Sustainable fashion (also known as eco-fashion) is a term describing products, processes, activities, and people (policymakers, brands, consumers) that aim to achieve a carbon-neutral fashion industry built on equality, social justice, animal welfare, and ecological integrity. Sustainable fashion concerns more than fashion textiles or products, rather addressing the entire process in which clothing is produced, consumed and disposed of.
At Vogue we identified three categories that can help us extend the life of each garment we own: repair, rewear, and reuse.
Sustainable fashion has become a business imperative, with customers increasingly willing to pay more for eco-friendly and sustainably produced clothing. This article defines sustainable fashion as a holistic approach encompassing environmental, social, and ethical considerations throughout the fashion product lifecycle. It highlights examples of U.S. brands advocating sustainability and the importance of waste reduction, fair wages, and reduced carbon emissions in sustainable fashion.
The article also discusses key sustainable fashion trends, including ethical and fair-trade practices, eco-friendly materials, vegan and cruelty-free fashion, upcycled fashion, and circular fashion. It mentions a sustainability report by the Business of Fashion and emphasizes the need to combat fast fashion's throwaway culture.
However, it also points out the challenge of overproduction and greenwashing in the fashion industry, urging brands to understand sustainability holistically and avoid deceptive certifications. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of upskilling in sustainability, with educational opportunities offered by organizations like Emeritus to promote sustainability in the fashion industry.