Changes within the fashion world are seen every now and then; however, change has happened over the last few years not just with regard to styles but even in attitude. Circular fashion is shaping the way one thinks of clothes; here, the focus has always been towards sustainability and ecologically responsible conduct. What then is circular fashion, and why is it relevant? Let us therefore delve into the trend where not only are you feeling good about yourself, but what you are dressed in makes you feel just as great!
What is Circular Fashion?
Essentially, the circular fashion model is an effort to close the life cycle of clothes. It doesn't behave as traditional fashion, that is, buying, using, and then dumping. In a word, it can extend its life through recycling, upcycling, fixing them, and sharing them too, though one would end up saving the material or the resource. That would still be some savings on that waste disposal from the landfill.
Why circular fashion matters
Actually, one of the major polluters in the world is fashion, as it accounts for 10 percent of global carbon emissions and 92 million tons of textile waste annually! It is a way toward changing the tide of this "fast fashion," which has been damaging earth and society with grounds of inequality.
Fact: For the past two years since 2022, several brands, such as H&M, Patagonia, and Levi's, have scaled circular initiatives by promoting services for repair, recycling, and resale. This tells us that circular fashion is a must, not a choice.
Important Practices of Circular Fashion
- We do not throw away used clothes but recycle and upcycle them. That which becomes old today, becomes new; we have a style—to use old jeans as jacket material, even as an item for furniture.
- Swapping & Renting: Apps like "Rent the Runway" or "Swap Society" make trying new styles easy without the purchase of new clothes. Renting outfits for particular occasions or swapping with friends will keep the style fresh while creating less waste.
- Fix a Service: It's more of a statement than an ability. Patagonia as well as Nudie Jeans is starting these fix programs, allowing for more wear from clothing due to repair. Another option that further adds to the life of your clothes is a service that learns to wash fewer items and hang-dry everything.
- Sustainable Materials: Brands are encouraged to use sustainable materials in a circular fashion, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, or even "innovative" fabrics made from things like mushrooms and orange peel. These have lower environmental impacts than conventional textiles.
The Future of Circular Fashion
This awareness is making mainstream circulation fashion. Ellen MacArthur Foundation reported in the year 2023 that most of Gen Z are consciously looking for sustainable brands and the most responsible so far. There will be more adoption in the near future with this trend, as the technology is coming to make recycling of fabrics an easy and efficient task.
How You Can Support Circular Fashion
Supporting circular fashion is easy. It might be as simple as buying old clothes, repairing a ripped shirt, or even taking sewing classes. Every bit helps, and the best part about sustainable fashion is what you probably already have—what's in your closet!