Sustainable fashion is a huge topic, we heard it at forums, seminars and panel discussions, however, we rarely practise it in our daily life. While fast fashion contributes huge growth of the global economics, its contribution to the pollution of the planet increases as well, which is why sustainable and ethical fashion is becoming significant.

Many fashion brands and designers are passionate about sustainable fashion nowadays and start building their brand as ethical fashion labels. DEVOI is one of them, the Melbourne sustainable fashion label has taken ethical challenges during every process of the business, some of their good practices includes:

Design

Ensure that each garment not only encapsulates the brand’s signature style, but is also ond-trend, long lasting and will be loved and treasured by the owner for many seasons, indeed years, to come.

Product

Reduce the use of synthetic fibres. Instead, use fabrics made out of natural fibres like silk, viscose and linen which can be cleaned in cold water with natural detergents. Adopt digital printing, which consumes less water than screen printing and produces far less toxic waste water. Further, avoids inks and dyes which contain toxic heavy metals or harmful chemicals, using instead AZO free dyes and natural dyes made from plant materials.

Manufacture 

Engage businesses who have environmental and ethical standards as part of their manufacturing practices. Do not use sweatshops, child labour or slavery.

Repurpose recycling fabric scraps by creating mattresses, pillows, patchwork bed linen and school bags. Distribute them to the needy either directly or via NGOs.  Or turn those fabrics into hand crafted products. The profits from the sale of the hand crafted product support the work of the charities.  Uses evaporation and separation technology to clean the effluent produced during the dying process. The recycled by-product is then available for further use.

Excess fabrics

Limit excess fabrics or an oversupply of stock which is the main reason for textile waste by major brands. Repurpose left over fabrics into unique handmade cloth-based accessories, such as belts, pouches, headbands and scrunchies.

Content credit: DEVOI Clothing, https://www.devoishop.com

This blog features myself wearing DEVOI’s Eleanor Dress and Silvie Tank Top. The garments are extremely light and comfortable to wear, skin friendly and the colour is amazing.

Now only brands and fashion industry players putting effort towards sustainability is not enough. Everyone should be mindful and play a part to protect our planet as well. I just want to share some of the simple tips I normally practice daily that supports sustainable fashion:

Wear same clothes repeatedly

I know it is preferable to always wear new outfit so that you don’t get caught wearing same outfit in 2 different occasions. But I like to style a piece of item with different layers and accessories and makeups, so that each of my look is brand new. This allows 90% my wardrobe being used more efficiently and frequently.

Cold wash

Cold washing your clothes will save a lot of energy for the planet. It also protect your clothing from shrinking and colour fading.

Recycle unwanted clothes

I sometimes put up my unwanted clothes online and sale for a very low price, so someone else who really like them can take advantage with a good bargain. I am always happy that my clothes found the next owner. Sometimes I donate my unwanted clothes to charity as well, so they can continuously benefit people. And sometime I give my clothes to my family and friends. If my clothes has damaged, I will use it as cleaning cloth or floor mat.

Become a designer

There are online tutorials that teaching us how to alter our clothes, there are some great ideas we can try at home to repurpose our unwanted clothes, and love them again. Simple things I have done includes cutting a pair of jeans short, so I can wear them as shorts.

Be more conscious while shopping

Simply think twice when making a purchase, ask myself if the item has good quality that can last long. If the design is timeless or it’s just instant trendy, more importantly do I see myself wearing them a lot. There are so many times that I saved myself from making unconscious purchase. I could end up with a lot of extra unwanted pieces sitting in my wardrobe and broke.

I hope you like my sharing and hopefully start or continue practicing sustainability in fashion, lifestyle and take environmental issue into consideration while making purchase decision. And of course it will not stop us from being fashionable.