How to Stand up to Fast Fashion

April 04, 2024 in SUSTAINABLE, EDUCATIONAL, FASHION

Fast Fashion is associated with vast amounts of waste, damage to the environment, sweatshop labour, and harm to communities.

There are lots of ways to stand up to Fast Fashion, and we’ve mentioned many of these in previous blogs. If you’ve made the decision to shop sustainably and ethically, mend clothes, reuse and recycle and want to step up your sustainable fashion game, Fashion Revolution is a great organisation to get involved with.

Fashion Revolution is the world’s largest fashion activism movement, mobilising citizens, brands and policymakers through research, education and advocacy. This year, they are celebrating 10 years of activism with 10 days of action, beginning on 15th April.

Here’s our guide to joining in.

First, here's some more about Fashion Revolutionindustry

• Fashion Revolution is a global movement and non-profit organisation that advocates for a more transparent, ethical, and sustainable fashion industry

• It was founded in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh in 2013, which tragically killed over 1,100 garment workers.

• It aims to raise awareness about the social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry and campaigns for transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.

• Fashion Revolution publishes the results of its survey of transparency and accountability in fashion brands’ supply chains.

• Learn more here:

https://www.fashionrevolution.org/about/

To stay updated on Fashion Revolution activities and campaigns, follow them on the socials and sign up for their newsletter.

Insta: @fash_rev

Check out this page for all of their other handles and to get the newsletter

https://www.fashionrevolution.org/frw-24/

Join the Fashion Revolution Week Campaign:

• Print a “Who Made my Clothes?” poster and take a selfie to post on your social media. Tag brands you want to challenge about fast fashion.

• Find your country team (if you’re not in UK, you can join with a local team).

• Learn a new skill to help you be a Fashion Revolutionary. Between 16th and 23rd April, there are free online workshops on being a Storyteller, a Campaigner, a Community Builder and and Educator. Sign up here: https://www.fashionrevolution.org/frw-24-workshops/

• Take part in a Mend in Public Day to raise awareness of how to “Make Loved Clothes Last”.

• Host your own Fashion Revolution event: organize a clothing swap, a screening of a documentary about the fashion industry, a panel discussion with local experts, or a workshop on sustainable fashion practices.

• Donate to the work of Fashion Revolution

Find out more here: https://www.fashionrevolution.org/about/get-involved/

How to ask Brands #WhoMadeMyClothes?:

• Asking brands this question helps to send the message that we care about the human beings involved in fashion production, not just low prices and latest looks.

• Print a “Who Made my Clothes?” poster and take a selfie with it. Post your selfie on social media and tag fashion brands to encourage them to disclose information about their sourcing, production, and labour conditions.

• You might want to target brands that currently disclose less of their supply chain information, or brands whose clothes you buy. Here are the Transparency Index scores for a few well-know brands (the higher the better):

Gucci 80%

H&M 71%

Timberland 66%

Sainsburys 51%

Zara 50.%

Primark 40%

Marks and Spencer 38%

Boohoo 24%

Clarks 17%

Chanel 11%

Find out more here: https://www.fashionrevolution.org/about/transparency/

Educate Others

fashionrevolution.org has loads of great resources to share on social media and with your friends and family. You can find them on their website

Stay Engaged Year-Round

While Fashion Revolution Week is a focal point for the movement, continue to stay engaged with the issues and advocate for change throughout the year. Support initiatives that promote transparency, ethical fashion, and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

By taking part in Fashion Revolution 2024, you can contribute to the collective effort to create a more transparent, ethical, and sustainable fashion industry. Every action, no matter how small, helps to drive positive change and hold brands accountable for their impact on people and the planet.

How to Rent Clothing

February 06, 2024 in SUSTAINABLE, FASHION

Fashion rental has become increasingly popular in recent years. Not only does it reduce waste and save money but it makes designer apparel much more affordable and accessible. If you’re wondering whether it’s for you, read on!

Fashion rental is really just that; instead of buying garments, shoppers can pay a fee to rent and wear clothing, shoes or accessories for a few days or up to a few weeks. This means you can enjoy a fabulous new outfit for a while and when the rental period is up, return the garments.

The service is ideal for weddings and other special events, when you want to look and feel great in a show-stopping outfit without the price-tag – and the guilt of seeing it sit in your wardrobe for months unused.

Photo by Jeremy Wong Weddings on Unsplash

Many services offer high couture which is otherwise out of reach to most of us. With clothing rental, suddenly a Carolina Herrara dress or a pair of Manolo Blahniks are no longer just a dream – at least for a few weeks. Asos offer party clothes and occasion wear that are even more affordable to rent, via their highly rated service.

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

Of course, clothing rental has great advantages for sustainability. It presents an attractive alternative to fast fashion by encouraging consumers to share and reuse garments, reducing the demand for constant production. It gives those who want to change up their wardrobe and their look a circular, slow fashion solution which is also great fun.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Plan your outfit.

What is the occasion? What will the weather be like? Do you need shoes with that? A bag?Jewe llery? Pinterest is a great place to find inspo for your look.

2. Set your Budget

Rental prices vary depending on how long you want to rent for, the designer and the garment. Some lenders require extra fees to be paid for particularly delicate garments. In general, rental starts at £20 per item for four days. This fee usually covers delivery, dry cleaning, rental and return postage though services differ, so do check their policies and FAQs.

3. Choose your Outlet

◦ Most clothing rental services run online and offer delivery of your chosen items, usually as quickly as the next day. Most also have similar options for the length of time you can rent an item for. Peer to peer service, Hurr has a minimum rental period of 3 days, where as most other services quote 4 days as their minimum.

◦ There are broadly two types of service, one kind operates the whole service, owns the clothing, deals with renting, returning and laundering. The other service is peer to peer; those wanting to rent items search and connect with members who own the item privately. Prices are broadly similar. If you want the security and certainty of dealing with an entirely professional service, the first type may be more attractive. Peer to peer services may offer you a bigger range of garments, however.

◦ All of the services we looked at have a list of designers. You can also search by garment type and size. Hurr also provides location details so that you can arrange to collect from lenders located close to you. If you have a specific outfit in mind, then searching all of the services is your best bet.

◦ Check policies on stains and damage to garments and on what to do if the garment doesn’t fit. Services vary.

◦ Check out the list of services below for more info and links.

4. Pick your clothing and accessories

▪ Have fun searching and browsing the different sites for the items you need and follow the instructions on booking rental of your garments and accessories.

▪ It is worth booking arrival of your items a day or so in advance of wearing them. Try them on to make sure they fit. Some services offer full or partial refunds for items that aren’t, but you must return them within the specified time and in the condition they require.

▪ Wait for your special clothing to arrive!

5. Enjoy wearing your chosen outfit

▪ Time to flaunt your look and enjoy the compliments!

▪ Avoid any activities likely to damage your garments. In the event that there’s a spillage or tear, check the rental service’s policies. Serious damage may result in you being charged the full market value of the item.

▪ Pack up and return the items on time to avoid penalties.

▪ Enjoy the feeling of making a sustainable choice!

Clothing Rental Services

Here’s a selection of the clothing rental services that are available, and a few of our fave finds.

John Lewis Clothing Rental

• Offers a variety of designers including Coach, Hugo Boss, Jigsaw, Queens of the Archive, Whistles and Swarovski.

• Rent for 4, 8, 16, 30 days.

• The Rental page contains all the information you need including information about their Fit Guarantee which allows you to receive a refund (minus dry-cleaning charge) if your item doesn’t fit and you return it quickly.

• John Lewis 4 on Trust Pilot

We found this show-stopping dress by Sabina Musayev for rent at £73 for 4 days (retails at £477)

Rent Naomi Dress - Sabina Musayev | John Lewis (johnlewisfashionrental.com)

This Kate Spade bag retails at £525, You can rent it for 4 days from around £60

Rent Perfect Match Matchbox Resin Small Frame Clutch - Kate Spade | John Lewis (johnlewisfashionrental.com)

https://www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashionrental

Hirestreet from ASOS

• Range of brands includes RIXO, Karen Millen, Nobody’s Child and Reformation

• Prices start at £14 for 14 day hire (plus a £8.50 shipping and cleaning fee)

• Hire 5 items for £60 for 14 days for a holiday

• Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot (Excellent)

We found this stunning embellished mini for £14 for 14 days

https://www.hirestreetuk.com/product/asos-edition-curve-v-neck-embellished-mini-shift-dress-with-fringe-in-gold

https://www.hirestreetuk.com/

My Wardrobe HQ

• Offers a large choice of garments, including top designers

• Offers a subscription service which for a monthly fee allows you to hire 2 or 4 new items monthly.

• The option to buy at a much reduced price is available for some items.

• Rated 3/5 on Trust Pilot

MY WARDROBE HQ - The UK's #1 Rental and Resale Destination

Hurr Collective

• Peer to peer renting. Members lend to, and rent items from each other.

• A star rating system is in place to help assure the standard of the service you receive from lenders

• Rent for 4, 8,16 or 30 days.

• Sign up as a lender if you have suitable items – garments must be on their designer’s list and less than 2 years old.

• As a lender, on average, you make your money back within 4-5 rentals (according to the site).

• Rated 4.7 on Trustpilot (Excellent)

We love this Rixo short chic black dress, from 4.20 per day if you rent for a month.

Rent Golden silk velvet dress - RIXO | HURR (hurrcollective.com)

This statement Dior choker, retails at £540. £60 for four days.

Rent Danseuse Étoile choker - Dior | HURR (hurrcollective.com)

https://www.hurrcollective.com/

By Rotation

• Peer to peer lend, rent and resale.

• Flexible rental periods, agreed with lenders (minimum: 3 days).

• Rated 4.5 on Trustpilot

We love these beautiful blush Manolo Blahniks from £29 (retail £945)

Rent Manolo Blahnik Beige Shoes | By Rotation UK

Rent, Resell designer fashion dresses bags | By Rotation UK

https://byrotation.com/

(Items are examples and were available at the time of writing).

How to Support Circular Fashion

October 12, 2023 in SUSTAINABLE, FASHION, EDUCATIONAL

Fashion has always been synonymous with change, but the tide is turning. As the environmental and social costs of the fast fashion industry become increasingly apparent, many of us are seeking a more sustainable and responsible approach to dressing.

Enter circular fashion – a movement that promotes longevity, sustainability, and ethical production in the world of clothing. In this blog post, we'll explore what circular fashion is and how you can support it as a conscientious consumer.

Understanding Circular Fashion Circular fashion is a philosophy that aims to create a closed-loop system in the fashion industry. Unlike the traditional linear model (take, make, dispose), the circular fashion approach prioritises the following principles:

Design for Durability: Circular fashion starts with designing and producing garments that are made to last. Quality materials, craftsmanship, and timeless designs are key components of this principle.

Repair and Maintenance: Rather than throwing away clothes with minor flaws, circular fashion encourages repair and maintenance. This involves sewing, mending, and alterations to extend the life of your garments.

Reuse and Upcycling: Circular fashion promotes the reuse of clothing through thrift shopping, swapping with friends, or participating in clothing rental services. Upcycling, or transforming old pieces into something new, is also part of the equation.

Recycling and Responsible Disposal: When a garment is no longer wearable, circular fashion encourages responsible disposal through recycling and repurposing. This minimises the environmental impact of textile waste.

Educate Yourself: The first step in supporting circular fashion is to educate yourself about sustainable and ethical brands, materials, and practices. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and OEKO-TEX to ensure the products you buy meet ethical and environmental standards.

Choose Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that will last for years rather than trendy, disposable fashion. Quality garments often have a higher upfront cost, but they pay off in terms of longevity and reduced environmental impact.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Second-Hand Shopping: Thrift stores, vintage shops, and online second-hand marketplaces offer a wide range of clothing options. Buying second-hand not only extends the life of garments but also reduces the demand for new production.

Rent or Swap: Consider clothing rental services or clothing swap events with friends and family. These options allow you to enjoy a variety of styles without the long-term commitment.

Support Sustainable Brands: Seek out and support fashion brands that prioritise sustainability, transparency, and ethical production practices. Research the brands you love to ensure they align with your values.

Learn Basic Repair Skills: Basic sewing skills can go a long way in extending the life of your clothing. Learn how to mend small tears, replace buttons, and alter garments to fit better.

Proper Care: Follow care instructions on clothing labels to ensure your garments stay in good condition. Washing clothes at lower temperatures and air-drying them can help prolong their lifespan.

Recycle Responsibly: When a garment reaches the end of its life, don't toss it in the trash. Look for textile recycling programs in your area or explore creative ways to repurpose old clothing.

Supporting circular fashion as a consumer is a powerful way to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry. By choosing quality, embracing second-hand options, and supporting brands that prioritise ethical and environmental concerns, you can make a positive impact on the planet while still expressing your personal style. Remember that every small choice you make as a consumer has the potential to shape the future of fashion in a more sustainable direction.

How to Dress for Autumn

September 11, 2023 in SUSTAINABLE, FASHION

As the leaves turn shades of crimson and gold, and the air carries a hint of crispness, it's time to say goodbye to summer attire and welcome the cozy embrace of autumn fashion. Dressing for this transitional season requires a blend of style and practicality. In this blog post, we'll guide you on how to dress for autumn, offering tips and outfit ideas to help you make the most of this beautiful season whilst making sustainable choices.

Layering is Key:
Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so mastering the art of layering is essential. Start with a lightweight, long-sleeved base layer, add a versatile cardigan or sweater, and top it off with a stylish jacket or coat. This way, you can adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Choose Earthy Tones:

Embrace the colours of autumn by incorporating earthy tones into your wardrobe. Think warm shades like deep greens, rich browns, burnt oranges, and classic neutrals. These hues not only complement the season but also exude a cozy, autumnal vibe.

Image from Unsplash
Don't Forget About Denim:
A good pair of jeans is a timeless autumn staple. Opt for classic denim in various cuts and washes to create versatile outfits. Pair them with cozy sweaters or dress them up with a tailored blazer for a polished yet comfortable look.

Boots for Every Occasion:
Autumn is synonymous with boots. From ankle boots to knee-highs, there's a style for every occasion. Consider investing in a timeless, durable, pair that you can wear year after year. And don't forget to accessorize with warm socks or leg warmers for extra coziness.

Accessorise with Scarves:
Scarves are both functional and fashionable during autumn. They can add a pop of colour to your outfit while keeping you warm. Experiment with different scarf styles, from oversized blanket scarves to sleek silk options, to match your mood and the weather.

Transitional Outerwear:
An essential part of dressing for autumn is selecting the right outerwear. Opt for a versatile, mid-weight jacket or coat that can take you from brisk mornings to cool evenings. Trench coats, leather jackets, and quilted vests are popular choices. A well-made classic coat will look great for years. Look for an ethically made new item or search out a high quality jacket from a charity shop.

Incorporate Texture:
Autumn fashion is all about texture. Experiment with materials like tweed, corduroy, and knitwear to add depth and warmth to your outfits. A textured blazer or a chunky knit sweater can instantly elevate your autumn style.

Hats and Gloves:
As temperatures drop, don't forget to accessorise with a stylish hat and a pair of gloves. Not only do they keep you warm, but they also complete your autumn look. Consider felt hats, berets, or leather gloves for a chic touch.

Personalise Your Style:
Ultimately, the most important aspect of dressing for autumn is to express your unique style. Mix and match the pieces that resonate with you, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Your autumn wardrobe should reflect your personality and make you feel confident.

Upcycle and Repurpose:
A great way to personalise your style, have fun, reduce your environmental impact and save money is to get creative by upcycling your old clothing items. Transform a worn-out denim jacket into a trendy vest or turn an old sweater into cozy leg warmers. Upcycling not only reduces waste but also adds a unique touch to your autumn wardrobe. #Upcycling #RepurposeFashion

Shop Mindfully

Think carefully about what you purchase and where you shop. Opt for clothing made from natural and organic materials like organic cotton, wool, hemp, and Tencel which have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic materials. Choose ethical outlets and look for certified organic labels, circular fashion and recycled materials.

Autumn is a season of transformation, and you can give your wardrobe a stylish and sustainable transformation too. By shopping mindfully, embracing layers, earthy tones, cosy textures, and essential accessories, you'll be ready to step out into the beauty and coziness of autumn with a clear conscience.