Eco-Friendly Clothes: How and Where to Find Them

The fashion business is changing for the better as more and more people become conscious of how our decisions affect the environment. Eco-friendly clothing is a movement that focuses on sustainability, ethical production, and being more aware of what you buy, who made it and where it’s come from.

At Plainandsimple, we think that eco-friendly clothes should be stylish, easy to find, and easy to understand. This guide will help you figure out what to look for and where to find brands and pieces that align with your values, whether you're new to conscious fashion or want to add more sustainable pieces to your collection.

Why environmentally friendly clothing is important

The traditional fashion industry uses a lot of resources and makes a lot of pollution. The environmental damage is huge, from the huge amounts of water used to grow cotton to the harmful dyes and chemicals that end up in waterways. Fast fashion, which is known for using inexpensive materials, making things in large quantities and selling them quickly, makes the problem worse by encouraging people to over-spend and in turn, produce more waste.

On the other hand, eco-friendly clothing is all about doing the least amount of harm and making things last as long as possible. It looks at every part of a garment's life cycle, from the raw materials and working conditions to the packaging and the waste it creates. When you buy clothes that are created in a way that is good for people, animals, and the earth, you are supporting sustainable practices.

What makes clothes good for the environment?

Before we talk about where to acquire eco-friendly clothes, let's talk about what makes a piece of clothing really eco-friendly. It's not just about the "green" label. Check for these important things:

1. Materials that last

Organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, TENCEL™ (lyocell), and recycled fibres are some examples of fabrics that use less water and energy and don't utilise harmful pesticides and chemicals.

2. Ethical production

Eco-friendly brands put fair labour standards, safe working conditions, and wages that people can live on at the top of their list. A key sign of ethical commitment is when there is complete transparency in the supply chain.

3. Dyes and processes that have less environmental impact

Dyes that are natural or have no impact on the environment, lower water pollution. Some brands also employ closed-loop systems to recycle water and chemicals during the production process.

4. Minimal waste

Designs that make good use of fabric, encourage recycling or upcycling, or have take-back programs cut down on waste.

5. Long lasting and timelessness

Sustainable fashion encourages people to buy fewer, better-made clothes that last. Think of basics that can be worn all year round and cuts that never go out of style (like the ones we have at Plainandsimple).

Where to Buy Clothes That Are Good for the Environment

It's never been easier to find eco-friendly clothing. Here's how to buy better, both online and in person.

1. Buy from brands that are eco-friendly

Many fashion brands are dedicated to being environmentally friendly from the start. We make modern wardrobe basics out of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton at Plainandsimple. We are completely open about the materials we use and the way we do business.

Some other well-known brands in this area are:

• People Tree is a leader in sustainable fashion with pieces that are Fair Trade certified.

• Veja makes eco-friendly trainers out of wild rubber from the Amazon.

• Reformation is a brand that makes trendy women's clothes with a focus on sustainability.

2. Look at the Certifications

You can check claims about sustainability with third-party certifications. Check for:

• GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard and is used for organic fibres.

• Fair Trade Certified means that the company treats its workers fairly.

• OEKO-TEX stands for fabrics that are safe and free of chemicals.

Cradle to Cradle Certified means that the design is circular and doesn't waste anything.

3. Look into secondhand and vintage items

Buying used items is always good for the environment. There are a lot of pre-loved clothes on apps and websites like Depop, Vinted and eBay. It’s easy to find secondhand clothes that are still in great shape with lots of life left in them.

There are other fantastic places to find one-of-a-kind, cheap clothes with no extra environmental impact at local charity shops and vintage boutiques.

4. Help small and local designers

When you buy from local craftspeople or small, independent labels, you frequently get more open supply chains, smaller manufacturing runs, and a smaller carbon footprint because shipping is done locally.

How to Make Your Wardrobe Last

You don't have to change everything in your wardrobe all at once if you're just starting out. It's not about making perfect decisions; it's about making better ones. Here are some things you can do to assist you in making a mindful wardrobe:

1. Buy Less, Pick Wisely

Choose things that are well-made and can be worn throughout the year. We focus on traditional shapes and silhouettes at Plainandsimple for this very reason: items that can be worn in many different ways over and over again.

2. Know What You Like

Your style should be your guide, even though trends come and go. Stick to styles, colours, and fabrics that you know you enjoy and will wear often.

3. Look at the label

Think about what the materials are made of and where they are created. A brand that is open about its business is a good sign that it’s trustworthy.

4. Take care of your clothes

Washing your clothes in cold water, letting them air dry, and storing them correctly will help them last longer. Instead of throwing things away, learn how to fix small things yourself or hire a tailor to do it for you.

5. Think circular

If you don't wear something anymore, consider upcycling it into something new or donating it to charity. Some manufacturers, like ours, have programs that let you return or recycle clothes so they don't end up in landfills.

Get Involved

Sustainable fashion is changing how we think about buying things. You vote for the kind of world you want to live in with every pound you spend. At Plainandsimple, we’re delighted to be part of the drive to make the fashion business more ethical and environmentally friendly.