What Is Sustainable Fashion? How to Create a Wardrobe with Purpose
Hi there sewing friends !
I’ve had quite a few beginner sewers reach out with questions, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to go over some common ones here. Whether you're just starting or brushing up on your skills, I hope these answers help you navigate your sewing journey with confidence. Let's dive into some of the most asked questions and clear up a few mysteries!
Sustainable fashion
Sustainable fashion—it’s a term we’ve become accustomed to in the retail clothing industry, but what does it really mean? With so many brands jumping on the “eco-friendly” bandwagon, it’s no wonder things get confusing. Some big companies use sustainable fashion as a selling point, but often, it’s just a marketing move, known as greenwashing. Greenwashing is when companies make their products seem eco-friendly without actually making real, impactful changes in the supply or disposal chain. So, while they might use words like “green” and “conscious” on their tags, it doesn’t always mean they’re genuinely helping the planet or people.
To understand sustainable fashion better, let’s look at the bigger picture of sustainability. In simple terms, sustainability is about using resources consciously and regenerative, creating less waste, and making sure the way we live today doesn’t hurt the planet for future generations. In fashion, this idea transforms into choosing clothes that are thoughtfully made, built to last, and crafted with as little impact on the environment as possible through design, manufacturing and recycling.
But here’s the honest truth: the most sustainable garment is the one that’s never made. Every new item produced adds to our planet’s growing pile of clothes, so one of the best things we can do is use and cherish what we already own. That's why learning to sew, mend and alter your own clothes is one of the more impactful ways you can support sustainable fashion.
Sustainable fashion can be an important stepping stone for those of us looking to make more conscious choices. By choosing quality pieces, getting creative with what’s in our closets, or supporting brands that genuinely care, we can all take little steps toward a more eco-friendly approach to style. Sustainable fashion may not be a perfect solution, but it’s a meaningful first step toward a more conscious consumer.
Low impact fashion
When it comes to sustainable fashion, a term that truly resonates is “low impact.” Unlike the broad and often misinterpreted “sustainable fashion,” the concept of low impact focuses on minimizing harm during the garment’s creation. A low-impact garment is crafted with thoughtful practices—using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and conserving energy. But here’s the key difference: low impact shifts the responsibility to us, the consumers, letting us decide if the garment truly aligns with sustainable values.
Why? Because even the most sustainably made piece isn’t sustainable if it’s not worn. Studies show, that garments spend the majority of their lifespan untouched in closets. This reality brings up an important question: can a garment truly be considered sustainable if it isn’t being used as intended? Low impact acknowledges the ethical production side but keeps sustainability in our hands. By making conscious choices to wear, mend, and repurpose these items, we determine whether they fulfil their sustainable potential or merely add to the cycle of consumption.
Sewing sustainable fashion
One way to embrace low-impact fashion is through sewing. Sewing lets us actively participate in creating and caring for our wardrobe, allowing each piece to serve its purpose fully and minimising waste. When we sew our own clothes, we participate in the entire process—from choosing quality materials that align with sustainable values to designing clothes that fit perfectly and are meant to be worn again and again. By sewing, we create clothes that are not only designed to last but also tailored to our personal style and practical needs, making them far more likely to become long-term staples rather than fleeting purchases.
Recently, I experienced this firsthand when I unpicked a dress I hadn’t worn for five years into a new top. I’d kept the dress in my wardrobe all this time because I loved the fabric, though I wasn’t sure how to make it wearable. Sewing gave me a way to bring this fabric back into my life in a form I truly love and know I’ll wear often as I traced a pattern off an old top that I have worn every summer for the past 6 years. This simple project not only saved the beautiful fabric but also allowed me to create a piece I’ll enjoy for years to come, turning an unworn item into something meaningful and sustainable.
Beyond creating new items, sewing gives us the skills to mend and alter the clothes we already own. Instead of discarding a piece at the first sign of wear or poor fit, we can repair, resize, or even transform it, extending its life and impact. This hands-on approach to fashion transforms our mindset, making us more intentional about each item we add to our wardrobe and more connected to its journey. By sewing, we adopt a slower, more thoughtful fashion process—one that encourages us to use each garment to its fullest, reducing the need to buy more and contributing to a more sustainable fashion cycle.
How to be a sustainable sewist
Becoming a sustainable sewist means making mindful choices at each stage of the sewing process. One of the best places to start is by shopping your stash—using materials you already have rather than buying new fabric, thread, or notions. This can also inspire creativity, as working within your existing collection encourages unique combinations and ensures that nothing goes to waste. Another way to stay sustainable is to consider altering or redesigning your old sewing patterns. Adjusting fit, adding new design elements, or mixing pattern pieces can refresh a well-loved pattern without the need for new purchases. Lastly, taking a look in your wardrobe to identify gaps before sewing something new ensures that each project has a clear purpose, supporting a more intentional approach to sewing.
Beyond these practices, sustainability also comes down to the materials we choose. Opting for natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool, and seeking out eco-friendly dyes, has a lower environmental impact compared to synthetics like polyester or acrylic, which require more resources to produce and don’t biodegrade. By making small changes in how we approach sewing, from our fabric choices to our project planning, we can create a more sustainable sewing practice that’s kind to both our wardrobe and the planet.
What does “Sustainable fashion” mean to you?
Ultimately, sustainable fashion is something that’s up to you, the consumer or sewist, to define and make meaningful. It doesn’t have to be a concept you simply buy into; rather, it can be a lifestyle change or a shift in how we view our wardrobe and consumption habits. Sustainable fashion is about making mindful choices that align with your values—whether it’s repairing an old favorite, repurposing a forgotten piece, or being intentional about new additions. Every item we bring into our lives should have purpose and longevity. If you buy or make something with the intention of cherishing it for years, you’re already contributing to a sustainable fashion cycle.
So, while brands and labels may promote “sustainability,” the true impact lies in how we each choose to care for, reuse, and value our clothes. By embracing this mindset, we empower ourselves to build a wardrobe that’s truly sustainable—one that respects the planet, honors the effort put into each garment, and celebrates our personal style. Sustainable fashion isn’t just about what we wear; it’s about how we wear it, use it, and give it a purpose beyond the next trend.
Get "Sewing for Beginners" Ebook
If you’ve been looking for an easy and fun way to start sewing, the Sewing for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide is the resource you need. With simple instructions, exciting projects like the summer skirt, bucket hat, and scrunchie, and valuable sewing techniques, this ebook will help you build confidence and skills in no time. So why not dive in and start your sewing journey today? I can’t wait to see what you sew !