Busting 6 Most Common Sustainable Fashion Myths

The fashion industry accounts for 10% of the carbon produced by humans. For such reasons, sustainability in the fashion industry has been a hot topic for a while. But the problem is it is also widely misunderstood. 

The core of the issue is that many times, people focus on one angle but fail to address the others.

For us to get started, it’s important for you to know that there are several different angles to approach what sustainable fashion really means. 

Today we will start this post by quickly addressing the 4 main pillars of sustainable fashion and debunking 6 common myths and mistakes that you might be making in your pursuit towards a more sustainable retail approach.

The 4 Pillars Of Sustainable Fashion

As mentioned above, sustainable fashion mainly focuses on 4 principal aspects.

Sustainable fashion stands on four key pillars that collectively build a comprehensive framework for responsible consumption:

1. The Production Process

At its core, sustainable fashion centers on a production process that upholds fairness towards factory workers, guarantees livable wages, and employs resource-efficient methods. Furthermore, it prioritizes the avoidance of hazardous chemicals, as well as the respectful treatment of animals and natural resources.

2. The Place of Purchase

Choosing sustainable fashion involves contemplating your shopping sources. Opting for second-hand pieces or purchasing from brands with a commitment to sustainability contributes to diminishing the demand for environmentally detrimental mass-produced clothing. Local designers often align with sustainability due to their reduced production demands.

Check out this article about how to score some irresistibly chic pieces from a thrift store.

3. Your Consumption Habits

Mindful consumption is a linchpin of sustainability. Before making a purchase, introspect whether the item is a genuine necessity and whether it aligns with your long-term wardrobe strategy. Eschew fleeting trends in favour of versatile, enduring garments.

4. The Actual Clothing

The materials used in clothing production wield considerable influence over sustainability. The emphasis here is on high-quality materials that are engineered for longevity, reducing the need for replacements and curbing waste. Opting for environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials further bolsters sustainability efforts.

For example, this Dakar TENCEL™ Straight Leg Jumpsuit is made of regenerated cellulose fibre and will last you several seasons. Plus, it is so effortlessly chic!

6 Most Common Sustainable Fashion Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1. You Must Get Rid of All Fast Fashion Items When Opting for an Eco-Friendly Closet

In other words, you might believe that you should do an entire ‘fast fashion closet exorcism’ to make room exclusively for ethical brands. 

While This idea might seem fine in theory, it’s also extremely counter-intuitive. 

Sustainable fashion isn’t really about what brands you have in your wardrobe, but it is more about your mindset and consumption habits. 

This means that it’s more ethical to keep your fast fashion and wear it regularly rather than opting to get rid of it and start buying new clothes from sustainable brands. 

That said, if you don’t wear the clothes in your closet anymore, then it’s best to consider options on how to dispose of them, either by finding recycling options or donating them to people in need.

The bottom line is, if you like some fast fashion garments and use them regularly, you should still keep them. If you don’t, consider what is the best way to get rid of it.

Myth 2. Sustainable Brands Are Hard to Find

Okay, let’s tackle the idea that sustainable brands are as rare as a unicorn sighting. The truth? It’s time to put that myth to rest. In today’s fashion landscape, finding ethical brands is like discovering a hidden gem in your own backyard. And guess what? Platforms like Swiss Impact Store are here to prove it, offering a treasure trove of options that are not only sustainable but also totally legit.

Exploring Some Stellar Sustainable Brands

1 People – Ever heard of 1 People? They’re all about fashion that doesn’t just look good but also does good. With a strong commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, 1 People is your go-to for guilt-free style that’s high on quality.

Avani Apparel – Let’s talk Avani Apparel. These guys have cracked the code for blending fashion with sustainability. Avani Apparel proves that being eco-conscious can look darn good, from their choice of materials to their ethical approach.

So, forget the misconception that sustainable brands are rare unicorns. With platforms like Swiss Impact Store doing the legwork, you can shop your heart out while keeping the planet in mind. It’s time to embrace fashion that’s not just fabulous but also responsible.

Myth 3. Fast Fashion Can’t Be Sustainable

Contrary to common belief, there are indeed ways to make your fast fashion purchases more sustainable (say whaaat?). 

While the production of fast fashion is not sustainable for all the reasons already discussed in this article, you can surely make your fast fashion pieces last a long time while only purchasing items that you will regularly wear. 

So next time your dress gets a new hole, before tossing it away, consider mending it instead. If there is really no salvation, it’s best to use it as a cleaning rag instead of tossing it to the nearest dumpster.

Granted, this does not address the labour issues of fast fashion, but it does tackle another significant problem: waste reduction.

While fast fashion might sometimes be the only option for some people (due to affordability or lack of access), being sustainable all comes down to your ‘intention of wear’.

If this is the case for you, try to buy pieces that you will actually wear and that will last you a long time.

RELATED: What Can Sustainable Awareness Teach Us About Overconsumption | 6 Easy Tips

Myth 4. You Must Be Rich to Afford Sustainable Fashion

This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions out there. 

While there’s no denying that some ethical and sustainable brands can come at a higher price tag, it’s important to keep in mind the reasons behind those increased costs. 

Don’t forget that you’re paying for ethically sourced fabrics, fairly paid workers and quality design. When we consider these matters, the higher price tag doesn’t seem so hefty after all.

RELATED: Why You Should Be Happy to Pay Higher Prices for Sustainable Brands

And being sustainable doesn’t only mean buying from sustainable brands. So before buying new garments, even from an ethical brand, consider looking for what you need second-hand. Thrift stores, eBay, etc make it a lot easier to find used clothing at a more affordable price.

Myth 5. You Donate Your Clothes, So It’s Fine to Keep Shopping Fast Fashion Garments

Donating and recycling your clothes is great, but many people use it as a way to justify their overconsumption habits. 

Keep in mind that buying and donating is still consuming. 

That is why it is still extra important to think about your purchases and go back to the questions at the start of this post: do you need it? Will you use it? Do you have other similar items that could replace the one you want to buy? 

So yep, sustainable fashion can also be unsustainable depending on your habits. If you buy a variety of clothes that you rarely use or that you don’t actually need, you are still overconsuming, even if you only buy from ethical brands.

This takes us to our final common sustainable fashion myth.

Myth 6. Brands That Claim To Be Sustainable Are Always Ethical

Some “ethical brands” might not be as sustainable as you might be led to believe (shocker, I know). 

The truth is sustainable fashion is a powerful marketing strategy, and some brands might take advantage of well-meaning consumers. 

This is known as greenwashing. 

In simple terms, greenwashing is when a brand exaggerates or deceives you about its environmental or social sustainability with green marketing.

Before spending your hard-earned money on brands that claim to be sustainable, do your diligent research! Be careful not to be fooled by mindless marketing power words.

Are you looking for better eco-aware options for your day-to-day purchases? Visit Swiss Impact Store’s online marketplace. Find all the best sustainable lifestyle brands all in one place for your convenience.