Being ethical while in pursuit of style
THE fashion industry is a substantial trigger to the environment and it has this year been named among the top 10 most polluting industries.

With the horrors of climate change prompting humans into action to save the world, the term “sustainability” is used to discuss the maintenance of the planet’s finite resources.

Based on the findings of KlothCircularity, the first fabric recycling movement in Malaysia, more than 100 billion garments are produced annually.

It also says that fabric waste in Malaysia amounted to 432,901 tonnes in 2021.

Regardless of whether the statistics are different today, arguably garment manufacturing leaves serious environmental consequences.

Progressive action needs to be taken to not only halt the destruction but also improve the state of the world.

StarMetro takes a look at eight simple but effective initiatives to make a positive change.

Stubborn deodorant or sweat stains on clothes can be scrubbed away with baking powder and vinegar, giving the outfits a new lease of life.

1 Resist micro-trends

In this Internet-rich digital life, algorithms are curated to push fashion trends.

Among trends often mentioned on social media are cottagecore, balletcore and Barbiecore that have come to the fore in the past several years.

These buzzwords are just redundant labels that give a new meaning for youths to latch onto.

The trends are micro because they rise to popularity very quickly, then leave the cycle just as quickly because people gradually lose interest. Hence its name, “fast” fashion.

Retail companies study our reaction towards the latest fashion rage so they can rapidly supply the garments.

However, with quicker production comes poorer practices.

Low-cost materials are used to afford mass production, while underpaid labourers may be forced to work long hours in poor conditions so they can cater to most buyers in the least amount of time.

Once you feel pressured to fit in, the money is wasted on clothes that either will not last long or be out of season after a few months.

The next time there is an item that you want to buy, stop for a second and think whether you would really love it in the next five years.

If the answer is no, then back to the rack it goes.

Used clothes can be sold at car boot sales just by following some simple procedures.

2 Be in the know

The key to achieving successful reformation is by fully understanding the significance of the cause.

The main question we may want to ponder is the way in which fashion negatively impacts the environment, because only then can we grasp the severity of the matter.

With the Internet and technology, information is at your fingertips, so all you may need is a few clicks of the mouse.

The ecological footprint in fashion is huge since it depends on so many resources that cannot be sustained.

Manufacturing textiles and fabrics may release toxic substances like chemicals and dyes into water sources.

Clothes made out of synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are resourced from fossil fuels that are rapidly depleting.

Even natural fibres require several years to fully decompose. On top of that, they still release toxic gases and substances into the atmosphere and soil.

Understanding the root of the problem first will make it more effective to spread the word to family and friends.

Then, you can share the knowledge and invite others to join the movement, because there is strength in numbers.

A basic sewing kit comprising thread, needles, buttons, scissors and measuring tape is all one will need to mend clothes and make them good enough to be worn again.

3 Consider the climate

Another way to avoid over-consumption is to think about the weather.

Malaysia is hot and humid all year long, with expected wet and dry seasons.

The benefit of having a pretty stable climate is not having to spend as much on clothes to suit different seasons and temperatures.

Keep your wardrobe wearable at all times by avoiding form over function – especially shunning clothes unsuitable in the heat like thick or furry fabrics.

Instead, get thin and breathable materials that feel cool to the skin and can be layered when necessary.

4 Quality over quantity

Better quality usually means more money. In the long-run, however, cheap clothes with limited durability may cost you more, as they degrade and need to be replaced over and over.

A good selection of investment pieces should be basic and classic so that they withstand the test of time, while still being comfortable and versatile to wear on more than one occasion.

Think about the lifestyle you lead and the kind of clothes out of which you can get more utility.

For example, if you have a business or professional dress code, consider splurging on a high-quality blazer that can last you many years.

Thrift stores offer a unique variety of clothes for very low prices.

5 Wash less

All fabrics wear over time, but the process may be accelerated by washing them too often or using the wrong method.

Excessive cleaning does not only cause colour fading, shrinkage and misshaping, it also wastes water and energy use.

So, how long is too long? A good rule of thumb is, the closer the item is to your skin, the more often you should wash it.

Sweat and body oils that build up in the threading would only stain the fabric and cause irritation, so if you have to wash them after every wear, do it.

Outerwear, jeans or any garment that is still seemingly clean as before should not be put in the laundry pile as quickly.

Pay attention to the detergents used as they could be non-biodegradable and contain toxic chemicals that would pollute the waterways.

Quality investment pieces will stand you in good stead especially if you work in a professional environment.

6 Repair and upcycle

Problems are bound to happen to our favourite clothing items, especially when worn too often.

We may feel like there is no hope for these beloved pieces, but actually, it may be easy to mend them to be as good as new.

A basic sewing kit would be sufficient for making minor repairs like fixing loose hems, covering tears, replacing buttons, trimming away pills and fixing gaping necklines.

With creativity, you can even go a step further and repurpose existing garments, while a bit of smart cleaning, such as with baking powder, can address issues of mustiness.

Then there is always the option of sending your clothes to professionals for repairs or upcycling, which may be cheaper than replacing items in your closet.

Simple research can be done from the comfort of our own home to get information such as which fashion would negatively impact the environment.

7 Buy used clothes

Thrift shopping is the way to go if you’re looking to save on clothes.

It also has the variety and uniqueness on offer.

It is a way of breathing new life into pre-loved items.

Thrifting is a relatively ethical choice, but only if buyers do not practise over-consumption.

Bundle shops are available across Malaysia, but if you are looking for limited vintage pieces, try curated vintage stores for their exclusive selections.

Some stores operate online if that is more your style.

Utilising fabrics appropriate to the climate means less is spent on clothes and even less is shelled out for inappropriate outfits.

8 Declutter and donate

Do you ever feel like you have way too many clothes but still nothing to wear?

That could be a sign to start going through your wardrobe.

Pick out things that you cannot imagine yourself wearing anymore and put them away.

Whenever you start hesitating, really think; does it hold any sentimental value, or are you just a hoarder?

Putting unused clothes away would give you a sense of satisfaction from finally being able to appreciate each item that you decide to keep.

Once you are done, you can get some profit by reselling them at car-boot sales or thrift shops.

If you want to avoid the hassle of selling, put these items away for recycling or donate them to charitable organisations.
THE fashion industry is a substantial trigger to the environment and it has this year been named among the top 10 most polluting industries.