What to know when buying ‘sustainable’ fashion

We all know that most individuals aspire to shop more sustainably when it comes to their wardrobe. However, it can be challenging to navigate the more environmentally conscious world of fashion retail, and deciding on the ideal fabric might be one of the most difficult decisions of all.
Here are some things to think about, even if the question of whether natural fibers are fundamentally better than synthetic ones is complex.
Do synthetic fibers have a place in the world?

First things first: when it comes to cloth, there isn't a perfect fiber. Every fiber has an effect on the environment. Although cotton is frequently promoted as a more environmentally friendly crop, it can be a very thirsty one. Even said, raising cashmere and wool can occasionally raise ethical questions and worsen the state of the land.

Although the issue is complicated, Dr. Timo Rissanen, an associate professor of fashion and textile at UTS, asserts that "synthetics absolutely have a place," particularly when it comes to athletics and swimming. Combining synthetic and natural fibers can offer beneficial properties like moisture wicking and wrinkle resistance, as well as lengthen the lifespan of a garment. Socks and underwear, for example, frequently have a little amount of synthetic fiber added to them for durability.

Nevertheless, there is no denying the enormous environmental effects of synthetic fibers, which account for 62% of the world's apparel market.
The primary issue with synthetic clothing is that it is made from fossil fuels, something that is easy to overlook when admiring that glittery garment in the clothing rack.
According to Rissanen, "this illusion that there's no limit to how much we can produce is the one thing that fossil carbon has made possible through synthetics." "That represents a significant obstacle for the industry to overcome, as the forecasts for the sector from now until 2030 show virtually limitless growth", she said, quoted by Brisbane Times.

"In the end, we ought to aim for a state in which we are not utilizing fossil fuels for clothing production and are creating materials with safe degradation in mind."
Although synthetic materials not generated from fossil fuels are being developed, there is still a limited market for them.
Another choice is man-made cellulosic fibers, such as rayon and modal, which are plant-based fibers that have been transformed into textiles through a variety of manufacturing techniques. Even if many come from renewable sources, they need to be thoroughly chemically treated. Chemical leakage into the environment can be minimized with the use of closed-loop produced cellulosic fibers. The benefit is that they are biodegradable, just like natural fibers, according to Rissanen.

Are synthetics made from recycled materials superior?
Undoubtedly, you have observed the increasing use of recycled synthetic materials in clothes, such as polyester and nylon, in recent times.
If you must purchase synthetics, Sarah Conners, head of fashion and sustainability at COLLARTS, suggests that choosing recycled fabrications can help you lessen your effect. "It's important for us to acknowledge that synthetic materials are currently a part of our supply chain. They may not be the best solution, but since they are currently there, let's at least attempt to use them sensibly.
Recycled synthetic materials, however, aren't always the environmentally friendly option, according to Rissanen. The majority are made from plastic bottles, which cannot be recycled once they are used to make garments.

Put lifespan and functionality first.
So, what aspects ought to you take into account before buying something? Conner states that "buying clothing that you really want and that's going to last you for a really long time" is the most crucial factor to take into account when shopping. Clothing will be more sustainable the longer we can wear it.
Nina Gbor, the founder of Eco Styles, concurs and says that the best course of action is to steer clear of rapid fashion trends and search for "items you can use repeatedly and in multiple ways in combination with pieces in your existing wardrobe."

Gbor advises examining a brand's philosophy and manufacturing process before making any new purchases. Resources such as US non-profits and Good on You The 2024 Fashion Accountability Report from Remake, which was only published last week, can offer more clarification.
Gbor cautions against greenwashing as well. "A brand is not inherently sustainable just because it employs environmental buzzwords in its marketing."
Lastly, Gbor stresses the significance of making a strategy for what to do with an item of clothing when its life comes to an end, be it donation, repair, or reuse for a different purpose.

Conners advises customers to "take a more considered approach with the skills, ability and budget they have" as their ultimate goal.
"When you do need to purchase a new item of clothing, perhaps you're asking yourself, 'Can I purchase more organic cotton? Could I get anything that will last me longer or that is a little bit more biodegradable?
"It's important to choose something based on wearability in addition to just the fiber."

Learn about aftercare

Regardless of the material, how you take care of your clothing counts. I can't even begin to remember how many times a customer complained about a $100 cotton T-shirt that they thought was "faulty" after throwing it into the hot water spin cycle when I worked in retail.

Even though a lot of clothing these days may say "dry-clean only," the majority will work perfectly with a mild hand wash in cold water.According to Rissanen, "silk has been around for a lot longer than dry cleaning." "I've hand washed and may have even machine washed some silk items, but I believe it's more important to use creative spot cleaning techniques than to wash the entire item."

“It depends also on how much of a garment is actually touching the skin, because anything that is against the skin will require more regular washing because of oils and bacteria.”

Ultimately, he says it’s about “getting curious about the clothes we have and how to care for them in a way that prolongs their life as much as possible.”