Here is a list of sustainable clothing brands that sell breathable, durable clothing pieces.
Photo Credit: Myntra.com
With global warming on the rise due to several factors, including overconsumption, many are becoming more mindful and trying to compensate for the damage already caused by choosing sustainability in all aspects of life. Here is a look at why sustainable fashion is becoming popular, what it entails and five brands offering eco-friendly clothing options right now.
In recent times, people are more conscious than ever about the environment. With global warming on the rise due to several factors, including overconsumption, many are becoming more mindful and trying to compensate for the damage already caused by adopting more sustainable practices in all aspects of life. One of the ways people are making this possible is by leaving fast fashion and choosing sustainable clothing as they become more aware of its impact.
Sustainable fashion is all about making clothes in a way that is better for both the planet and its people. Instead of focusing only on trends or cheap production, it looks at the bigger picture of how a piece of cloth is made, who makes it, and what happens to them after we stop wearing the products. In layman’s terms, sustainable fashion is all about choosing materials that do not harm the environment, like cotton or, even better, recycled fabrics, using less water and energy for production and avoiding harmful chemicals and dyes altogether. It also means to make sure that the workers who create these clothes are treated and compensated fairly.
Sustainable fashion also encourages people to buy fewer but quality clothes over quantity, and wear them for a longer period of time. At its heart, it is all about respecting our nature, human effort and future.
Fast fashion means buying cheap, trendy clothes that are often worn only a few times and then thrown away. This creates a lot of waste and pollution. Factories that make these clothes can also harm the environment by using excessive amounts of water and releasing toxic gases and chemicals.
Now, people are turning to sustainable fashion, in which clothes are made in ways that are better for the planet. Such pieces are often made from natural or recycled materials and are designed to last longer. Even though they sometimes cost more, they save money over time because they do not need to be replaced often.
In today’s time, people are starting to see the hidden cost of fast fashion. And no, it's not just money, but the damage to the planet and also to human lives. Fast fashion is built on speed and lower prices. Some renowned brands produce huge amounts of clothing in a short span of time, often using cheap materials as well as cheap labour. Initially, it all felt convenient and trendy, but with time, people have begun to notice the downside: Polluted rivers, piles and piles of textile waste and workers facing unfair working conditions.
Sustainable fashion, on the other hand, is an alternative for saving not just the environment, but human lives as well. Such clothing pieces focus on quality over quantity and many are now drawn to that idea. People now are buying one good quality, premium-looking and comfortable shirt over five as a result.
Another reason why sustainable fashion is gaining popularity is awareness. Social media, documentaries and conversations around climate change have opened the eyes of people. Nowadays, choosing sustainable fashion has also become a quiet statement, as people want their choices to reflect their beliefs.
The 7 Rs of sustainable fashion are nothing but simple guiding ideas that help us care for our clothes, and our planet a little more. These are reminders that fashion does not need to be wasteful.
Reduce: The biggest problem in fashion currently is overproduction. We buy hundreds of clothes throughout the year, only to wear them once or twice. So, the first principle tells us to buy fewer clothes. Choose only what you really need instead of following every new trend.
Reuse: Waste from textile has become one of the fastest growing waste streams globally. What you can do is to wear your clothes again and again. Style them in different ways so they feel fresh. You can also thrift, swap or borrow from others.
Repair: Fast fashion has led us to forget how to care for clothes. Instead of throwing ones with small holes or a broken button into the trash, fix the small damages. It not only saves money, but also reduces waste.
Repurpose: Turn old or worn out clothes into something new instead of tossing them into a dustbin. You can turn old shirts, kurtas or T-shirts into bags, a scarf or stole into some kind of art, or denim scraps into coasters.
Rent: For those one time occasions like weddings, rent out extravagant clothes instead of buying new ones because let’s be honest none of us wear those heavy sarees or lehengas for any other occasion.
Resell: If you do not like to wear a cloth more than once or twice, you can sell them through various online platforms rather than letting them gather dust or worse, throw them out.
Recycle: When clothes are too worn out to be used, repurposed or resold, recycling should be the option. But it should not be the first thing you do.
Sustainable clothes are the ones that are made with eco-friendly fabrics and are made to last long. Here are the main types of clothes that are considered sustainable:
Clothes made from natural and eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, hemp and bamboo are sustainable as they break down easily without harming nature.
Pieces that are made from recycled materials like old fabrics, textile waste or even plastic are sustainable as well. These clothes give the waste materials a second life instead of letting them turn into trash.
Sustainability is also about how long something lasts. Clothes that are well-made and strong can be worn for years, thus reducing the need to keep buying new ones.
Clothes that are made by workers who are paid fairly and work in safe working conditions are sustainable.
Second-hand or thrifted clothes are another sustainable choice as it reduces waste and gives garments a longer life.
In many cases, yes. Sustainable clothes tend to be better in quality than regular fast-fashion items. But it is not always mandatory. Brands and how a piece of cloth is made are also important factors in deciding whether it has better quality or not. Sustainable fashion usually focuses on doing things right rather than quickly, which means the focus is on stronger stitching, better fabrics and more attention to detail. Since these clothes are meant to last longer than usual, they are often made keeping durability in mind so that they do not lose shape, fade or tear after just a few uses.
With growing awareness, e-commerce platforms like Myntra are offering a wide range of stylish options made from recycled materials, making it easier for people to go for more eco-friendly choices. Here are some sustainable fashion brands you can check out.
Based out of Rajasthan, the brand is known for its understated everyday staples. The company works with artisans in Udaipur to create clothes that barely consume water and energy in the production process. This green floral print dress features a V-neck, long, puff sleeves and a ruffle detailing. Made of cotton fabric, the maxi-length dress comes with a belt. The flowy outfit is perfect for hot summer days.
Known for turning wastage into fashion, Doodlage uses leftover or unused fabric to create timeless pieces. This coral-coloured, geometric-printed kurta features a round neck and short, regular sleeves, with a calf-length hem, for professional as well as casual outings. Pair it with a white legging or palazzo, or even a pair of denim jeans, and you are good to go.
Want to invest in good, tailored women's wear that's sustainable? The Terra Tribe is the brand for you. Their clothes are not only made through short production runs, but they also use dyes that do not cause any major harm to the environment. Their copper-toned organic shirt-style top features a Mandarin collar, regular sleeves, and a front tie-up that transforms the shirt into a fashion statement.
Roadster has a collection of eco-friendly clothes, particularly in denim and shirts, featuring organic cotton and recycled fabric. This white printed casual shirt has a spread collar, long sleeves, a button placket, and a curved hem. You can pair it with denim jeans or regular trousers.
Vastramay offers a range of sustainable men’s ethnic wear made from eco-friendly materials such as pure cotton. If you want something comfortable and breathable, this printed kurta is a perfect fit. The grey-coloured kurta comes with a Mandarin collar, long roll-up sleeves, and a straight cut, reaching the knee.
Why are people preferring sustainable clothes over fast fashion?
People are turning to sustainable clothes for the betterment of the environment. Fashion creates waste and pollution, while sustainable clothing focuses on quality and long-term use.
What is the impact of fast fashion on the environment?
Fast fashion harms the environment by creating huge amounts of waste. Besides, clothes are often thrown away after a few uses, making such pieces also require a lot of water, chemicals and energy, which pollute the environment. This also increases carbon emissions.
Are there any sustainable clothing brands available on Myntra?
Yes, many clothing brands that are available on Myntra offer a wide range of sustainable clothes that can be used for a long time.
Do sustainable clothes last longer?
Yes, sustainable clothes usually last longer because they are made with better quality materials and careful production methods. Unlike fast fashion, these pieces are designed for durability and repeated use.
How are sustainable clothes made?
Brands usually made use of eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled fabrics, or leftover clothes. The production process uses less water, fewer chemicals, and focuses on reducing waste.
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