Making Sustainable Choices in Men's Fashion ( How & Why )

Pht credit: tontoton.com

Let’s start with a non-fun fact! It takes over 4,000 litres of water to make a pair of jeans and most of that water is not recycled - indeed, one-fifth of all wastewater globally originates from fashion. The industry is also responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions, that’s more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The entire fashion industry has been vilified for years. Yet despite the backlash, most fast-fashion companies have continued to grow. 

Yes, maybe as humans, we individually try to help the earth by buying coffees in recycled cup or taking our own bottles to baristas but as long as it’s not done in mass, I don’t think we can do much with our little hearts. 

According to Earth.org, fashion – encompassing the sourcing of raw materials, design processes, manufacturing, shipping, sales, stores, etc. – is estimated to be responsible for around 10 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions, 10 per cent of ocean microplastics, and 20 per cent of water pollution. 

In recent years, sustainable fashion has transformed from a niche market to a driving force in the menswear industry. Sustainable fashion goes beyond trends; it’s about reducing waste, minimising carbon footprints, and creating clothing that lasts. The demand for eco-friendly clothing has grown rapidly. However, there is often a gap between consumers' positive attitudes towards sustainability and their actual purchasing behaviour. In this blog post, we will explore how we as consumers can make sustainable choices in men's fashion and bridge this gap. Because if we as a big group of consumers insist on this, the brands would feel the urge to evolve into it more. By understanding the preferences, values, and concerns of consumers, brands can tailor their sustainable offerings to meet their needs. 

In 2023, the global sustainable fashion market was valued at around £6.2 billion. By 2030, it’s forecast to top £26 billion. 

What we can do: 

• Use social influence √
• Support ethical brands √
• Leverage the domino effect √
• Opt for timeless and versatile pieces √
• Choose sustainable fabrics and materials √
• Buy more second-hand and vintage options √

INVESTING IN QUALITY & CREATING A LONG LASTING VERSATILE WARDROBE 

We can increasingly opting for versatile pieces that can be worn repeatedly with minimal effort in decision-making focusing on quality over quantity and environmentally conscious choices. This approach involves curating a selection of timeless, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, reducing the need for frequent purchases. 

One key trend is the adoption of organic and recycled fabrics, such as organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo. These fabrics are staples in men’s fashion, replacing traditional materials. By choosing companies committed to ethical and sustainable practices, we can help prove that stylish, conscientious clothing is both possible and accessible. 

There are plenty of options from ethically-sourced sportswear to up-cycled sunglasses, plant-based skincare to sheep-friendly knits. So if you’re looking to make a change in the way you buy, this is where to start. 

1. FIRST & most important: Any second-hand shopping place. Even Zara has a second-hand shopping section on its app. 
2. Denim - Organsk 
3. Knitwear - Community Clothing 
4. Trainers - Veja 
5. Sunglasses - Monc 
6. Basics, underwear & socks - Organic Basics 
7. Outdoor Jackets - Patagonia 
8. Every day staples - Everlane 
9. Affordable staples - Quince 
10. Levi’s Secondhand