To some, the mere mention of sustainable fashion can be quite overwhelming while others may scoff it off as a bad oxymoron. And why not, after the oil industry, it is fashion that is the most polluting industry in the world. The movement that started as a seething reaction to the 2013 Rana building collapse in Bangladesh, exposed the inhuman working conditions and the gross misuse of fabrics in developing countries.

Three years later, there have been many developments in the movement. Since little knowledge is a dangerous thing, we at Be BEAUTIFUL help to decode the many facets of the term ‘sustainable clothing’ while helping you adopt a lifestyle that promotes it…
 

Sustainable fashion is eco-friendly

Sustainable fashion is eco-friendly

Eco-friendly fashion in simpler terms is fashion that is incorporated using natural dyes, fabrics that are grown on farms without using pesticides or insecticides and recycled textiles. In other terms, eco-friendly fashion is the one that doesn’t harm the environment in any way. Organic cotton is a classic example of this and since it is our summer staple (especially in white) it fits this bill perfectly!

How to go sustainable:
For work we prefer wide legged pants with a shirt to keep up with the semi-formal attire, for a brunch, a flouncy white mini dress would just to fine and for dinner we would go for great printed maxi dress.

 

Sustainable fashion is cruelty-free

Sustainable fashion is cruelty-free

This means that the item is not only ethically produced, but also caters to corporate social responsibility norms in terms of caring about the working conditions of the people making it. We definitely think that eco friendly fashion goes beyond clothes and if you want to wear the best accessories with an ethical edge, then brands such as Grain for handmade leather bags and Sole Rebels for shoes ensure that each product is ethically produced while adhering to the healthy working conditions of the workers.

 

Sustainable fashion can be adopted via hand-me-downs

Sustainable fashion can be adopted via hand-me-downs

There is a reason why your grandma’s Maheshwari saree still withstood the test of time. This is because of the fabric used and the painstaking detailing that the saree was made with. Heirloom dressing and organic clothing can be a huge trend especially if you are also concerned with retaining an emotional sustainability with clothes. What’s more, it also adds to that vintage element that you can flaunt.

 

Adopting slow fashion as a form of sustainability

Adopting slow fashion as a form of sustainability

Slow fashion is a term used especially when such eco fashionistas urge you to buy less or re-use older clothes again. This might also include hand-me-downs, thrift shopping or even donating clothes to charity shops when you don’t really use them often. We suggest online sites such as Ebay or vintage fashion resellers like Vestiare Collective online.

 

Sustainability in luxury fashion

Sustainability in luxury fashion

We accept that most sustainable items are not very aesthetically eye-pleasing. But if you are adamant to look good even while contributing to the environment and people, we suggest you invest in some good quality clothes that you know will last you a lifetime. Luxury fashion designers such as Katherine Hamnett, Stella McCartney and Anita Dongre would ensure you are clothed to perfection even while contributing to the environment.

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