4 Sustainability Trends in the Fashion Industry You Should Know About

Sustainability trends in the fashion industry have become a dominant force over the past decade, reshaping how both brands and consumers view fashion.

Now, more than ever, consumers are prioritizing sustainability and gravitating towards brands that are committed to offering environmentally friendly alternatives.

So, why should sustainability trends in the fashion industry matter so much? The answer lies in the growing environmental impact of fashion, particularly pollution.

As sustainability trends in the fashion industry gain momentum, companies are increasingly focusing on reducing their carbon footprint, waste, and resource consumption to combat the pollution caused by traditional fashion practices.

Embracing these trends is not only good for the planet, but it's also becoming a key factor in consumer decision-making, as more people seek out brands that align with their values of sustainability and eco-consciousness.

In fact, the fashion industry is the second largest cause of pollution in the world — crazy right?

From buying from sustainable brands, to renting clothing items, there are a number of ways you can get involved in shopping sustainably. 

Thrifting | Sustainable Fashion Trend #1

Thrifting is the biggest sustainability trend when it comes to the fashion industry.

But why is it so popular right now?

Although second hand clothing stores have been around forever, thrifting has just recently been labeled as “cool”. Gen-Z can be a big reason to thank for this trend, as the topic of thrifting has blown up over social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube.

In addition, online thrift-stores have dramatically risen in sales. 

From internet celebs like Emma Chamberlain and Devon Lee Carlson, to smaller influencers like Ruby Lyn, there are countless fashion influencers promoting shopping secondhand.

If there is any trend to get behind, it is definitely thrifting. Here’s why; 

Secondhand clothing offers a solution to this problem as it is very affordable.

Online platforms like Poshmark, Depop, ThredUp, Vinted, etc., make it easy to shop pre-owned clothes from the comfort of your home.

Aside from saving money, a quite obvious benefit to thrifting is that it is sustainable. Buying secondhand clothing reduces a ton of waste. Thrifting can also help you find unique pieces and curate your closet to your own personal style.

Luckily for us shopping second hand has become easier than ever, as there are countless online thrift and consignment stores, including ThredUp, Swap.com, Poshmark, Ebay, Vinted, Grailed, Depop…(the list goes on).

Minimalism | Sustainable Fashion Trend #2

A simple and obvious way to support sustainable fashion is to buy less.

Minimalism is a huge trend in the fashion industry that helps with this idea. By buying less clothing and getting rid of clothes you don’t wear a lot, you are creating a ‘minimal’ closet.

Minimalism embraces the idea of buying pieces you will wear a lot and staple clothing items. This helps with overconsumption and giving into fast fashion and trends.

The goal is that companies will produce less items if we stop over-consuming. 

One reason this trend has become popular is because of social media influencers and the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic.

It acts as sort of a rebellion against the overwhelmingly fast fashion trends and often focuses on more neutral colors and quality items. Since there are so many different styles and aesthetics out there today, minimalism can help you be conscious about what you’re spending money on. 

Jil Sander, a high-end luxury brand, is one fashion brand that embodies minimalism. Known for its modernity and sophistication, Jil Sander uses neutral colors, clean design, and a “less is more” attitude to embrace minimalist fashion.

Minimalism can even be seen in loungewear with brands like Essentials and Talentless, who focus on neutral color palettes of sweatshirts and sweatpants. 

Renting Fashion | Sustainable Fashion Trend #3

One of the most exciting sustainability trends in the fashion industry right now is the rise of fashion rentals.

Renting fashion is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to buying new, especially for special occasions like weddings, job interviews, or birthdays. Instead of purchasing an expensive outfit that you’ll wear only once, why not rent it for a fraction of the price?

This growing trend is not only great for your wallet, but it’s also an essential part of the sustainability trends in the fashion industry aimed at reducing waste and consumption.

There are many online platforms now offering rental clothing and accessories, making it easier than ever to embrace these sustainability trends in the fashion industry.

One of the most popular is Rent the Runway, which allows you to rent designer pieces from top brands like Club Monaco, Tory Burch, and Reformation. With flexible plans that let you rent 4, 8, or 16 items a month, Rent the Runway offers options for every budget while promoting sustainability.

Another notable platform is Tulerie, a peer-to-peer rental app that lets users rent directly from each other's wardrobes.

Tulerie ensures a respectful and secure experience by introducing new members via FaceTime, fostering trust between renters.

Other rental fashion platforms gaining popularity include Nuuly, Fashion to Figure Closet, Gwynnie Bee, and Vince Unfold, all of which contribute to the growing sustainability trends in the fashion industry.

No matter which rental service you choose, embracing these sustainability trends in the fashion industry will not only help you stay stylish but also reduce your environmental impact, benefiting both the planet and your budget.

Sustainable Packaging | Sustainable Fashion Trend #4

Aside from the clothing itself, there is much waste produced as a result of packaging.

Plastic packaging is estimated to make up 26% of the total volume of plastics created a year according to Sustainability organization Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

This is why sustainable packing is of great importance and has become a focus in the fashion world. 

Many brands have taken it upon themselves to create packaging that consumers are more likely to keep and use.

Lululemon’s reusable tote bag is a great example of reusable packaging that's been around for years. In addition, many brands are creating packaging that is recyclable.

In fact, Zara aims to be 100% landfill free by 2025.

This is because they also allow customers to bring unwanted items back into the store to be repurposed or recycled. 

✍️ Written by Sydney Sokol