we're seeing now is a shift toward clothes that are not only good for us but for our planet too.
And the best part? You don’t have to forfeit style in the name of sustainability.
Defining Sustainable Clothing
Before we go any further, let’s clarify what sustainable clothing is (and isn’t).
The word “sustainable” gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean in the context of clothing? At its core, sustainable clothing aims to minimize harm to the environment and promote fair working conditions.
This overlaps significantly with the principles of ethical fashion, which also emphasizes fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact. The word 'green' is often also used also to describe sustainable clothing but at the end of the day, they're all talking about the same thing.
They're talking about making smarter choices that don’t come at the expense of Mother Earth or the folks who make our clothes. Let’s take a closer look at those concepts:
Materials
Sustainable clothing uses materials that are environmentally friendly and ethically sourced. Think organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo. These natural fibers require less water, energy, and chemicals to produce compared to their synthetic counterparts.
Materials like organic cotton and hemp are derived from green vegetation, emphasizing their ecological benefits and the significance of greenery in sustainable practices. The term “circular fashion” is crucial in this context as it promotes the continuous use and circulation of materials, emphasizing practices like recycling, upcycling, and thrifting.
Production Practices
Aside from using eco-friendly materials, sustainable brands also prioritize sustainable practices in their ethical production methods. This includes fair wages for workers, safe working conditions, and reducing carbon emissions in the manufacturing process.
Packaging and Distribution
Sustainable clothing also takes into consideration the entire lifecycle of a garment, including its packaging and distribution. This means minimizing single-use plastic, using biodegradable packaging materials, and opting for sustainable transportation methods.
Nuances of Sustainability in Fashion
Sure, sustainability sounds great, but it’s not black and white. There are nuances to consider. For instance, even organic cotton, which is better than conventional cotton, requires a substantial amount of water to grow. However, compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton requires 62% less energy to produce and eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
The concept of the circular economy is crucial to sustainable fashion. Principles of circular fashion, which stem from the circular economy, advocate for the reuse and circulation of materials and products in an environmentally safe manner, thereby minimizing waste and reducing the overall environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Then there’s the issue of how “sustainable” is defined—does it cover just the materials, or does it extend to transportation and packaging as well? It’s essential to dig deeper and understand these layers if we’re genuinely committed to sustainable living.
Why "Made in America" is Sustainable
Ever heard the phrase, “Think global, act local?” American-made clothing embodies this principle.
By supporting small businesses throughout the USA, you’re not just getting a quality product; you’re reducing your carbon footprint. American made clothes mean fewer miles traveled, less fuel consumed, and a smaller environmental impact. Plus, it ensures that the workers making your clothes are treated fairly.
At Devium, every piece is designed, developed, and produced by legacy small businesses across the USA– from fabrics and dyes to buttons and zippers. ng is sourced locally. It’s a blend of craftsmanship, simplicity, and functionality, all tied with a patriotic bow.
Supporting American-made isn’t just about feeling patriotic; it’s about doing good for the planet and people. By choosing “Made in America” brands like Devium, you’re helping reduce emissions, supporting ethical labor practices, and sustaining local economies. This choice reflects an environmentally responsible mindset, promoting sustainable practices and conservation efforts.
Some call it a no-brainer. You get high-quality garments, workers get fair compensation, legacy small businesses from North Carolina to California thrive, and our environment catches a breather.
Devium: Men's Clothing Made in USA and Built to Last
Sustainability isn't just about how and where clothes are made—it's also about their longevity. Fast fashion items are designed to be replaced quickly, creating a cycle of waste. In contrast, sustainable clothing is built to last.
At Devium, we're committed to creating timeless pieces that can withstand the test of time both in terms of style and quality. Our durable fabrics, reinforced stitching, and attention to detail ensure that our garments will last for years to come.
Plus, with our classic designs, you won't have to worry about your clothes going out of style after one season. You can wear them year after year without feeling pressured to keep up with fleeting trends.
Got questions? We got answers.
The Impact of Sustainable Clothing
So why should we care about sustainable clothing?
Here’s the thing: fast fashion items are often worn less than five times, kept for roughly 35 days, and produce over 400% more carbon emissions per item per year than garments worn 50 times and kept for a full year.
But it’s not even the numbers that are alarming; it’s the impact on our planet and future generations.
Most clothes from overseas aren’t made to last; they’re destined for landfills, where they’ll sit for decades or even centuries.
The bottom line is that by embracing sustainable development in the fashion industry, we can ensure that we meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
The Future of Sustainable Clothing
The sustainable clothing movement is here to stay. More and more brands are incorporating eco-friendly and ethical practices into their production processes, and consumers are becoming more conscious of their impact on the environment.
As individuals, we have the power to make a difference by supporting sustainable fashion and making mindful choices when it comes to our clothing. By doing so, we can contribute towards creating a more sustainable future for ourselves and our planet.
Making the Switch to Sustainable Clothing
Small Steps, Big Impact
Transitioning to a fully sustainable wardrobe may seem daunting, but even small changes can make a difference. Start by reevaluating your buying habits. Do you really need that new shirt, or can you repurpose something in your closet?
When shopping, opt for high-quality pieces made with natural materials like organic cotton or bamboo. And don’t forget about secondhand sources—thrift stores, consignment shops, and clothing swaps are all great options for finding unique and sustainable pieces.
Stay Informed
Knowledge is power when it comes to making conscious fashion choices. Stay updated on current sustainable fashion trends and brands, educate yourself on different materials and their impact, and support companies that align with your values.
Be Mindful of Your Wardrobe's Lifespan
Sustainable clothing also means taking care of the clothes you already own. Extend the life of your garments by washing them less frequently, air-drying instead of using a dryer, and repairing any damages instead of immediately replacing them.
Take Care of Your Clothes
Properly caring for your garments can prolong their lifespan and prevent them from ending up in landfills prematurely. Follow care instructions and repair any damages before replacing an item.
Sustainability Red Flags In Clothing Brands
While the sustainable fashion movement continues to grow, there are still fashion brands out there that engage in greenwashing or other unethical practices.
Here are some red flags to look out for when shopping for sustainable clothing:
- Made overseas: It’s important to research the labor practices and environmental regulations in the country where the clothing is made. Can’t find any? That’s because there probably aren’t any. That’s why Devium only makes apparel in the USA.
- Vague claims: Watch out for brands that make broad statements like “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” without providing specific details about their production processes.
- Unsustainable materials: Just because a brand uses one sustainable material, like organic cotton, doesn’t necessarily mean its entire production process is eco-friendly. Look for brands that use multiple sustainable materials and methods.
- Lack of transparency: Brands should be open and transparent about their production processes and any certifications they may hold. If a brand is vague or unwilling to share this information, it could be a red flag.
- Fast fashion prices: Sustainable clothing often comes at a higher price due to its ethical and eco-friendly production processes. Suspiciously low prices could indicate unethical practices behind the scenes.
How You Can Make a Difference
Now that you understand the importance of sustainable clothing, here are some actionable steps you can take to make an impact:
- Educate yourself on different materials and their impact on the environment.
- Support local and ethical brands that align with your values.
- Shop secondhand or organize clothing swaps with friends.
- Take care of your clothes by washing them less frequently and repairing any damages.
- Spread awareness by talking to others about the benefits of sustainable clothing.
Remember, every small action adds up to a bigger impact.
A Way of Life
Choosing sustainable clothing is not just a trend, it's a way of life. Cut out for those who forge their own path, and think for themselves in a world of fast fashion.
By supporting ethical and eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry, we can positively impact our planet and its inhabitants. So next time you're thinking about adding something new to your wardrobe, consider the impact of your choices and choose sustainability.
Interested in learning more about Devium's sustainability practices? Click here.