Can fashion be sustainable and affordable?
Fast fashion has undoubtedly brought cheap clothes within easy reach of the average UK consumer, and last year the turnover in the sector was estimated to be approximately £10.5bn. But can our clothing truly be both sustainable and affordable at the same time?
The global fashion industry is the second largest polluter on earth, only overshadowed by the oil and gas industry. It’s responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions (more than air travel), and is the second biggest consumer of water after agriculture.
Fast fashion prices are partly kept low by making large amounts of the same item, using economies of scale. Pile it high and sell it cheap. It’s more complicated than that, though. Many corners are cut: cheap materials such as polyester, rushed manufacturing techniques, low wages, poor working conditions including sweatshops, and child labour and other exploitation.
It might be cheap, but fast fashion isn’t sustainable or ethical.
What are the affordable alternatives to fast fashion?
Let’s look at alternatives to fast fashion, while also looking at affordability.
Always remember the basics
The best thing for both the planet and your bank balance is to repair, reuse and look after the clothes you already own. You can also alter and upcycle them if you want to change things up or get creative.
However, eventually our clothes will wear out, or perhaps become outgrown or no longer fit our needs… and will need to be replaced.
Options when it’s time to replace clothes
The cheapest options are nearly always to buy second hand, make a swap, or pick up something that’s being given away for free. For kids there may also be local baby clothing banks or school uniform schemes.
I love buying second hand and vintage, but it can sometimes have drawbacks. For example, it can be time consuming when you’re looking for anything specific, there are a few dishonest sellers out there, and marketplaces are often swamped with poorly-made fast fashion items that fit badly and aren’t easy to recycle or made to last.
If you decide to buy new clothes, there are quite a few different ways to get value for money while keeping your choices more sustainable.
Although they’re likely to cost a bit more there are several brands that are reasonably priced, and you can often shop during sales, or use discount codes, multi-buy offers and loyalty schemes.
Sustainable & affordable fashion choices
Wherever possible, make considered purchases. Buy fewer garments, and pick clothes that are versatile and can be mixed, matched, and worn many times.
Look for well-made garments with natural or recycled fibres that are made to last and will survive lots of washes. Keep an eye out for closely woven quality fabrics that’ll look good for longer, neat and tidy seams and other stitching, and sturdy fastenings such as zips.
Research what different companies say about their eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, ethical treatment of workers, and the possibility of renting or re-selling.
Sustainable & affordable fashion brands in the UK
It goes without saying that some brands are better than others when it comes to their carbon footprint, and other credentials. A few have been built from the ground up with sustainability at their core, and others are trying to improve.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Albaray – versatile sustainable womenswear designed for everyday, with carbon-neutral shipping, also stocked in John Lewis, M&S and Next.
- Aligne – contemporary British womenswear made with care and conscience, luxe designs at accessible prices.
- Baukjen – climate action award winner, responsibly sourced womenswear made in Europe, regular sales & discounts.
- Busby & Fox – independent women’s fashion brand with stylish capsule collection, in partnership with Ecologi.
- Lucy & Yak – colourful, comfy clothing made with organic cotton, recycled wool and recycled polyester, plus repairs, upcycling & marketplace.
- Nobody’s Child – responsible fashion brand for women, lots of fun styles and collections at accessible prices.
- Omnes – climate positive, sustainable & affordable women’s fashion brand, plus recyclable clothing.
- Patagonia – American sustainable brand, outdoor & everyday wear, plus repairs & 2nd-hand sellers.
- Thought – womenswear from ethical factories, using natural & sustainable yarns that use less water & pesticides, and create less c02.
- Unfolded – womenswear made every few months in batches (can be a long wait), chance to vote on new designs.
- Yes Friends – fairtrade organic cotton, solar powered factory, prices kept low with large batches.
Most of these companies have regular promotions, such as sales, free postage offers and discount codes, as well as creating good value clothes that are made to last. There’s something for most tastes and budgets too.
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Are you interested in shopping more sustainably? Do you have any favourite brands or shops that should be added to the list?
