By: STVND Account Team
In 2019, consumers are becoming more environmentally aware and cautious. This means consumers are looking for their clothing to not only be fashionable but also ethically sourced unlike in the early 2000s when fast fashion was booming with brands like Forever 21, which recently filed for bankruptcy.
Because of this trend, companies are changing the way they make their clothing for the better. Consumers are starting to care less about looks and more about what a company stands behind. Who wants to wear a shirt that is causing damage to our environment and wildlife? NO ONE! If companies don’t start ethically sourcing their clothing they will soon see their profits decline. Below are just a few of the companies that have set the standard in the sustainable fashion industry.
Image from OV Website
Outdoor Voices (OV) emphasizes quality, employee treatment, commitment to reducing environmental impacts on emission and water waste to create a sustainable atmosphere and brand. OV encourages people to use their outdoor voices and to get active to generate endorphins.
OV rewards customers with discounts if they buy a matching set from its website or store and ensures that its products are ethically produced through a vendor code of conduct. As described on the OV website, “Start to finish, we aim for OV to have a positive impact on the people and resources that bring our gear to life.”
OV works globally with specialists to ensure high quality, made-to-sweat-in fabrics. For example, the lightweight Rec Poly (recycled Polyester) fabric is created from consumer water bottles that are melted down and turned into fibers. After purchasing an item, the customer will receive a reusable shopping tote to encourage recycling and a green way of life.
OV aspires to create more sustainable clothing and products as it learns and grows.
Image from UNIQO’s Website
UNIQLO is a brand worth having on your radar if you are looking to be more environmentally conscious with your clothing. This brand has committed itself to sustainability by adopting a sustainability mission statement called “Unlocking the Power of Clothing,” which aims to improve sustainability through the design, production, and selling of good-quality clothing.
UNIQLO ensures its partner factories promote the wellbeing and diversity of their employees that are making the clothing. UNIQLO also established sustainable production practices that use significantly less water and waste of natural resources to produce its clothing.
Image from Patagonia’s Website.
If you’re looking for a durable, reliable, and sustainable clothing company then look no further. Patagonia has a wide variety of clothing available for men, women, children and everything in between. The Patagonia shopper is a go-getter and will not be stopped by a little bit of rough weather. Patagonia has more than the profit on its mind. The company’s mission statement reads, “We’re in business to save our home planet.”
The clothing pieces that Patagonia sells are timeless and more importantly, unbelievably comfortable. Most of the items for sale have a fairly expensive price point, but it’s justified by the company’s unbeatable customer service and warranties.
What truthfully separates Patagonia from the rest is its ability to build an amazing reputation as a reliable outwear brand while simultaneously advocating for environmental issues around the world. Worn Wear: Better Than New, Patagonia Action Works, and The Footprint Chronicles are a few of Patagonia’s philanthropic projects.
All of these companies have set a new standard for what it means to be environmentally conscious through their CSR programs. Now, it is up to the consumer and for other companies to listen and stand a stand with them.