Summary:
Is streetwear sustainable? They are when you shop from the right fashion label that prioritises zero waste, Fair Trade practices, sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing. Think about them when hitting the shopping zone to source your streetwear.
Body:
Is urban fashion sustainable? Even a few years ago, streetwear in Ireland and around, was heavily dependent on materials like nylon, polyester, etc. It was a matter of concern as this fashion originating from youth culture relied mostly on trends instead of timeless designs. The situation worsened with the growing demand from customers as clothing manufacturers started overproducing streetwear.
Fast forward to the current day, streetwear companies are now more eco-conscious than before. Thanks to the awareness programs! They have started manufacturing sustainable pants and tees in bright colours, refuting the fact that ethically sourced clothing ismuted and minimalist. However, this does not mean one can blindly go shopping for sustainable streetwear. Beware of greenwashing! The brand claiming to be eco-friendly, may not be so.
How to Spot Sustainable Streetwear in Ireland from Piles of Greenwashed Clothes?
Clothing is a necessity. No matter what, one cannot cut down on garments. However, steps can be taken to lower their impact on the environment. One such way to contribute to creating a healthier world is through the shopping of sustainable pants, tees, hoodies, sweatshirts and accessories. The question is how to determine if the range of outfits here is ethically sourced.
Look for sustainable materials
Streetwear labels that utilise synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are a strict no-no. Instead, shift your focus to recycled fabrics like cashmere and recycled cotton. They are purely natural and render a sustainable twist to streetwear fashion. You may also consider clothes woven from organic fabrics such as linen, organic cotton and hemp. This way, millennials and Gen Z can both stick to a sporty fashion without posing a threat to the environment.
Check for eco-friendly manufacturing
The fashion industry is notorious for its environmental footprint like greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, waste generation and resource overconsumption. Ethical brands are trying to alter the scenario through sustainable materials, cleaner production practices and proper waste management systems. Not just that, they are more transparent about their processes, making it easy for urban fashion seekers to source sustainable clothing.
Explore Fair Trade practices
Every company has its culture. A sustainable one caters to Fair Trade practices of treating workers justly through fair compensation, safe working conditions, discouraging child labour, respecting their rights and showing dedication towards people in such ways. These are more or less transparent and can be explored by people quite easily.
Seek low or zero waste packaging
Simply manufacturing streetwear in Ireland sustainably is not enough. Packaging them appropriately within nature bags can go a long way in restoring Nature. Remember Reunion and its packaging practices? The clothes it manufactures are carefully packed into compostable bags. When disposed of, they are non-toxic to worms. Likewise, look for other clothing brands that employ recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials.
Found a streetwear label that prioritises sustainability and ticks all the boxes? Encourage its operation by making purchases from it. It’s the best way to lower your environmental footprint and enjoy urban fashion at once.
Author Bio:
The author is no environmentalist but an active supporter of sustainable clothing brands. She enjoys wearing streetwear in Ireland only from labels believing in slow fashion. Her small steps are often a source of inspiration for readers and together with them, she hopes to bring about a positive change in the planet.
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