The fashion industry seems to be repetitive ―it looks like an endless cycle takes us back to 90s style, from bucket hats and mini skirts to tube tops and kitten heels. However, in the midst of all the fashionable clothing and fast fashion, some brands encourage us to take it slow and view garments differently.
Of course, we’re talking about the Irish, the most passionate and warm people one could ever meet. These traits have made it possible for fashion brands to bring something new to the market, thus establishing their importance in the fashion industry. No one can compete with the Aran sweaters, as the women’s islands hand-craft garments with love and passion.
Hence, Irish brands push for clothing longevity and slow fashion. What does this mean for the regular consumer?
What is slow fashion?
Slow fashion is the opposite of fast fashion, meaning it encourages people not to give up on their garments so quickly. It’s usually common for consumers to throw their garments after a few wears or if the piece is a little bit worn out. That’s why slow fashion is inclined towards long-term maintenance and care, so we not only keep our clothes for longer but also wear them with love.
Slow fashion isn’t about replacing your entire wardrobe with said brands but about upkeep your current pieces and avoiding buying from fast fashion brands. So, whether you’ve got a few printed T-shirts or colourful dresses you may think are out of style, there are so many things you can do with them instead of throwing them out and contributing to clothing landfills.
Is slow fashion sustainable?
Slow fashion is more sustainable than fast fashion because it focuses on lengthening a garment’s life cycle. Indeed, some garments, such as personalised hoodies, are for the long term, but T-shirts are not. Slow fashion is about quality, not quantity, which is why most of these products can be more expensive than clothes from regular shops. Materials are high quality, including the manufacturing process, ensuring customers have a reason to keep them for years.
The Irish fashion industry has focused on natural materials for some time, including linen, tweed, and wool. The latter is one of the most important materials in Irish history, as it’s a considerable exporter globally, considering the qualitative woollen clothes. These low-impact fibres became the country’s most appreciated materials.
What kind of clothes can you get from Irish companies?
Ireland is known for the staple Aran sweater, and it has an amazing history. What’s most special about these garments are the knitting patterns used in sweaters, socks, and mittens, whose meaning can differ from one stitch to another. For example, the cable stitch signified fisherman ropes, while the honeycomb one represents good luck and hard work.
Aran sweaters can take months to be created, which is why they’re so valuable. Many brands in Ireland pride themselves on a variety of similar clothing, which is why you’ll find the best winter garments here.
However, these are not the only unique clothes the Irish make. Swimsuits made from old carpets and fabric scraps, raw-material-based outerwear, and organic cotton products are common in Ireland, making it one of the most sustainable fashion-oriented places in the world.
How does eco-friendly clothing help the environment?
Fast fashion immensely impacts the environment, accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions, according to Earth ORG. The problem with fast fashion is that most textiles contain microplastics, and many end up in rivers and streams. In addition, the entire process of dyeing and fabric production contributes to nature’s damage.
On the other hand, eco-friendly clothing aims to minimise all that impact by employing different processes and textiles. Sustainability in fashion ensures:
- Reduced carbon footprint;
- Better garment quality;
- Ethical production;
- Less waste;
- Innovation and variety;
- Less impact on health;
The fashion industry needs to re-think its culture
Although companies are at fault for manufacturing so many clothes and advertising changes as necessary, consumers must also alter their perception of clothes. Do we really need new garments for each season? Are new shoes important when we’ve got multiple pairs of other shoes? Is the name of the brand more essential than its product quality?
Green clothing companies are mitigating transformation, especially by delivering new designs less often than fast fashion brands. These clothes are made to last for a few years, and this can happen if people also learn how to take care of their products.
For example, sustainable clothes need some attention when it comes to washing and caring. Washing in cold water is ideal, as warm water can lead to shrinkage and fading. Eco-detergent is also a great choice, in addition to no fabric softener, which is essential for delicate fabrics to last longer. Finally, letting clothes air dry (when possible) is best for consuming less energy and not damaging the fibers.
Still, why are people not buying more sustainable clothes?
The main reason people don’t consider buying more eco-friendly garments is the cost. These brands usually have to price products at higher rates than fast fashion companies because the costs of manufacturing them are high. Using sustainable fibers, sometimes sewing by hand, or painting them naturally takes more time and resources than regular companies.
However, buying one T-shirt made of natural materials is considerably better than buying five cheaper plastic-based textiles. Not only will it last longer, but its impact on nature will also be less significant. Therefore, we must change our perspective on clothes and their prices and try investing in them for the long term.
What do you think about the Irish sustainable fashion market?
The fast fashion industry is taken aback by slow fashion, and the market is focused on sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. The Irish fashion sector is mostly known for its sustainable approach, especially regarding warmer clothing, like the Aran sweater, so its contribution to a safer environment is considerable. Many Irish brands are reshaping what we know about garments, so we believe the future of fashion will be oriented towards protecting nature.