2022 came with everyone wanting to go with the sustainable way of living. Millennials want a minimalist approach towards everything in life, especially fashion. And, no prizes for guessing that 2022 is being ruled by this simplistic approach. We got in touch Tanvi Bikhchandani, Co-founder, Tamarind Chutney- a sustainable clothing brand to know how sustainable fashion will rule the year and she shared with us, some trends that will take lead.Use but don’t throw: Repair and upcycle
At the crux of sustainable fashion is a move away from the fast fashion mentality of buying low quality clothes that don’t last and are often treated as disposable items. 2021 is the year to question these practices we take for granted. Start by darning clothes that have minor defects in them. Buy upcycled products such as headbands made from waste fabric. If you’re bored of your old clothes you can also give them a second life! Block print a plain T-shirt, or add patchwork to your top or jacket.
Old is gold: Shop second hand
Indians are all too familiar with the culture of hand-me-downs - we’ve all gotten pre-worn clothes from older siblings and cousins in our childhood. Why did we grow out of this? Wearing pre-loved clothing fits directly into sustainable fashion, as it’s a great way to ensure clothes are kept in wear for as long as possible. Second-hand clothing isn’t limited to hand-me-downs are family heirlooms, but can also be bought at thrift stores. Local thrift stores in your cities and towns also help support small businesses so be Vocal for Local
Reuse, Swap, rent, repeat
How many of us have spent a lot of money on an outfit only to wear it once and have it languish in our wardrobe for all eternity? While some occasion wear outfits may have sentimental value, there are others that definitely needn’t have been bought. Renting outfits for special occasions is another practice we expect to become more prominent in 2021, especially as the world gets back to normal.
Fabrics hold the key
For those looking to buy new clothes, make sure to read the labels for material composition! Organic cotton, surplus cotton, flax and hemp are sustainable options. For synthetics, try to go for recycled fabrics. Also, brands may tell you that something is sustainable, but watch out for ‘green washing’ - where companies give partial or incomplete information to make their practices sound more eco-friendly than they are. For instance, a brand may market its T-shirt as organic cotton, but the label says its 90% regular cotton, 10% organic cotton - which is misleading! Get organic cotton, hand-woven fabrics, flax and hemp. Looking at synthetics - try to go for recycled fabrics.
