Move over, quiet luxury—conscious consumption is the new flex.
Why Climatarian Fashion Is the Only Trend That Matters
- Gen Z is boycotting Shein while thrifting vintage Levi’s.
- Millennials are investing in 30-wear pieces instead of 30-day trends.
- Boomers are mending and upcycling like it’s the ‘60s.
And the numbers don’t lie:
- Fashion is the second-largest consumer of water, while being responsible for 10% of global CO₂ emissions (more than international flights and maritime shipping).
- 85% of consumers would pay more for greener products.
But with a world culture that promotes overconsumption, conscious choices are often drowned out. Enter this handy guide to help you peel back the layers of consumerism and start your eco-chic life.
Your No-BS Guide to a Low-Carbon Wardrobe
1. Start With What You Own
If you don’t know it yet, your greenest garment is the one already in your closet. Don’t roll your eyes just yet, hear me out…
If you need ideas to restyle your clothes, the Save Your Wardrobe app can help you get a fresh perspective. It uses AI to help you minimize impulse consumption by tracking wears, suggesting outfit remixes, and providing users in certain areas with a conscious repair network.
There’s a long list of other apps that can help you approach your wardrobe with fresh eyes, build an eco-conscious community or get a professional stylist’s opinion. Before you build another online cart, checkout Acloset (to organize and reimagine your wardrobe), Indyx (for outfit ideas and personal styling), and Whering (for inspiration and to share your style with friends).
And if you absolutely must buy something, try this idea for a minimalist and conscious lifestyle. For every new item, donate or sell another, this is called the “One In, One Out” rule.
2. Fabric Cheat Sheet
Knowledge is power for conscious consumers, and knowing what you’re wearing should be at the top of your priority list.
Take a screenshot of this table, so you know which fabrics to look out for.
We often assume that “natural fabrics” are eco-conscious, but that is not always the case. Take bamboo—its potentially damaging impact is regularly overlooked. However, not all bamboo is created equal. Unless it’s FSC-certified or OEKO-TEX® approved, it may be causing environmental harm and contributing to deforestation.
Ultimately, buying can’t always be avoided, but how or what you buy makes an immense difference.
3. The 5-Question Pre-Buy Checklist
You can “Add to Cart,”—some of us even self-soothe this way—but before you “Checkout,” ask yourself:
- Can I rent or borrow this? Try services like Nuuly (US), Rent the Runway (US), HURR( UK), The Volte (AUS), Air Closet (Japan), Style Rotate (RSA), R’Frique (RSA).
- Is it made with low-impact materials? Check our cheat sheet above.
- Will I wear it 30+ times? If not, it’s probably an environmentally harmful fling (second-worst kind).
- Can I recycle or compost it later?
- Does the brand disclose its supply chain or carbon impact? No transparency = red flag.
Climatarian Fashion Brands Walking the Talk
As we become more conscious of the environment, brands are upping their greenwashing game. It can get a little confusing, so we’ve put together a list of sustainable brands for climatarian fashionistas (it’ll catch on, I swear).
US
Patagonia—uses lower impact materials, anti-fast fashion
Reformation—trendy, water efficient production
UK
People Tree—low impact materials, and minimal waste
Ninety Percent—has a buy one, donate one giving back model
Africa
Tongoro (Senegal)—on-demand production minimizes waste
MaXhosa (SA)—luxury brand using local and ethically sourced mohair and merino wool
Hamaji Studio (Kenya)—handmade fabrics from natural fibers
lemlem (Ethiopia)—made on-demand with handmade natural fabrics
Asia
No Nasties (India)—organic cotton and fair trade practices
The R Collective (China)—upcycles waste into responsible design
Bonus Tips: Look out for B Corp and GOTS certification. You can also research how transparent a brand is about Fair Trade and their supply chain practices.
Or subscribe to The Green Vanguard, and look out for our ethical fashion brand directory.
Remember: Some popular brands like Uniqlo or H&M have eco-forward collections. But unless they publish full supply chain details, their climate credentials are usually just vibes, not facts.
The Future: What You’ll Wear by 2030
Fashion is evolving fast. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Transparency in the circular economy: Brands like Pangaia already use digital passports so you can see supply chain info, care tips, and end-of-life options.
- Mushroom Leather and other innovative fabrics: Mylo™ by Bolt Threads is made from fungi, not fossil fuels—and it’s being tested by brands like Stella McCartney.
- AI-powered wardrobes: Apps like Whering use AI to recommend outfits based on what you own, reducing the need to buy more.
The next big thing in fashion? It’s not a silhouette—it’s a systems shift powered by you, the consumer.
Image: Karolina Ostrzolek / Pexels
Final Thought: Fashion That Grows Up
Your closet is a climate tool. Every garment you buy (or don’t buy) is a vote for the world you want.
Next time you’re tempted by a flash sale, consider your climate values and try to restyle your fav tee just one more time.
Ready to make your closet a stylish climatarian statement? Let’s go!
FAQs
Q: Is thrifting really better for the environment?
A: Yes. Buying a used garment reduces its carbon footprint by 82% because no new materials or production are needed.
Q: How can I spot greenwashing?
A: Look for specifics. “50% recycled polyester” is better than vague claims like “eco-friendly”. Also, check third-party certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or Bluesign®.
Q: What’s the best sustainable fabric?
A: Recycled cotton and wool, and organic hemp and linen are front-runners. Also, TENCEL™ is a champ: made from wood pulp, biodegradable, and low-water.
Q: Is polyester bad for the environment?
A: Yes—it leads to the release of an exorbitant amount of CO₂ and greenhouse gases during production, and its non-biodegradability means long-term environmental damage.
Got extra cash from skipping that impulse haul? Put your money where your values are with these green investing and banking hacks that champion climate change while your money grows.
Header image: Godisable Jacob / Pexels