It is not too hard to produce sustainable fashion items. The problem arises when it comes to the price — they are usually pretty expensive. Affordability is usually the main reason we all turn to high street brands. High street brands produce the so-called “fast fashion”. It is fast, cheap and lasts only as long as the certain trend is in. All these characteristics point to the unlikely probability that these brands can become sustainable. However, some of them still manage to produce sustainable collections, take a look.
H&M regularly puts out their Conscious Collections made out of recycled materials. The items are of usual H&M quality and pricing, and they look pretty good. However, although this collection usually hangs in the windows of their stores, the company can’t escape controversies when it comes to their mass production business model and cheap labor.
2) Zara #JoinLife Sustainability
Zara joined H&M with their sustainable collections made out of materials that have to go through a series of internal qualifications. Just like H&M, they have also started their clothing recycling program, although for both of these, it would take 12 years to reuse the 1,000 tons of waste they produce in 48 hours.
ASOS is dedicated to reducing our impact on the planet. By working with eco-friendly brands and global initiatives, they’ve put together an edit of clothing, accessories and beauty products that fit within their criteria for sustainability. They have a pretty wide selection, and you should definitely check it out.
4) Fatface
In 2016, they started the ‘360’ sustainability plan to make conscious decisions with a positive impact on the nature, people and local communities. This approach is a part of their business model made up of 3 pillars: a) Sourcing responsibly to create sustainable products; b) Protecting the environment; and c) Supporting our people and local communities.
5) Topshop Sustainable Collection
Earlier this year, Topshop, too, came out with a sustainable collection. Right now, it appears to be sold out, but they might have another one in the works? Topshop Reclaim is another sustainable option offered by the company. They basically reuse the disregarded prints from the previous seasons.
6) Mango
Following in the steps of their competitor, Mango has also released a sustainable collection. All items should be under $150 and it’s made up of 25 women’s and 20 men’s styles.
What do you think? Do you believe them? Or are you a skeptic? All the charges for cheap labor and poor conditions have to hold some ground. What should be done about this?
Have you shopped any of these collections or any other sustainable collections?
