What to Look for in Sustainable Clothing

Consumers are more aware than ever of how the choices they make impact the environment. It’s one of the primary reasons why hybrid and electric vehicles have become so popular. Household products such as cleansers are shifting away from harsh chemicals and toward minimalist packaging. Organic foods take up an increasing amount of shelf space at the grocery store. But when it comes to one of the largest segments of the consumer goods space — clothing and fashion — sustainability isn’t always as prominent. That is changing, though.

In recent years, a significant portion of consumers in the United States have realized just how much ecological damage the global apparel industry causes. This has been driven in large part by the dominance of the “fast fashion” market, which values cheap, mass-produced and quickly-made clothing above all else. As a result, the industry is responsible for a wide range of negative environmental effects, including microplastics in the oceans, enormous carbon emissions, and tremendous water consumption. To combat these trends, shoppers have started looking for clothing and lingerie brands that are committed to sustainability.

How to Find Sustainable Clothing Brands

Surveys have found that almost half of Americans don’t know what makes a clothing line sustainable. With that in mind, there are a number of things you can look for on the label or online when trying to buy garments that are produced responsibly. For example, the use of natural fibers is a very good sign. The same can be said for artificial dyes because the process typically used depends on toxic chemicals that cause pollution and can even be absorbed into your skin as you wear them.

One of the biggest problems with fast fashion is that the clothing isn’t made to last. This is a major reason why more than half of all apparel bought around the world ends up in a landfill or being incinerated after just a few years. This cycle results in chemicals being released into groundwater and natural resources being consumed at an alarming rate. Instead, knowing how to identify the signs of quality craftsmanship such as durable stitching can ensure the garments you buy will last much longer.

When consumers commit to sustainable clothing, they help reduce the cycles of waste and pollution that put ecosystems in peril. To learn more about how and why you should look for brands that share this commitment, check out the accompanying resource below.