Recycled fashion is making waves in mainstream media. As we see a resurgence of 1990s and 2000s fashion, we see a revival for thrifting and eco friendly branding options as a result. But how long will these so-called “trends” last? For eco-friendly sustainability, it needs to be much longer than a week. According to NASA, 2020 was tied with 2016 as being the hottest years since 1880. The continued rise of global temperatures is increasingly worrying scientists and citizens alike. 

Since only some big companies are working to slowly change their production and manufacturing to be more eco friendly, it is up to us as consumers to practice sustainability. It only takes one person to start a change! With that, let's look at some green fashion trends that never go out of style and see how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe.

Leather is out

The days of real genuine leather are out. For many people, real leather is just too expensive anyway. Even if you can afford the real deal, it's best to stop production of animal skins for clothes that will go in and out of style so quickly. Instead, try out some vegan leather options! According to MycoWorks, mushroom leather is a sustainable option to reduce waste and give back to the planet. This fabric is made out of mycelium which grows naturally on the earth, is compressed into a solid foam and made densely intertwined to create a new material. This fabric called Fine Mycelium has the same strength and durability as real leather would, but at half of the eco-cost!

With brands like Lululemon and Adidas already switching their products over, you can begin to make the ethical choice to buy clothes and products that give back to the planet, rather than taking from it. At Rabôt, we make garments from deadstock fabrics, which are excess fabrics from other fashion houses or  fabrics mills.

Avoid Greenwashing

How many companies have you seen that promise eco-friendly options all while selling their products in layers of plastic? Too many companies are guilty of greenwashing, which is defined as anything from misleading packaging to directly lying about the carbon emissions a company puts into the air. With so many brands and corporations hurting the earth, it's important to check the facts before purchasing.

Some companies like Zara, H&M and Uniqlo as well as many other unnamed fashion brands are attempting new ways of marking themselves. To hide their fast fashion status, brands redesign their image, or set up brief campaigns to look like they have changed their ways, when in reality, it's all for show. Stay away from brands that lie about their green status, and instead look into companies like us at Rabôt, who make sustainable and fashionable clothes with very low eco-cost. Also check out this website from Good On You. This company has created an app that can tell you easily how sustainable a brand is. Check out their website for more tips and download the app today.

Pre-loved clothing

Brands like RealReal and Vestiaire are great alternatives to finding amazing clothes that won’t break the bank or the earth. With the rise of companies like Poshmark and Depop, as well as the internet’s current love for thrifting, this surge for pre-loved clothes has proven to be an earth saver. Buying second hand luxury items is a simple and sustainable way to stay in style without hurting the earth. Looking stylish, staying sustainable and still wearing Saint Laurent? Yes, yes, and yes to all of the above!

Many of these companies have products that are unique, high-quality and have proven authenticity. This means that finding that Burberry bag doesn’t mean you have to dig through a bin at Goodwill to be sustainable. Finding luxury clothes and stylish pieces can be easy on the internet, while still being good to the planet. Rabôt makes this our mission as well. Whether you want casual clothes or a floor length gown, we make a point to offer various pieces with sustainability in mind.

Make your own clothes

With the rise of remote work, there is more time to pick up hobbies and relax for the day. With knitwear and crochet fabrics back in style, now is the time to pick up a new hobby! Find a tutorial at home and learn how you can make accessories and clothes out of knitwear. Ecocult’s article on where to find sustainable yarn and fabrics makes it even easier to give back to the planet and express yourself with your own designs. So find that tutorial and teach yourself a new skill while you help save the earth. Who knew sustainability could be so stylish?

With all of these great options for sustainable fashion and eco-friendly styling, we see a lot of potential for these green trends. By finding even a few small ways to change what you wear to be more sustainable, you are saving the planet. It only takes a few people to make a big difference, so start today! Remember, fashion is cyclical, it takes a true style icon to know how to be sustainable and fashionable. Don’t throw out your old clothes, donate them or find a new way to wear them. Push back against wasteful fashion and stand out with your own style.

Photo Credit: Yoshitomo Nara