Eco fashion has come a long way but there is still no industry agreement on eco fashion terminology. To help answer some of your questions I’ve turned to fellow blogger, Natalie Kay of Sustainably Chic.
Q: Eco Fashion options are becoming more mainstream but there still seems to be some confusion on exactly what it means. How would you describe eco fashion to someone you just met?
A: I would definitely agree ‘terms’ are being misused, and it seems as if we are clumping them altogether or completely mixing them up! Of course, some of the terms have a lot of grey area, and will vary depending on your values and ethics, but I find eco fashion to have a clearer definition. Eco fashion deals with the relationship of fashion to the planet. It’s being mindful of the resources we are using, and working hard to create as little carbon footprint as possible.
Q: Why do you think eco/sustainable fashion isn’t straight forward even among industry experts?
A: Probably because most people don’t truly understand the concept of sustainability. It’s quite complex {subjective, too!}, and doesn’t just deal with the environment. Until we all sit down and realize this, Netflix will forever be telling us its definition {& I mean some of the docs!}. To me, eco fashion and sustainable fashion are not one in the same. While I believe a sustainable garment should be eco, I don’t think an eco garment is necessarily sustainable. As conscious consumers, we just want to be told if something is okay to buy rather than digging deeper and figuring out what is most sustainable for us as an individual. There isn’t one answer to this, and that’s why it isn’t straightforward for everyone. Our values, ethics, culture, economics, immediate environment and so forth all play a huge role in the concept of sustainability. We can not have a black and white mentality when discussing this, and that’s what I see happening on social media far too much. I always want to give them the ‘sustainability chart’ as a stepping stone into the conversation!
Q: Do you find the eco industry an all or nothing business, or is there room for individuals to represent what means the most to them without having a negative impact on other sectors? What points are the most important to you/do you look for?
i.e. environmentally friendly, animal rights, fair trade, anti-slavery & ethical working conditions, upcycling etc…
A: I don’t think any of this movement is an all or nothing deal. If something speaks to you then you should definitely focus on it. Become an expert, and get things done like a #girlboss! I wouldn’t ignore the other important issues, but to have to worry about them all can be quite overwhelming. Just be conscious about it, and take it slow.
I’m really most interested in sustainability which encompasses many things, and it’s hard for me to focus on one issue. If I had to choose one I hold dear to my heart, it would be how we treat the makers.
Q: In your experience do you find it easy to find garments that encompass all the principles of eco fashion? If not, do you think this will change in the near future?
A: Since eco fashion deals with the environment, it’s less complicated for a shirt to be labeled ‘eco’ than ‘sustainable’. I do find it is getting easier and easier to find an organic tee dyed naturally. A sustainable tee takes a bit more effort, but people are really supporting the concept these days! It’s exciting.
Q: What’s the one thing you look for when in a hurry to ensure a garment/accessory is sustainable?
A: Hmm.. one thing? I wouldn’t be able to ensure anything is sustainable off one attribute, but quality is definitely on the top of the list.
Q: Do you think a 100% sustainable wardrobe is achievable by all? Why or why not?
A: Like I mentioned before, sustainability is quite subjective so I think a closet can be 100% sustainable for YOU – maybe it wouldn’t necessarily be considered sustainable by someone else, but for you, yes! As long as you are putting in the effort, and applying the concept correct, I don’t see why it couldn’t be doable. However, we live in a totally different world than many so I’m mainly speaking for those who are reading this right now. {side note: if you don’t have the money to support the sustainable brands, thrifting is your best bet!}
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to make their wardrobe more sustainable?
A: I would say to start with what you have, and build from there. Get pieces that will compliment your current closet. I may be a bit biased, but bloggers are a great way to find new brands when you start building your conscious wardrobe.
Make sure to follow along with Natalie over on Sustainably Chic & to catch more of her outfit inspirations, insights, and company favorites follow along on
InstaGram: @SustainblyChic
Twitter: SustainblyChc
Pinterest: SustainablyChc
Want to know more about eco fashion? Don’t miss these article <3
Sustainable Fashion Ted Talks Worth Watching
I believe you don’t have to give up style to dress sustainably, dogs make everything better, travel is the best therapy, global living wage is achievable, flower gardens are essential, and without a healthy planet none of these things would be possible. 
