Keeping up with fashions can be a tough task. With the world so globalized and connected through social media, it seems as though the latest trends change in the blink of an eye. I’ll be the first to admit that going for the cheaper clothing companies is tempting, particularly as a university student on a limited budget, but it’s time to re-evaluate our shopping habits that are having a massive detrimental impact on the environment.
“Fast fashion” is the mass and often unethical production of clothing that uses numerous resources and is often thrown out soon after purchase due to its low quality. It may be appealing to shop at stores such as Zara and H&M, which are generally easily accessible and follow the latest styles, but ultimately their practices are damaging to the world around us. The best way to reduce our footprint with regards to buying clothes is thrifting — second-hand stores can be a great place to find a few interesting pieces to add to your wardrobe. That being said, vintage and second-hand stores can be slightly limited in their selection of sizes and styles. If you’re considering investing slightly more money in fewer pieces that you’ll be able to keep for a long time, here are a few ethical, sustainable, and stylish clothing companies you can check out:
Allbirds
If you’re looking for comfy footwear that’s not only fashionable but also made from sustainable materials, look no further. This New Zealand-based company’s shoes are a great alternative to your classic running shoe.
Preloved
Want something that’s slightly vintage, slightly new? Well, Preloved gives you the best of both worlds. This company takes old clothes and puts a new spin on them, carefully crafting each individual piece.
Reformation
Originally an American company, Reformation has finally made its way to Canada opening up a store in Yorkdale Mall in Toronto. It has a wide variety of clothing, all classically stylish, allowing you to keep the pieces for years despite the changing trends.
Frank And Oak
Frank And Oak is a Certified B clothing store, meaning their company has committed to the highest ethical and environmental standards for their pieces. Not only do they have a large selection of both men and women’s clothing to choose from, but their packaging is also 100% recyclable. What more could you ask for?
Overall, it can seem hard to justify spending money on buying clothes ethically, especially when we see 2-for-$20 t-shirt sales at the mall, but avoiding the fast fashion industry can greatly reduce your environmental footprint, ensuring a world that is both safer and greener in the future.