Sustainable Fashion

Fashion That Lasts.
Style That Matters.

Fashion is one of the most polluting industries on Earth. But sustainable fashion isn't just about eco-fabrics—it's about extending garment lifespans, reducing returns, and building systems where clothing stays in use longer.

10%

of global carbon emissions from fashion

UNEP 2023

92M tons

of clothing discarded annually

Ellen MacArthur Foundation

7-10

average wears before disposal

McKinsey 2022

20%

of global wastewater from fashion

World Bank

What is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion—also called slow fashion, ethical fashion, or conscious fashion—is an approach to designing, manufacturing, and consuming clothes that minimizes environmental harm and ensures fair treatment of workers throughout the supply chain.

But it's not just about materials. A single "eco" material doesn't make a garment sustainable. True sustainability requires:

Longevity

Clothes that last longer, get worn more, and stay out of landfills. Quality over quantity.

Fair Labor

Living wages, safe working conditions, and transparency throughout the supply chain.

Lower-Impact Materials

Choosing materials with reduced water use, fewer chemicals, and recyclability.

Better Fit

Clothes that fit properly get worn more and returned less, reducing waste dramatically.

Circular Systems

Designing for repair, resale, and recycling. Keeping materials in use as long as possible.

Transparency

Knowing where and how clothes are made. Brands that disclose their supply chains.

Key Topics in Sustainable Fashion

Slow Fashion vs Fast Fashion

Fast fashion produces cheap, trendy clothes designed to be worn briefly and discarded. Slow fashion emphasizes quality, durability, and timeless design—clothes that last years, not weeks.

2-4 collections per year vs 50+ micro-seasons

Quality materials and construction vs cheap, disposable fabrics

Fair wages and safe conditions vs exploitative labor practices

Circular Fashion

A system where clothing is designed, produced, and used in ways that maximize useful life. When garments reach end-of-life, materials are recycled into new clothes rather than ending up in landfills.

Design for durability, repair, and disassembly

Rental, resale, and second-hand markets

Textile recycling and upcycling programs

Sustainable Materials

Not all "sustainable" materials are created equal. Organic cotton saves on pesticides but uses more water. Recycled polyester reduces plastic waste but still sheds microplastics. Understanding tradeoffs matters.

Explore materials guide →

Greenwashing

Marketing claims that make products appear more sustainable than they are. Look for specific, verifiable claims and third-party certifications (GOTS, B Corp, Fair Trade) rather than vague terms like "eco-friendly" or "conscious."

Red flags: Vague claims, irrelevant certifications, highlighting minor green initiatives while core business remains unsustainable.

Better Fit = Better Sustainability

One of the biggest hidden drivers of fashion waste is poor fit. Clothes that don't fit get worn less, returned more, and discarded sooner. 70% of online returns are due to fit issues—that's billions of garments shipped back and forth, with many ending up in landfills.

Better fit extends garment lifespans and reduces returns, making it one of the most effective sustainability levers. AI body scanning and made-to-measure approaches that start with your measurements help ensure clothes actually fit your body—reducing waste before it starts.

Learn about fit and sizing →