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Clothing that breathes

Clothing that breathes 

There’s a few factors consumer’s can implement to be more economically and environmentally friendly when purchasing, caring for and disposing of garments. Fast fashion is inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends. The problem with this and today's expectations of social media has created a need to keep up with the latest styles and wearing items to create content usually one off or a few times occasions. I feel we’re lacking appreciation in the garments we’re able to buy so easily. Taking small one percenters to take care of your items can be environmentally friendly, make the most out of your money spent and gives the clothing a lifetime. 

Awareness: knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. In the context of fast fashion consumers need to be more aware in the materials and manufacturing process. Knowledge about the garments your purchasing can contribute to how long a life they last. The turn over on fast fashion has caused consumers to have quick access to current designs at a cheaper price, seems like the best of both worlds. Though brands are single handedly filling landfills across the world, the quality of these items aren’t good. Materials can also contain harmful chemicals in fibres, dyes and prints that are finely disclosed. These products are manufactured in third-world countries where these chemicals aren’t overlooked and still legalised, though sold worldwide causing possible health issues such as cancer and birth defects. Think again why there so cheap in the first place. 

There’s a few different ways we can take care of our clothing to uphold its durability and lifetime. We can adapt things like learning basic repairs, airing out clothing and washing only when necessary. There’s basic everyday washing instructions like cold wash only, avoid tumble drying, not using harsh chemicals or bleach, not ironing prints, not wringing items and hand washing delicates. Nylon, polyester, acrylic and other synthetic material makes up 60% of material in clothing worldwide. Not being conscious to specific needs of individual garments can contribute to micro-plastic pollution through water supply from items with a synthetic blend. To find out how much plastic your washing machine is sending out to the sea head to the link and read more. 

https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/9/19/17800654/clothes-plastic-pollution-polyester-washing-machine. Other than the environmental factors taking care of your garments ensures how long of a life they’ll have, consumers will get more use out of them and keep them in good condition. Consciously disposing, donating or repurposing items can also give clothes a longer life. According to the Council of textile and fashion Australia, $500 million worth of fashion disposed in Australian landfills yearly, 95% of it could have been recycled or reused. If we care more for our items giving them a longer life span and keeping up their quality the easier it is to rehome preloved goods. Here’s some tips to reduce, reuse and recycle unwanted items: 

- Reduce your need to recycle clothing by buying for the long run - Buying quality items that will overall last longer - Following care instructions - Give away items or take to the local donation bin  - Buy, swap or trade in items on online marketplaces - Repurpose any items for any cleaning duties

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March, 1973

Elton John performing “Crocodile Rock” onstage at the Edmonton Sundown, London by Barry Wentzell

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What is ethical fashion???

What is ethical fashion you ask? Well, like anything that is ethical, it is fashion that is morally right and acceptable, it is pretty self explanatory really but I will explain in a little more detail what exactly makes fashion ethical and the issues behind it.

Ethical fashion; or as many associate it as, eco fashion, is the process of covering a range of issues. The term is used to describe issues that arise in the four sectors of fashion; design, production, retail and purchasing. 

The purpose of ethical fashion is to maximise benefits to people, communities and business and to minimise the impact on the environment.

What issues could possibly occur within this industry? 

The most popular issues that could arise are, the working conditions, fair trade, exploitation, animal welfare and the environment. The working conditions occur in the cheapest of fashion clothing stores, this means that in most cases, that super cheap item of clothing you bought from a low priced store is most likely made in a factory with extremely poor working conditions and unhealthy environments with the workers being on very low salaries; not that you would be aware of this when buying the product, and this is what ethical fashion is all about, working to prevent these aspects and also make people aware of the unknown.

Also, within the textile side of fashion also faces some issues in the sense that most textiles are usually treated with chemicals. This could be to either dye, wash or soften them but little do you and I know that the chemicals used to do this can sometimes to dangerous to the skin as the chemicals could be transferred to those wearing the clothes. The same goes for the environment as some of the chemicals used are toxic. 

What has been put in place to prevent the problems occurring in businesses and the industry on the whole?

There is a forum and criteria in which businesses within the fashion industry follow that consist of ten set points that if all are followed, will allow a business to full engage in ethics and sustainability. For example, the fashion industry has began both using and developing eco-friendly fabrics and various components with one of the most popular being fair trade and organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown without the use of chemicals which means that there is nothing possibly toxic within the use of it which makes a huge different to the usual cotton which is used massively in businesses and industry. Cotton is one of the most chemical-laden crops in the world so the fact that organic cotton is now being introduced is a massive positive for the fashion industry and its eco statics. 

Are there any eco-friendly high street Fashion brands that you may not have known were actually ethical?

For all of you online shopaholics out there, it may be interesting to know that ASOS have an eco friendly section of their website known as the ‘green room’ which hosts a wide range of clothing brands such as up cycled vintage. This is a way of recycling clothes which is of course great for the environment on the whole and everyone loves a good vintage garment, right??? It is a wardrobe must have! 

The high street store brand Fat Face is known for its eco friendly approach to clothing as it abides by a code of conduct that is to be followed by all suppliers and factories to ensure that all of their workers are treated fairly. 

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Desperately Seeking Susan (1986)

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90’S TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW 

TREND NO.1 

You won’t gather a try 90’s look if you don’t have at least a few graphic tees in your closet. You can buy a t-shirt of absolutely any color - there is no restrictions. In the 90’s bright colors were very popular (for example, orange, red, yellow and pink), and also classical colors (white, black, nude and dark-blue). 

If you like more rock and grunge style, then better choose t-shirts of dark shades (burgundy, black, dark-green, ochre, cherry color, gray and etc). 

TIP: Nineties is all about oversize clothing, so you should definitely buy your t-shirts one or two sizes bigger. 

We sorted out with colors and sizes, so now let’s talk about prints (finally). There you again do not have any restrictions. It can be t-shirts not only with pictures, but with different inscriptions and signs. However, in the 90’s people preferred tees with their favorite musicians and movies logos, various paintings and quotes, and even with different cafes and other places logos. 

TIP: Nowadays you can easily make your own graphic tees with the design you like. In such t-shirts you will look not only stylish, but unique too. 

Great variety of graphic tees are waiting for your in thrift shops. In addition, you also can visit internet stores and other stores such as Pull and bear, Brandy Mellvile, TopShop, Urban Outfitters, Bershka and etc.

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adverts for 80s “goth” shoes pt. 2 (also ft. other subcultures)

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I watched “The True Cost” on Netflix (it’s also on YT for, I think, $3.99) and it was a very big eye opener. I’ve never really been into “fast fashion” but I will admit that I’ve bought my fair share of unnecessary “witchy” stuff that I really didn’t/don’t need. It really made me think about where I put my money and who’s receiving. I’m proud to say that most of the “witchy” stuff I do buy (at least 95% of it) are from small / handmade businesses or local businesses.

Please, if you’re interested in fashion or just being a decent person who cares about people and mother earth, watch this and learn about where you’re clothing is coming from. Also learn about where it ends up when you don’t want it anymore.

It’s important.

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Spread the words. Violation of human rights by KONY has to end.

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Me when I see a really cute skirt

Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

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Pulp Fiction (1994)

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Heathers (1988)

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Naomi Campbell

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Yasmeen Ghauri