The Complete A-Z Guide for the Fashion Industry
A
**Ask More**
Learn about the origins of your clothes. Find out where they are made and who made them. You have the right to understand the story behind your garments since they are a reflection of you.
B
**Buy Less**
Make deliberate choices. Only buy what you truly need and ensure that it is durable.
C
**Climate Change**
Despite skepticism, climate change is a real issue. Emissions from production release CO2 and other harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, worsening the situation.
D
**Dyeing**
Textile processing uses more than 2,000 chemicals, including hazardous substances such as mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and chlorine.
E
**Energy**
Clothing production is resource-intensive, but surprisingly, about two-thirds of its environmental impact arises during the consumption phase, primarily from washing and drying.
F
**Fast Fashion**
Fast fashion is problematic. Embracing slow fashion is the better choice. End of story.
G
**Greenwashing**
Greenwashing happens when brands tout their commitment to sustainability without implementing real changes in their practices.
H
**Cause Less Harm**
The fashion industry is a major polluter, ranking as the third most environmentally damaging sector worldwide and one of the largest consumers of water.
I
**Insecticides and Pesticides**
The World Wildlife Fund reports that conventional cotton, which makes up just 2.4% of the world’s arable land, is responsible for 11% of global pesticide use and 24% of insecticide use.
J
**It’s a Journey**
Sustainability is an ongoing process, not a final goal. We need to constantly learn, research, question, and challenge ourselves to become better consumers (and manufacturers).
K
**Knowledge**
“Knowledge is power.” This enduring truth remains just as relevant today. The more informed you are, the better equipped you are to respond and drive change.
I
**Longevity**
Each year, around 92 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills. The reason? Many fashion items are not built to last. To address this, fashion should be designed with durability in mind.
M
**Mother Earth**
Protect our planet—it’s the only one we have.
N
**Natural Fibers**
While natural fibers are often a good choice, they aren’t always the most sustainable. Their production can use substantial amounts of water.
O
**Odor**
Odor is probably the main reason you wash your clothes. While sweat is natural, it promotes bacteria that lead to unpleasant smells.
P
**Plastic**
Plastic is not environmentally friendly. Synthetic clothing, made from plastic, releases microplastics during washing. A more sustainable alternative is recycled synthetics.
Q
**Quality**
Quality includes not only superior fabric and craftsmanship but also a supportive work environment. While these standards should be the norm in the industry.
R
**Recycled Textiles**
Recycled textiles are the future of sustainable fashion. Although textiles can frequently be recycled, this practice is not as widespread as it should be.
S
**Scraps**
Fabric scraps are an inevitable byproduct of the production process. However, machine cutting can reach up to 90% waste efficiency.
T
**Technology Wins**
How can a brand advance sustainability in the industry? Technology is essential. It reduces water and energy waste, supports the circular economy, and prolongs the lifespan of garments.
U
**Upcycling**
Turning scraps, excess textile waste, and plastic into new clothing—rather than merely downcycling—represents a truly remarkable process.
V
**Viscose Fibers**
Viscose fibers, which are semi-synthetic and derived from trees, aren’t always more sustainable. They frequently receive D or E ratings on the Made By Environmental Benchmark for Fibers.
W
**Water**
Water is our planet’s most essential resource, yet over 1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. The fashion industry is the second largest consumer of water.
X
**Eliminating unsafe and unfair work conditions is essential.**
Certifications like the GOTS Certificate, BSCI core labor rights, and the SA8000 Standard ensure factories are held accountable for the safety and well-being of their workers.
Y
**Why Make a Change?**
The fashion industry is highly polluting, ranking as the third most harmful industry globally and being one of the largest water consumers.
Z
**Zero Waste**
Achieving zero waste is difficult. Although many items can be downcycled, entirely preventing waste from ending up in landfills is more challenging.