The fashion industry emits 2.1 billion tonnes of CO2 every year, a fact that the average consumer is taking note of. The interest in sustainable fashion brands is growing fast the world over, with nearly two-thirds of Americans stating that they would be willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. Many fashion companies are doing their best to display greater transparency and employ green processes in the manufacture of their items. Below are just a few of the hottest trends taking over the industry.
Branded Upcycling
DIY lovers know that old fashion can be given new life by upcycling. However, some brands are taking the circular by design concept to new heights, upcycling or reusing fashion in their manufacturing process. One brand leading the way is Eileen Fisher. The latter has a “take-back” program that involves collecting worn or torn Eileen Fisher items from customers to ensure that nothing goes to landfills. These clothes are remade and sold once again. The company has thus far taken back 800,000 garments and has donated $2 million to causes supporting women, girls, and the environment.
Living Fashion
One new trend, known as biogarmentry, involves the use of living cells in clothing. These cells rely on photosynthesis to stay alive, and they do their share to clean up the air by turning CO2 into oxygen. For an inkling of how stunning these living, changing garments can look, check out fashions by Roya Aghighi. This brand uses algae as the prime material of its garments. It essentially spins this component with nano polymers to create a super-fine, cool fabric that is sprayed down with water instead of being washed to preserve the life within it.
Recycled Sneakers
If you’re into sports brands like Adidas or Nike, then you know that these companies are setting lofty aims for themselves in terms of sustainability. The global sustainable footwear market is expected to reach a worth of $11.8 billion by 2027, with top initiatives including the use of recycled, vegan, organic materials and the use of novel materials like dandelion rubber, cacti, mushrooms, and corn fiber. The good news for lovers of practical shoewear is that many of these materials are washable. To keep sneakers sparkling clean via machine washing, simply put them in a mesh bag. Use a gentle, short cycle and wash sneakers separately from clothing. Dry them in the sun and they will look good as new for years to come.
Taking Care of Animals
Sustainability also involves being kind to animals. Brands like Sheep Inc (which manufactures wool items) are assigning clients to the specific sheeps their chosen clothing items came from. Clients are updated with news and pictures of their furry friends. This brand is fully compliant with ZQ standards, which ensure animal welfare, sustainability, and quality regulations are complied with.
Consumers have spoken, and they are keen to fight global warming through their fashion choices. Top trends in the green fashion sector include the use of novel materials and the adoption of the ‘circular by design’ concept in manufacturing. Clients are also keen on experimenting with living items that proactively fight pollution by sequestering CO2 from the air and converting it to oxygen.