The movement towards sustainable fashion in Ireland has been growing steadily in recent years which has been welcomed by many a fashionista. The fashion industry is the 3rd most polluting industry in the world and accounts for 8.1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
A lot of us have been brainwashed into thinking fast fashion is essential and that we need to buy a new outfit for every occasion which simply isn’t the case. Sustainable fashion enables us to be more sensible and practical with our wardrobe choices by participating in clothing swap shops, re-wearing clothes, and being more creative with our fashion. The following brands are striving to encourage slow fashion and the upcycling and restyling of old clothes.
First up is sustainable brand Bébhínn based in Waterford. They work on a made to order basis to reduce waste. Bébhínn stock Irish linen from Emblem Weavers in Wexford and Merino Wool from Donegal Yarns.
Next up is Wild Éire, the perfect name for a sustainable Irish brand. Wild Éire sells vintage and reworked clothing catering to all shapes, sizes, and styles.
Lemon Queen Vintagebased in Galway sells vintage clothes and handmade accessories. Owner Chloe Redmond often holds pop up shops for her reworked creations and beautifully handcrafted jewellery. Chloe likes to mix and match reworked clothes and knows just how to perfect transitional outfits.
Dublin based vintage store, Alter X Craftproduce handmade and upcycled vintage pieces from many of your much-loved sports brands such as Adidas, Kappa, Puma, and Fila, etc. They create one-of-a-kind outfits and breathe new life into old clothing by reworking it into something new and modern.
GMIT Design student Aine Farrell set up AF Reworks in August and is a huge advocate for sustainable fashion. Aine also reworks clothing and upcycles items for customers turning something they don’t ear anymore into a piece they love. Galway influencer Róisín Kearns is a fan of AF Reworks and purchased a patchwork denim bralette recently. Aine’s Depop is @ainefarrell
If you’re in the market for some preloved clothing check out Galway’s environmentally conscious shop, No. 8 Boutique At No. 8 they sell clothing, footwear, handbag, and accessories for the environment-conscious style queen. This is a great way to buy high street fashion without directly supporting the fast fashion cycle if you’re not ready to commit to being a fully sustainable wardrobe just yet.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to delve into the sustainable fashion world you have to check out Thriftify It’s an online charity shop which again encourages the sustainable fashion message to people whilst also funds many incredible charities. Their Instagram is fantastic and full of information on how to be more sustainable in life as well as through your fashion choices.
Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone is home to men’s vintage store, 505 Men’s Vintage. As well as having a physical store they also have a great online presence and sell accessories, casual brands, and evening wear. Alf and Roe Vintage is their sister store for women’s vintage.
There is an abundance of fashionable and stylish sustainable fashion out there. Next time you’re looking for a new outfit consider looking at one of these stores, or other sustainable brands before hopping straight over to Penney’s or Boohoo