Three Pillars of Compromised Design in Sustainable Fashion
Am I the only one that has noticed the lack of personality in sustainable fashion? Why are companies compromising design and your genuine likeness of a product for the cause they are trying to promote? This isn’t necessarily a bad thing either, but as the consumer, we want to get the most bang for our buck! It’s unfortunate that most sustainable fashion brands (that I’ve seen at least) tailor solely to organic material that essentially gives the brand a personality but are forgetting about the style factor of it all. Personally, as someone in their twenties, I love to purchase new outfits or repurpose “old” ones when I go out for a good time, but the sustainable community is lacking. Now, not only do I want an outfit to comfortably flatter my body, but as a person constantly looking for better and more sustainable ways of living, I prefer to purchase items that are supporting a cause, forming a movement, and revolutionizing the planet.
One more gold star to add to my planetary mindfulness collection.
The current sustainable fashion community is an absolute snore and my web reminders for new product drops from my favorite environmentally conscious brands have been turned off all season and here’s why.
Amidst my personal shopping adventures, I’ve come to learn more about the fashion community in terms of the organic materials that are outsourced internationally to weave better quality and long-lasting clothing. These outsourced materials drive the price points for sustainable fashion and although it may seem out of budget and non-plausible to spend what may seem like a fortune on a few great basics, I’ve come to realize that most sustainable fashion is just that. Basic. The seemingly “do good, feel good” fashion realm can easily be broken down into three major pillars that heavily influence conscious clothing.
Pillar No. 1
Sustainable Fashion is Basic
Monochromatic and color blocking fashion pieces are what I’ve found to be the easiest designs to pair because they’re overtly basic. And so much, that wearing four different shades of the same color in one outfit isn’t a bad idea either. The downfall of basic sustainable fashion is that alongside the color schemes, the cut and design of clothing items aren’t exactly custom as much as they are form fitting. Anybody can wear a tee shirt. In addition, we see more “day off” clothing and unisex trends that are prominent in the world of leisure activities and may seemingly elevate your chill zone.
Although concious clothing as an industry doesnt accelerate as quickly as fast fashion, I must say that there are still ways that brands can overcome this mediocrity and produce something with a newer design that’s worthwhile. People who want to support companies with the ecosystem in mind may revert to their favorite fast fashion companies due to the lack of non-diversifying design. Wear the earth but make it modern.
Pillar No. 2
Sustainable Fashion is Intimate
For sustainable fashion to become intimate, one must sell timeless and organic pieces that cater to any body type. These intimate pieces are usually coming in the form of matching lingerie sets that make you and the planet feel sexy. The three pillars of sustainable fashion coincide in a very specific manner. Some ethical brands sell intimates that are basic in color, plentiful in design, and consist of organic non-moisture wicking or sweat absorption materials that are convenient and highly recommended for exercise enthusiasts. The most popular materials that brand labels outsource to create sustainable intimates are organic cotton and bamboo, making the fabrics breathable, softer, natural, and long-lasting.
Pillar No.3
Sustainable Fashion is Athleisure
This is the most popular and greatly sought-after pillar of eco-conscious fashion because it’s shape shifting, effortless, and versatile. It also tends to be basic in design, which adds another similarity amongst the three major pillars of conscious fashion. Now, I am aware that I’ve mentioned the term “basic” a few times now. Just so that I am being transparent, that is not in efforts of belittling brand labels or driving buyers away from certain companies. These are simply personal observations. However way one might view the scenario, athleisure is trending and streetwear becoming the new high fashion. Highly notable brands such as Balenciaga, Yeezy, and Travis Scott’s latest Cactus Jack collection are no stranger to highly marketed and sought-after streetwear. Below, I have included a variety of my favorite pieces from my arsenal of conscious brands, all of which are utilizing one or all three pillars of conscious fashion.
Click on the images to bring you directly to the site for purchase.
Basic. Intimate. And Modern Planet Proof.
