HOW INFLATION CAN SHIFT THE CONSUMPTION OF FASHION

By: Margarette Machacon

On a global scale, the fashion industry is the second largest polluting industry following the oil and gas industry. With the rise in fast fashion brands and inflation, it has been increasingly tempting to support the more affordable option. 

However, consumers should be aware that these affordable fast fashion companies are exploiting their workers and conducting environmentally harmful manufacturing processes. Though they may provide a cheaper option in consideration to the current economy, consumers should be worried about the sustainability of their clothing over the long run. 

One thing to consider is the lifespan of apparel. Buying fashion fashion items may save money up front but generally speaking after a few wears, it is common to see signs of poor quality, cheap fabrics and lack of durability. During times of inflation, it is in fact the best time for consumers to shift how they spend money; buying less and choosing better quality items wins overall for the pocketbook. Investing in a few higher quality pieces that will last a long time is a much more cost effective option but also reduces waste. 

By supporting sustainable brands, not only are consumers decreasing their carbon footprint and helping the environment, they are also supporting passionate entrepreneurs who are working hard to make the earth a better place while creating cute and comfortable clothing. Supporting such brands that align with positive social change values will have you walking feeling great about yourself and the environment. 

Let’s take a look at 6 sustainability-focused brands that are worthy of supporting. 

1. DL1961

DL1961 is a family-owned brand specializing in sustainable denim. Since 2008, DL1961 has been displaying their strong commitment to sustainability that is evident in their garment making practices. They take old recycled materials and textiles into sustainability technology which produces their high quality denim. They shred old denim and consumer waste which are then weaved into new yarn with eco-friendly fibers and high performance stretch. Their garments are also hand constructed and finished using waterless laser and ozone technology in their family-owned manufacturing facilities. In this process they use less than 100 gallons of water, which is 0.66% of what the average pair of jeans takes. Their commitment to social responsibility not only focuses on their quality but their values. They have recently introduced a giveback fund in which they allocate a portion of their sales to local NYC shelters and charities. 

1. Mate the Label 

Based in Los Angeles, Mate the Label is a sustainable casualwear brand with the intention to create “clean” clothing. Their mission is for people to “dress clean” by creating essential pieces with non-toxic and organic materials so that people “are clean from seed to skin.” Mate the Label is also an inspiring and empowering brand run and founded by women. Their values follow their motto of the Mate Eight which consists of cleanliness, essentials, organic, ethical, women centered, plastic free, circular, and local. 

1. Avocado

Avocado is a sleepwear brand based in LA that strongly advocates for slow fashion. They sell all kinds of products from pajamas and robes to duvets and mattresses. Their mantra follows the ideas of natural, safe and responsible. Their products and manufacturing processes are certified under many different manufacturing standards. Their clothes and mattresses are non toxic, eco-friendly, and sustainable. Their organic wool and cotton are certified to the global organic textile standard, their latex is certified to the organic latex standards ensuring that their products contain more than 95% of certified organic raw materials based on total weight. To ensure maintenance of such practices, they even operate in their own GOTS certified factories. 

1. Reformation 

Reformation is one of the more popular sustainability-focused slow fashion brands. For many years, they have been known as an although expensive brand, they are essentially long lasting and well made. It is a brand that is easy to support as their pieces are trendy and can be worn by people of all ages. Their website alone is very informative of their sustainability practices and the values for which they stand for. 

1. Soleta 

Soleta is a womenswear brand that advocates for sustainability and inclusivity. They value a kind, lower-impact, and inclusive space to create clothing that helps people live fully and express themselves. They are ethically minded and sustainably responsible, using 100% recycled materials for their packaging which in itself is also 100% recyclable. They make their clothing with non-toxic dyes and natural fibers. They also strongly advocate for inclusive sizing options as their products range from a variety of sizes from 1 to 10 as well as having a custom sizing option in which their site informs customers on proper sizing instructions. 

1. Pact 

Pact is one of the more affordable sustainable options that also holds a variety of clothing ranging from womenswear, menswear, kidswear and even bath and bedding. Not only do they claim sustainability, they are transparent in their certifications. They are partnered with Fair Trade USA, GOTS and SimpliZero to ensure the sustainability of their products. By supporting Pact you are shopping sustainably, saving 300 million gallons of water, supporting hard workers, and improving your carbon footprint. 

With the effects of fast fashion and the fashion industry on the environment, it is our responsibility as consumers to make better choices for the planet and ourselves.