What is Sustainable Fashion and Why Does it Matter?

On the port of the Pearl River in China, lies a city named Guangzhou. While you may not know its name, chances are that some of the clothes in your closet came from here — especially if you’ve ever shopped at Shein.

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In January 2025, BBC investigators found workers in Guangzhou's factories hunched over sewing machines for 75 hours weekly, far exceeding China's legal limit.

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These workers churn out t-shirts, shorts, blouses, pants, and swimwear under exploitative conditions. And the problems run deep - in 2024, investigators uncovered child labor at Shein's suppliers.

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Shein isn't alone. Many fast fashion brands follow these same practices. They flood the market with new trendy styles weekly (sometimes daily) at rock-bottom prices.

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The clothes are made of synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are forms of plastic made from fossil fuels.

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These cheap, low-quality garments usually fall apart after a few wears and end up in landfills.

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On the other hand of this spectrum are brands that are promoting sustainable fashion.

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What is Sustainable Fashion?

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Sustainable fashion brands use planet-friendly materials such as organic cotton, Tencel lyocell, and recycled fibers. Instead of trendy clothes, these brands release evergreen collections that can stand the test of time.

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These brands often have a code of conduct for their factories and suppliers, mandating them to operate in a particular way, ensuring that workers are paid fairly (often more than the minimum wage) and no child labor happens in the entire supply chain.

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But sustainable fashion is not just about buying from sustainable fashion brands.

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What Sustainable Fashion Really Means

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Sustainable fashion is fundamentally about buying less and the best sustainable brands actively encourage this mindset. These brands demonstrate their commitment to longevity through initiatives such as supporting repairs, avoiding trendy designs, providing detailed care instructions, and running take-back programs.

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But you don't need to rely on brands to embrace sustainable fashion. Before making a new purchase, explore ways to repair, upcycle, or reimagine items already in your closet. When you do need something new, consider borrowing from friends and family for special occasions, thrifting, or buying secondhand clothes. These simple habits embody what sustainable fashion truly means.

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