Reduce, recycle and wear sustainable clothing?

Story by Kendall Abelman

We all wear clothes. But do we all wear clothes that are sustainable? Most definitely not. Sustainability is a new trend in fashion that is raising awareness of just how many resources go into creating our favorite blouse or boots. According to Business of Fashion, “second to oil, fashion and textiles is the most polluting industry in the world.” Whether it be the harmful dyes or the extreme waste, our clothes do have an impact. However, there are ways we can make a change, one of which being sustainable clothing.

While sustainable pieces in fashion definitely come at a higher price, it is important to note that this is only because the materials are ethically sourced and produced in eco-friendly factories. Many large brands have semi-recycled lines such as Zara’s #joinlife initiative or Urban Outfitters’ Urban Renewal, but sustainability is the core mission behind Veja, Reformation and Everlane. These brands are truly at the forefront of the sustainable fashion movement. Hopefully, they will set precedents for many to follow in the fashion industry.

Veja

Veja is a French sneaker brand that specializes in fair-trade footwear. Veja pays close attention to how they source their cotton, rubber and leather, which are the most common footwear materials. Sadly, the sneakers we wear are so often not sustainable, so Veja creates a new market that many brands have not yet tapped into. The prices may be a bit steep for college students, but knowing they are doing good for the environment makes it worth the price. Bonus: they have both men’s and women’s sneakers as well as a newly launched vegan line. They truly do it all, with the environment always in consideration.

Reformation

Reformation’s slogan says it best: “Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We’re #2.” This “cool girl” brand is paving the way for increasing knowledge about sustainable practices that are not well-known. With cotton being one of the most harmful fabrics on the environment, Reformation pays close attention to the fabrics it uses and sources its labor to effective, eco-friendly factories. The clothing prices range anywhere from a $28 T-shirt to a $428 gown. The brand also just launched Ref Jeans, a line in which “every pair you buy cleans a thousand gallons of water.”

Everlane

Last but not least, Everlane is known for simple, wearable pieces that just so happen to be produced in sustainable factories both domestic and international. Everlane prides itself on providing customers “radical transparency” by showing the exact cost behind its products. Traditional retailers tend to mark their products up five to six times from actual production costs, so Everlane creates a consumer relationship based on honesty. Everlane makes fast fashion look classy and clean both stylistically and environmentally.

These three brands truly make us want to rethink our closets, but awareness is the first step in living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. The next time you are thinking of buying some new sneaks or everyday classics, look no further because Veja, Reformation and Everlane have you covered in the most sustainable way possible.