Gone are the days when being eco-friendly meant sacrificing style. But things are changing, especially in the men’s fashion.
Most guys now realize that it is possible to embrace sustainable men’s fashion without negatively affecting others. Now people can look neat and be confident about what they are wearing at the same time.
In this guide, I will explain all the necessary information regarding the concept and ways of sustainable dressing.
I’ve got you covered, from ‘why’ it matters to ‘what is out there’ and ‘how to’ find those ‘awesome brands’ and ‘useful tips’. I surely bet your wardrobe, as well as your environment, will be grateful for it!
What’s Sustainable Fashion?
You may be wondering, ‘It is only clothes, why is it a big deal?’ And, believe me, it is a big deal.
What is sad is the fact that the fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world today.
This is where we are talking about mega gallons of water usage, toxic usage of chemicals, and disposal of huge piles of waste.
Also, many employees of clothing factories receive poor wages and their working conditions are rather hazardous.
Sustainable fashion attempts to solve these issues. It’s about how using fashion today can be sustainable, that is, not harmful to the earth and the people who make our clothes.
And the best part? This means you can still get your handsome look but also contribute positively to the environment.
What’s Involved in Sustainable Men’s Fashion
Now we know what makes clothes sustainable. However, there are common things to be concerned about:
- Eco-friendly materials: This is something that is related to natural materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fabrics. These consume less water and use fewer chemicals in their production processes.
- Ethical production: This means paying workers a fair wage and ensuring that they work in a safe environment when producing your garments.
- Durability: Sustainable fashion eliminates the need to focus on the number of clothes one owns and instead focuses on the quality of clothes that one has. Recycling also ensures that clothes should last long so that people do not need to buy them frequently.
- Low-impact dyeing and processing: Some brands employ natural dyes or high-tech processes, which are friendlier to the environment as they use less water and energy.
- Local production: Locally sourced clothes are considered to have little or no transportation impacts as they do not travel far from where they are made to the consumer’s house.
5 Sustainable Men’s Fashion Brands
Okay, so now you know — you’ve been convinced. But where do you start? Below are some of the brands that are leading in the industry.
Patagonia
These guys have been in the business for quite some time now. They specifically focus on quality outdoor products that are durable to withstand use and are created with the environment in mind.
You can order their products online from their official website; Patagonia. They are also good because they have an extensive stock and new products to shop for.
Outerknown
This is another laudable sustainable men’s fashion brand you ought to consider. It was established by professional surfer, Kelly Slater.
They create comfort wear that is leisure wear and have integrated sustainable and organic productions alongside fair labor.
Nudie Jeans
Nudie Jeans is a sportswear brand based in Sweden which specializes in organic denim. It also provides free lifetime repairs for a car and this is well appreciated by most of the people who own cars. You can purchase their products from their official online shopping website.
Everlane
This London-based sustainable men’s fashion brand practices what they preach – they are very clear about their pricing and production.
They have got a great range of basics. You can get their products from their online shop which is accessible at Everlane. Interestingly, they also have sustainable women’s wear.
MUD Jeans
Last but not least, a sustainable men’s fashion brand is MUD Jeans. This is what this company does, they wash jeans under some arrangement, then when you’re done you can return them and they recycle them.
Tips for Buying Sustainable Wear
Nowadays, you do not have to send your entire collection to the laundry and buy new clothes because they are environmentally friendly.
Well, that would be quite counter-intuitive, wouldn’t it? Here are some guidelines to help you on your way:
- Buy less, choose well: Buy those that are of good quality and will last you a few months than buying those that will only last you a few weeks.
- Look after your clothes: Just avoiding washing often and hanging your clothes dry can make your clothes last so much longer.
- Repair and upcycle: Have you experienced a situation where you wear a particular T-shirt but it has developed a small hole? Learn some basic sewing skills then repair it.
- Shop secondhand: Local markets and shops are ideal places to look for vintage clothes that have no new production whatsoever. This I mean fairly used.
- Rent for special occasions: Want a suit for a special occasion? Think about renting rather than buying.
The Future of Sustainable Men’s Fashion
The good thing about sustainable fashion is that it’s not just a trend. It is on its way to being accepted as a norm in many places around the world.
More companies are following the trend, and better technology is available in the market, to manufacture the clothes with less harm.
Nowadays, you can have clothes made of recycled ocean plastic or lab-grown leather that looks and feels like the real thing. All these don’t harm people and the environment.
Many guys want safe and better products, and thus you’re probably going to notice that prices drop and options increase.
This is a perfect time to be a fashionista and care about this planet too, whenever and wherever you live.
Wrapping It Up
Well, there it is, the basics of men’s sustainable fashion. It has nothing to do with style or having to spend a lot of money. It’s about choosing the right options that are right for your body, budget, and the environment.
Remember this does not mean that you have to go all-in from day 1. Perhaps, this should start with the next T-shirt that you are planning to buy.
Soon enough, you’ll be able to accumulate clothes that aren’t only friendly to the environment but also serve your fashion sense well.
And lastly, next time someone compliments your outfit, you can casually say that it’s saving the world too. After all, that’s what sustainable fashion is all about.