A wardrobe consists of both regularly worn and unused clothes, each of which contributes to an individual’s visual identity. Clothes that cannot be physically worn do not necessarily need to be discarded, but there may be other compelling reasons for keeping them. Historically, sustainability efforts in the apparel industry have focused on using environmentally friendly materials and improving production efficiency. However, the benefits of these technological advances have been offset as both production and consumption levels have risen. To achieve true sustainability in the industry, it is essential to reduce material flows and address both sustainable manufacturing and consumption.
The human body naturally changes. Whether it’s ageing, pregnancy, physical health conditions, mental health issues or major life changes, we all experience changes in our body shape and size. As a result, our clothing sizes change frequently too. Keeping your clothes in place for as long as possible is the pinnacle of slow fashion philosophy, but with our changing bodies, this isn’t always possible. But there’s no need to feel guilty about this.
The rise of fast fashion is attributed to a variety of social factors, including peer pressure, economic considerations, cultural shifts, and social norms. Fast fashion is characterized by cheap, trendy clothing that is quickly produced to match the latest styles, but it has a significant environmental impact. However, an increasingly popular solution to this problem is adjustable sizes that adapt to changing body shapes and extend the life of clothing.
Understanding the problem of fast fashion
Fast fashion is based on mass production, which often results in excess inventory and overproduction. This excess leads to textile products being discarded or sold at heavily discounted prices, which leads to waste. Furthermore, the rapid change of fashion trends means that consumers tend to discard items after only a few uses, exacerbating the generation of waste.
The term “fast fashion” derives from the rapid pace at which clothing is designed, produced, distributed, and sold. This model allows retailers to offer a wide range of products, providing consumers with more choice and variety in fashion at a lower cost.
Additionally, traditional sizing systems used in the fashion industry are not inclusive – they fail to accommodate the diverse body shapes and sizes of consumers, resulting in ill-fitting clothes that are often produced, discarded, or relegated to the back of the closet.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry is not only the second largest consumer of water in the world, but also accounts for 2-8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately, the negative impact that fast fashion has on the environment is largely unrecognized by consumers. Here are some of the impacts that rapid fashion has on the environment:
1. Water
Fast fashion has a negative impact on the environment through its high water and energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and depletion of non-renewable resources. It takes about 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt and about 2,000 gallons to produce one pair of jeans, making the fashion industry the second largest consumer of water in the world. Additionally, textile dyeing often involves dumping leftover dye water into ditches, streams, and rivers.
2. Energy
The process of turning plastic fibers into textiles is energy intensive and uses large amounts of petroleum. It also releases volatile particulate matter and acids such as hydrogen chloride. Moreover, cotton, despite being a staple of fast fashion, is no longer considered an environmentally friendly way to produce it. Moreover, the use of pesticides that are considered necessary for cotton cultivation also poses risks to farmers’ health.
More sustainable materials such as wild silk, linen, hemp, organic cotton and lyocell offer eco-friendly alternatives in clothing production, helping to reduce waste generated by fast fashion.
3. Microplastics
Synthetic fibers commonly used in the fashion industry, such as nylon, polyester and acrylic, take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Additionally, leather production requires large amounts of feed for raising cattle, water, land and fossil fuels. The tanning process, one of the most toxic stages in the entire fashion supply chain, uses non-biodegradable chemicals that pollute water sources. These chemicals include formaldehyde, mineral salts, coal tar derivatives, various oils and dyes.
The benefits of adjustable size
Adjustable garments offer a practical solution to common sizing issues by adapting to different body shapes and sizes. With adjustable straps, ties or waistbands, these garments increase durability and adaptability, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
1. Durability: Adjustable garments can be worn for longer periods of time as they can be adjusted to fit a variety of body shapes and sizes. This not only extends the life of the garment but also reduces the need for replacement, ultimately reducing textile waste.
2. Inclusivity: Adjustable sizes promote diversity, as traditional sizing systems often exclude people with body types that don’t fit into standard sizes, allowing more people to find clothes that fit well and feel comfortable, and that cater to a wider range of body types.
3. Versatility: Adjustable garments are inherently versatile. A single garment with adjustable elements can be styled for a variety of occasions and seasons. This versatility encourages consumers to use a garment for a longer period of time, reducing the need to frequently purchase new items.
4. Economic Benefits: Eco-friendly clothing often has a higher upfront cost, but adjustable features can provide long-term economic benefits. Investing in well-made, adjustable clothing can help you minimize the cost of disposable items and frequent replacements, saving you money in the long run.
5. Functionality: Adjustable size provides added safety, aesthetics and functionality. Just as a device with adjustable speed settings is more versatile than a fixed speed device, adjustable clothing serves multiple purposes and adapts to a variety of needs.
Adjustable size environmental impact
According to one analysis, 85 percent of textiles end up in landfills each year, depleting water sources and polluting rivers and streams. What’s more, just washing your clothes releases 500,000 tons of microfibers into the ocean each year, equivalent to the plastic from 50 billion plastic bottles.
Sizing has environmental benefits that go beyond reducing textile waste: by encouraging consumers to buy smaller, higher quality goods, it reduces the demand for producing new clothing items, thereby reducing the consumption of energy, water and natural resources in the manufacturing process.
Additionally, sizing facilitates the move towards a more circular fashion industry: adjustable garments can be given away, resold or reused to extend their life cycle and reduce their environmental impact. This approach contrasts with the traditional linear model of producing, consuming and disposing of clothing.
Embrace change
Adopting adaptive sizing requires a mindset shift on the part of both consumers and the fashion industry. Consumers must prioritize quality over quantity and be willing to invest in clothes that are durable and versatile, while fashion companies must rethink their design and production processes to incorporate adjustable features into their clothing lines.
Luckily, the trend towards sustainable fashion is gaining momentum. Sizing is becoming more and more important, with more brands incorporating it into their collections. Plus, with growing consumer demand for more inclusive and sustainable options, the industry is set to undergo a major transformation.
How can consumers make a difference?
As consumers, we can take various actions to encourage the transition to adaptive sizing and create a more eco-friendly wardrobe.
1. Choose quality over quantity: Invest in durable clothing with adjustable elements. Look for clothing that can be adjusted as needed.
2. Support sustainable brands: Look for clothing brands that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity in their design and production processes. Support brands that demonstrate their commitment to the environment.
3. Educate yourself: Before making an impulse purchase, understand the impact fast fashion has on society and the environment. Be informed about the wider impacts of your fashion choices.
4. Extend the life of your clothes: Take care of your clothes by following the manufacturer’s care instructions, making any necessary repairs, and exploring creative styling and reuse ideas. Maintain and refresh your wardrobe by repairing worn items and finding new ways to wear them.
5. Advocate for change: Express your support for industry-wide reform and call on fashion companies to provide more inclusive and sustainable solutions. Join the conversation to drive better practices within the fashion industry.
How can businesses make a difference?
At a corporate level, there are several steps that can be taken to encourage the shift to adaptive sizing and promote a more environmentally friendly wardrobe.
1. Use better materials: Choose sustainable materials that benefit the planet and prioritise the wellbeing of the people involved in their production. Choosing eco-friendly materials has a positive impact on both the environment and human wellbeing.
2. Make clothes that fit everyone: Create inclusive designs that cater to a variety of body types, ensuring everyone can find clothing that fits comfortably and flatters their individual style. By focusing on inclusivity in clothing design, companies are helping customers embrace their unique identities and feel confident in their fashion choices.
3. Reduce waste: Implement ways to reduce excess materials in the garment production process and increase the use of recycled materials. By adopting waste-reducing practices and incorporating more recycled materials, companies can make a significant contribution to a more sustainable fashion industry.
4. Be Open: Be transparent and open about your efforts to increase environmental awareness and social responsibility. Speaking honestly about your environmentally friendly and fair practices builds trust and fosters accountability within your community.
5. Listen to your customers: Respond to customer feedback by carefully considering their wants and striving to provide clothing that aligns with their ethical principles and preferences. By proactively engaging with customers and providing clothing that aligns with their values, businesses can strengthen their connection with customers and increase customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
In a world dominated by fast fashion, adaptive sizing has emerged as a practical solution to promote sustainability in our wardrobes. With their ability to save resources, reduce textile waste, and promote durability, inclusivity, and versatility, adjustable garments play a key role in shaping a more circular fashion economy. Companies and manufacturers have the power to drive positive change by embracing adaptive sizing and making smart choices that prioritize sustainability in their holistic processes. Through our collective efforts, we can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for the fashion industry, benefiting future generations.
