A stitch in time: sustainable fashion gains momentum in 2024

More and more customers are increasingly opting towards more sustainable fashion, whether that's brands that are environmentally friendly production and materials or even learning to shop second hand and being able to style other peoples clothing and make them your own! This new stream of environmentally conscious consumers are aligning their own personal values with their wardrobe choices. This new shift in modern mindsets is compelling fashion houses to reconsider their manufacturing methods and their supply chains!

As we see sustainable fashion gain more and more momentum, education plays a crucial role in ensuring consumers make informed choices. Fashion brands are taking new and proactive steps to be able to raise awareness about the environmental impact of clothing production and consumption. From online resources to spread the word, to in-store campaigns, these initiatives aim to empower consumers with the knowledge needed to be able to make sustainable fashion choices, ones that are right for them! Clothing brands all across the globe are catching the sustainability bug.

Of course it's not just the environment that suffers, in recent years it’s certainly come to light that the fashion industry has faced increasing scrutiny for not only its negative impact on the environment but the abuse of human rights. In 2023 alone, nearly 4 million garment workers in Bangladesh, the world's largest garment and textile exporting country, took to the streets, protesting for higher wages and better working conditions after having basic human rights violated.

From big brands to smaller boutiques, it seems that everyone is trying to do their bit for the planet and giving people better working conditions when it comes to fashion, with some of the smaller brands being some of the best places for these sustainable types of clothing. We took a look at the stunning women’s brand Sarah Thomson, where these ladies have made it their mission to create not just beautiful pieces but pieces made out of completely sustainable and recyclable materials. All of the materials used are built to last, meaning there is less chance of them being thrown away or disregarded.

So all in all, us as the consumers are just as equally responsible when it comes to fashion and giving our planet and workers what’s best , when consumers aim to buy really cheap, poorly made clothing items, then the fast fashion companies are going to keep trying to supply the items that are so damaging to our environment. Our best route to take is to shop at your local small businesses, go for quality that you know is going to last you and try to get to know platforms like Vinted or Depop, where you can find affordable items looking for a new home! In 2024 sustainable fashion is not just a trend- it’s a movement that’s here to stay!