Whether you've just finished watching The True Cost on Netflix or been championing conscious brands for a while, there’s no denying that the fashion industry is full of vague buzzwords, cherry-picked goals and green claims that don't hold up. There's no universal definition of sustainability or a clear benchmark for what it takes to be considered a "sustainable" company, so brands often end up greenwashing, whether they mean to or not.
So how can we discern whether our shopping habits are helping or harming the planet?
In this post, we explore what it means to be a conscious fashion brand, how to identify authentic ones and the impact of your choices on the environment. By supporting conscious fashion, you're joining a movement that promotes responsible consumption and empowers artisans and workers worldwide, as opposed to mass-produced items typical of fast fashion.
What is Conscious Fashion?
Conscious fashion is all about clothes and accessories made with a focus on social, environmental and ethical factors. It considers the entire lifecycle of a garment, from material sourcing to worker treatment and environmental impact. Conscious fashion brands aim to do good and minimise harm by making mindful choices at every stage of production, supporting a circular economy.
Imagine knowing that your favourite T-shirt didn't contribute to harmful pesticide use because it's made from organic cotton, or that the chic jacket you're wearing is crafted by someone paid a normal wage and it’s made from recycled fabrics, giving new life to old materials. Conscious fashion means supporting an industry that didn’t create harm in the process of making you look and feel good.
How to Identify and Choose Conscious Fashion Brands
With so many brands claiming to be sustainable, it can be tricky to find the real deal. First, look for brands that provide detailed information about their sourcing, production and supply chain. Transparency is key to understanding their commitment to sustainability.
Check the materials used by the brand, opting for those that are organic, recycled, or eco-friendly to minimise environmental impact. Investigate the brand's production practices to see if they are reducing water and energy use, using low-impact dyes or recycling waste.
Finally, make sure the brand supports fair wages, safe working conditions and workers' rights throughout its supply chain. By evaluating these factors, you can make informed choices and support brands that align with your values and sustainability goals!
The Impact of Conscious Fashion on the Environment
From raw material extraction to garment disposal, it is estimated that we, globally, produce 92 million tons of textile waste every single year.
Conscious fashion’s goal is to minimise its environmental footprint through sustainable practices. These include using renewable energy, cutting down on transportation distances and choosing materials that require less water during production among many others.
By using organic and natural materials, the industry can reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, which helps preserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems. Conscious fashion also promotes the slow fashion movement, encouraging consumers to buy fewer, high-quality garments that are made to last, reducing the demand for fast fashion.
By supporting conscious fashion brands, you help create a more sustainable fashion industry and reduce its environmental footprint.
Build a Conscious Closet with Big Sis The Label
Ready to refresh your wardrobe? Big Sis The Label has you covered!
Based on the Gold Coast, this emerging-conscious fashion label aims to upcycle and recycle materials, creating unique, timeless items that last. With a focus on ethical production and conscious designs that aren’t chasing trends, you can look good and feel good about your choices. From one-of-a-kind denim jackets reworked to make your personality shine to staple pieces that aim to never date, Big Sis The Label is the brand that's making a positive impact on our planet.
Start building your conscious closet today.
