Summer Fashion: How to Be Sustainably Chic

Hello fashion enthusiasts! Summer is here, and we all want that perfect wardrobe to flaunt our gorgeous style or to take off that over-covers to beat the summer heat. While some tend to put on new accessories and statement fashion wear like hats or sunshades. others prefer to keep things simple with classic pieces that never go out of style. Let's take a moment to reflect on something important amidst all the summer fun. For instance, we should know the impacts of consumerism linked with those trendy summer outfits. When summer comes near, consumers hit a cycle that repeats itself every year.

We may tend to make new purchases to suit the summer period or be swayed by new fashion styles. We end up with heaps of clothing to wear, only to realize that we often wear a variety of attires a couple of times. Some attires end up being kept hidden in the closet forever, which is not useful and is not great for our planet either. So now, it is time to think about the bigger picture and the impact this has on the environment.

The fashion industry contributes about 10% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. To give you a clearer picture, this means the fashion industry releases as much as equivalent to the total greenhouse gases into the environment of the transportation sector and logistics combined. Being the top 3 polluters in the global sector poses a significant impact to consider. Although switching to sustainable fashion can be a new frenzy, embracing sustainability does not mean compromising on style. We are here to prove to you that you can rock your fashion game while being kind to the planet.

Here are practical tips for looking fabulous in green fashion and feeling good about your decisions.

1. Timeless Classics for Fashion Versatility

When building a greener summer wardrobe, timeless classics are your best friends. These wardrobe superheroes stay in fashion no matter the season. Plus, they are like chameleons, allowing a person to mix them with different accessories and layers, and voila! It's a completely new look of the day every single time. When you invest in these forever fashion items, you are not caught up in the endless shopping cycle.

Here are Timeless Fashion Pieces That are Perfect for Summer (and All Seasons):

1. Flowy maxi dress in solid colour
   
2. A high waist skirt made of any material: denim, vegan leather, eco-cotton, bio-satin, etc.
   
3. A-line midi skirt in a neutral colour
   
4. Striped Breton top
   
5. White linen button-up shirt: choose high-quality materials such as 100% linen
   
6. Classic motorbike jacket: go with vegan leather
   
7. White or Black solid sneakers: keep the shoes minimalist in design
   
8. Classic sunglasses (e.g. cat-eyed sunglasses)

2. Synthetic Vs Cotton

The type of fabric material plays a key role in ensuring that it is an eco-friendly material. For instance, synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are often derived from fossil fuels and have a staggering carbon footprint. These synthetic fabrics also contribute to another pressing concern: microplastic pollution. Every time we wash garments made from these materials, thousands of tiny microplastic particles are released into our water supply, posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering our food chain.

Therefore, we can think twice about the environmental consequences when it comes to synthetic fabrics. Let us consider opting for natural-synthetic blends instead. These blends combine synthetic fibres with natural ones, such as organic cotton or hemp. By incorporating natural fibres, we can reduce the reliance on non-renewable resources and lessen the environmental impact of our clothing choices. For example, GREEN SHIRTS offers exclusively organic and ethically produced textiles. 

When it comes to cotton, it is essential to be aware of its water-intensive nature. Conventionally grown cotton requires a substantial amount of water throughout its cultivation process. It takes about 2,700 litres of water to produce just one t-shirt made from conventional cotton.

Here's the good news... you can make a difference! When you're picking out clothes, look for "organic cotton." Unlike the regular kind, organic cotton only needs about 10% of the water that traditional cotton does. Plus, it's grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers that can mess up our environment, which also helps keep our water clean.

So, the next time you're shopping for summer essentials, look for garments made from sustainable fabrics. Check labels for natural fibres and organic certifications.

3. Quality Over Quantity

Being tempted to buy a bunch of super cheap clothes can be very damaging. Firstly, the cheaper the clothes are sold, the cheaper the material. Such attires or cheap fashion items won't stand the test of time. It is worth investing in high-quality fashion items that can cut your cost of re-buying new ones. High-quality fashion is more durable and has a better life cycle. One way to look at summer is that we often need durable attires, which we will wear for high-intensity workouts or activities with more movement. During summer, we tend to hit the beach, dive into a swimming pool, take a hike, or be more adventurous outdoors.

This calls for high-quality fashion items that can endure the resistance of all these activities. Choosing quality pieces also ensures that each item you own is genuinely cherished and regularly worn. This approach helps to minimise waste and reduce the demand for fast fashion.

Now, being a savvy shopper also means reading reviews and finding out if the brand cares about sustainability. Give the fabric a little touch and see if it feels like a long-lasting material before you purchase. Remember, a little extra thought when shopping can go a long way for you and our Gaia (personification of Earth).

4. Fix It, Don't Ditch It

Don't say goodbye to your clothes just because they have a little tear or need fixing. How about learning sewing basics? Or, if that's not your thing, swing by a local tailor. They're like the doctors of extending clothes' lives! Fixing attires or accessories is a big win for cutting down on clothes waste. What's even better is that a creative tailor tends to discover new fashion statement wear by upcycling our old attires and accessories together. We can create a completely new fashion item from unworn or unused materials. Imagine transforming a worn-out t-shirt into a cool crop top for the beach or making a stylish reusable shopping tote bag from an old pair of jeans.

And here's the fun part: you get to show off your unique style while at it! Just hop onto YouTube or other social-centered places online (like our Instagram and TikTok), and you'll find loads of upcycling ideas to help you become a sustainable "fashion designer" for your old or damaged clothes.

5. One-In-One-Out Fashion Rule

Being a minimalist can be a transformative step on your sustainable fashion journey. How to be minimalist in fashion? 

1. Tidy up your closet now and then.
   We suggest doing it every season or four times a year. Keep the pieces that really show off your style and what you care about. Keep pieces which can be upcycled!
2. Apply the "one in, one out" rule.
   Whenever you bring a new item into your closet, consider removing an existing one to make room. This practice ensures that your collection remains intentional and prevents it from spiralling into excess. 
3. Donate or sell unused ones.
   You can donate unused attires or fashion items to charities like Humana. Alternatively, share them with your friends or family, who'll love them just as much as you did. It also spreads fashion happiness in your circle. You can make extra cash by selling gently unused fashion items online, such as e-commerce platforms on Vinted or social media. Pre-loved fashion items are widely sought after for several reasons.

6. The 90 Wears Fashion Rule

Here's a trick to remember when you're shopping for new clothes. It's called the "90 wears rule." It's super simple. Just ask yourself, "Can I wear this item at least 90 times?"

When you commit to giving something a good 90 wears, you're making that item last longer. Think of it: 90 wears is only 1 season, which covers 3 months. You won't need to replace it as often, which is incredible for cutting down on clothes getting thrown out. You're also doing your part to slow down all those fast fashion issues.

If you cannot picture yourself wearing that item for 90 wears, it might indicate that you should not buy it.

Here's the Runway Recap

With these six secrets to crafting a stylish and much greener summer, stay proud flaunting your summer style:

1. Timeless Classics for Versatility
2. Synthetic Vs Cotton
3. Quality Over Quantity
4. Fit it, don't ditch it
5. One-In-One-Out Rule
6. The 90 Wears Rule

Here's a reminder: nobody's keeping track of how often you wear your fashion wear. What really matters is staying comfortable with your attire and accessories and making much more sensible choices. Being eco-conscious is not only the coolest trend today, but ensuring that our fashion items are environmentally friendly and long-lasting is completely a wise practice. We totally believe in your power to make bolder decisions when it comes to fashion for this summer.

So, cheers to fashion that's chic and kind to the planet, and cheers to you. All the best!

Hi, I'm Aleesya Karim from Malaysia. If I could be a tree, I'd choose to be a coconut tree. Their incredible usefulness, even after they've passed, is genuinely cool. So, I hope my articles can be my fruit or leaf offerings for your green journey ;)