Teekila introduces you to sustainable fashion. A production model that cares about the environmental and social impact of the clothes we wear.
The world of fashion has begun to walk a greener path, at a slow pace but that is increasingly noticeable. In Teekila we have already noticed this change, so we want to talk about what sustainable fashion is and what we can expect from this trend that is so concerned about the environmental and social impact of the clothes we wear every day.
Seeking a change of culture
Over the last few years, companies and fashion enthusiasts have emerged that bet on clothing made with organic fabrics, recycled or second-hand products with the intention of lending a hand to the environment and to those who work in the textile industry who are affected by poor working conditions, minimal benefits and constant exposure to chemicals that affect their health.
This sustainable trend has crept into the fashion world, complying with certain characteristics that focus on social and environmental welfare. The concept has given way to a more conscious production but still struggles to grow in an industry where low-cost and fast fashion is leading the way.
So what is sustainable fashion? This is an industry that seeks to control the life cycle of clothing so that it is as respectful as possible. The industry monitors every aspect of the manufacturing process: raw material sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, sales, life span, and use of the garment.
On the contrary happens with fast fashion, as we see in the infographic that accompanies this post, in which it is evident that the goal is to buy and generate profits without looking at the consequences of the journey of the garments. As a result, we get low-quality and short-lived clothes that force us to buy again in a short time; while the sustainable economy calls to create garments that can be used for a long time.
This fashion promotes the use of ecological garments, made with materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, nettle, cellulosic fiber, among others. Natural dyes and recyclable packaging are also used to increase the impact of this industry.
Sustainable fashion criteria
The production model is characterized by the use of materials that are easy to recycle and reuse, as well as being durable so that they can be used for a long time, which would reduce the need to buy new clothes so often.
Manufacturing processes must be free from the use of hazardous chemicals capable of causing environmental damage and endangering the health of both workers and users. Natural, non-toxic dyes are also used. Packaging must also be environmentally friendly.
The aim is to avoid contamination by the transfer of the goods, which means an incentive to local production and small companies engaged in this ecological industry. Generating, in turn, greater employment opportunities within the regions.
Another key differentiating factor between sustainable fashion and fast fashion is the opportunity to obtain more original products as opposed to mass production.
Responsible consumption
The production of garments within this system aims to generate awareness in consumers who ultimately decide what to buy and what not to buy. This means that the sustainable industry seeks to create a pattern in which each person consumes consciously, realizing the origin of the garments they take home while extending their useful life.
To achieve this, it is necessary that people consume according to their real needs and make the most of what they have. That is, instead of discarding a garment that will no longer be used, they can find a new life for it. And this is not limited to clothing but to all the textiles you have at home; for example, you can reuse old towels and turn them into something new.
Buying clothes made under the sustainable fashion trend may mean having to make a larger investment, but the cost of paying less for ordinary clothes is borne by the environment and the workers who endure deplorable conditions.
Experiment with this fashion
Not always participating in this model means having to make large investments in clothing produced with special features. There are other ways to be sustainable with fashion, you just need to have a little vision and initiative. Among the practices that you can apply is the exchange; when you are not going to use a garment you can exchange it with another person or use it for rent.
Damaged clothes can be repaired or a piece can be made from another, a technique is known as upcycling, in which unused materials and leftovers from other garments are used to make a new one. Another alternative is second-hand clothing, which saves the resources used during the manufacturing process and extends the life of the products.
Personalizing clothes through the methods we offer you in our store is a valid alternative when you want to change the style of a piece. You can do it with the clothes you already have or with the ones you buy in the second-hand market.
You already know what sustainable fashion is and what are its benefits. If you found this information useful, share it on your social networks.