The Rise of Sustainable Fashion & Where to Start

Written by Lainey Toole

Sustainable production practices are on the rise. Avant-Garde fashion is experimental and innovative. The dramatic crossroad between Avant-Garde fashion and sustainable practices is harmonious. Hyundai recently broke into the sustainable fashion scene with recycled materials with its new line titled “Zero + Maria Cornejo” to credit the artist. The fashion line is made from unused airbag scraps and leftover car seat material. However, Avant-Garde fashion is an acquired taste. If you’re intrigued by eco-conscious fashion, check out the companies down below for more accessible styles.

Where to Start for the Curious Consumer:

1. Pangaia is a fully sustainable company from production to sales. Pangaia offers eco-conscious streetwear for anyone. It’s famous for its eco-friendly sweatshirts and sweatpants. Pangaia creates clothing with environmentally-friendly dyes that reduce water consumption and chemical levels. Pangaia uses organic cotton and recycled plant materials to produce all their clothing drops. The cherry on top: Pangaia sends the orders in compostable packaging.

2. Extra Vitamins is another small streetwear brand that displays unique designs for all genders. The prints on each piece are largely focused on spreading the word about saving the earth. Extra Vitamins uses 100% cotton sourced from the USA. The packages are entirely recycled. All of the pieces are hand-dyed by a two-person team in Brooklyn.

3. Everybody.World provides a cost-effective option for those who don’t want to break the bank when shopping sustainably. The company produces gender-neutral basics like tops, pants, shoes, accessories, and special collaborations. Everybody.World clothing is made in Los Angeles from 100% recycled cotton. The company is dedicated to fair wages and zero-waste practices.

4. Sosha Bianca Studios is a small business committed to small-batch production using sustainable materials. Sosha Bianca, the CEO, created her line of clothing with body positivity in mind. Bianca sews all her pieces by hand, and her materials are sustainably sourced in Mongolia. The pieces are classic and timeless; the consumer can shop anything from a matching silk set to bike shorts.

5. Thousand Fell is a shoe company that values eco-friendly production using plant-derived materials. Even though the prices are quite high, there are discounts offered frequently. Thousand Fell values recycling. When your sneakers are worn out, you can send them back to Thousand Fell so that they can recycle them into new materials. When you return your used shoes, you receive a $20 credit on your next pair.

6. Irene Victoria Jewelry is a small jewelry company focused on utilizing recycled 14k gold and recycled sterling silver. Irene Victoria, the CEO, crafts all her jewelry by hand in Massachusetts. All of her jewelry is classic and minimalist. Irene Victoria Jewelry also offers a free ring with the first order.