Sustainable fashion is an increasingly important topic in the fashion industry, and for good reason. As fashion accounts for nearly 10% of the world’s pollution, it's more important than ever for us to consider the environmental and social impacts of our clothing choices.
With the rise in second-hand shopping becoming mainstream, we want to take a step back and reflect on why retail should still be considered in the sustainable fashion game.
Here’s what we think:
People will continue to buy new items. Whether it's for practical reasons (such as needing to replace worn out underwear or swimsuits), or simply because they want to refresh their wardrobe, people will continue to purchase new clothing. Despite second-hand clothing growing as a market, the retail market barely budges.
This is why it's so important for retail to be part of the sustainable fashion conversation. Retailers have the power to shape consumer behavior and drive demand for sustainable clothing. By stocking their shelves with eco-friendly and ethically-made clothing, retailers can send a powerful message to their customers that sustainable fashion is not just a niche market – it's the future of fashion.
Greenwashing is amuck. Sustainability and eco-friendliness play a large role for the people that buy new clothing, ranking in the top 5 qualities consumers look for in products in our surveys. As a result, advertising and marketing clothes as sustainable has risen, even when the products and companies show no real proof that they are. We need a way to keep these brands accountable for their manufacturing practices.
Incorporating sustainable fashion into retail also provides an opportunity for everyday people to make more informed choices. This can only drive home the idea that sustainable fashion should be the expected way to make and buy clothing. By showcasing sustainable fashion in stores, retailers can help educate their customers on what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for sustainable clothing.
At SHADY.CLUB, we are committed to promoting sustainable fashion in all its forms, including retail. By providing a platform for sustainable fashion brands to showcase their products, we are helping to drive demand for eco-friendly and ethically-made clothing. We believe that by working together, we can create a future where sustainable fashion is the norm, not the exception.
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