[ Ethical and Eco-Friendly Clothing ]

[Cinderella812]

I've been hearing a lot about fast fashion lately and the environmental damage caused by the fashion industry. I want to try to only purchase ethically in future.

However, I find myself confused! Polyester has "micro plastics" so should be avoided. But natural cotton uses lots of water. What fabrics SHOULD I be buying?

Also, I am vegan, so wool or leather is a no-go. I know many feel differently, but the idea of wearing animal parts on my body just makes me feel icky.

What fabrics should the ethical shopper be looking out for? And what fabrics should be avoided?

Also, any guidance in respect of decent brands would be appreciated! I'm happy to pay more for clothing, as I will be buying less often.

Any and all guidance appreciated. Trying to make good choices.

Further, when I google for ethical clothing brands in the UK, I often find they don't make clothes in a Size 6 or XS.

Well second hand is the only truly ethical choice. Some people like bamboo but there are concerns about the environmental damage that the processing causes. Maybe linen or hemp? Can’t really think of anything else that is natural and not animal/evil cotton. But second hand is definitely far better than buying anything new.

I tried second-hand but run into the same issue - no very small sizes in my local charity shops! I also don't love the idea of how I will have to commit to going into each shop every single weekend in the hope of finding something... that's a regular chunk of time out of my week in the slim hope of finding something I like and that fits. Perhaps I am thinking about it incorrectly, though. Maybe ladies who shop in charity shops have a better technique!

Have a look at ethical consumer. I've bought some things for DS from www.livingcrafts.de/en and they last incredibly well, looking new, not fading and keeping shape.

If you buy organic cotton and the item lasts for years it's both cutting down on waste and not creating the environmental impact of a new item.

I buy mostly second hand (probably around 80%) but I'm not sure I'd concur that it's the only truly ethical choice. In some ways I'd rather give my money to ethical brands but I rarely see things that are to my taste.

And yes, buying second hand is very time consuming. I try and do a circuit every couple of weeks and I treat it as a hobby but, if I still had caring commitments, I'm not sure I could manage it and I don't think you should feel guilty if you can't.

I think fabrics are a minefield. I don't know about linen but the environmental impact of cotton and cheap cashmere is well documented and I've seen concerns about wool and silk too. I'm coming to the conclusion that the best I can do is to consider cost per wear and (irrespective of fabric) only buy things that I expect to either wear for years or wear a lot in a short space of time. That said, I still indulge in the odd bit of fast fashion too.

I just try to wear my clothes to death. I agree though about the sizes of ethical clothing. Most are 10-14(occasionally 8-16) so if you are smaller or bigger there's really very little choice.

Monkee genes does nice jeans

Buying less, looking after what you have and buying second hand. Even cheap clothes last longer if they are looked after. Also I think skirts last longer than trousers, partly because they don't need as much washing and they keep their shape longer.

My oldest and most well used item in my wardrobe is a black polyester skirt, it's suitable for work, washes well, doesn't need ironing and still looks smart. Admittedly it's not fashionable but I get good use out of it, it wasn't very pricey either.

Also try washing more of your clothes on a shorter or gentler wash cycle.

There are no easy answers.

Linen and organic cotton (agree Monki denim good).

Things you already own.

Charity shops, eBay.

I buy my knitwear from Izzy Lane. The wool is from rescued sheep saved from slaughter. I'm not vegan but have been vegetarian for thirty years and I think this is more ethical and environmentally friendly than many made materials.