Glossary of Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Terms

As the fashion industry evolves, there's a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices. For anyone, especially those who are new to these concepts, navigating the terminology can be a bit daunting. This glossary aims to demystify some of the most commonly used terms in sustainable and ethical fashion. We are continually adding as we learn more and expand our own understanding in this fashion space!

Sustainable Fashion

Refers to clothing that is designed, manufactured, distributed, and used in ways that are environmentally friendly and considerate of socio-economic factors. It aims to reduce the fashion industry's environmental footprint. Sustainable fashion considers reducing resource and energy consumption, using eco-friendly materials, minimizing harmful chemicals, implementing zero-waste and circular economy practices, lowering carbon footprints, and protecting biodiversity.

Ethical Fashion

Focuses on the fair treatment of workers and animals involved in the fashion supply chain. It addresses issues like fair wages, safe working conditions, and animal rights.

Slow Fashion

A movement towards creating and consuming fashion in a more sustainable way. It emphasizes quality over quantity, promoting longer-lasting, timeless pieces.

Fast Fashion

A term for the rapid production of cheap, trendy clothing that often mimics current luxury fashion trends. It is typically associated with negative environmental and ethical impacts due to its disposable nature.

Upcycling

The process of transforming what would be seen as waste materials or unwanted products into new, higher-quality items. Upcycling extends the life of materials and reduces waste.

Recycling

Involves processing used materials into new products to prevent waste and reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials. In fashion, this often refers to repurposing fabrics or garments into other items like insulation etc.

Circular Fashion

An approach where clothing is designed, produced, and consumed in a way that maximizes the lifecycle of products and minimizes waste. It includes practices like recycling, upcycling, and reselling. It pushes against the model of buying, wearing and disgarding by keeping the items moving in a circle of continued use.

Eco-friendly

Refers to products and practices that do not harm the environment. In fashion, this can mean using organic materials, non-toxic dyes, and sustainable production methods.

Fair Trade

A movement aimed at ensuring fair prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. Fair Trade fashion guarantees that the people who made the clothes were paid fairly and worked in good conditions.

Organic

Materials, particularly cotton, that are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic farming practices are better for the environment and the health of farmers and consumers.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) emitted by a product throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal. Reducing the carbon footprint is a key goal in sustainable fashion.

Biodegradable

Materials that can break down naturally and safely into the environment without causing pollution. Biodegradable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo are preferred in sustainable fashion.

Vegan Fashion

Fashion that does not use any animal products or by-products. This includes leather, wool, silk, and fur alternatives that are cruelty-free.

Transparency

The practice of being open and honest about the processes, practices, and impacts of a company's operations. In fashion, this often involves sharing information about sourcing, manufacturing, and labor conditions.

Conscious Consumerism

A movement where consumers make purchasing decisions based on the social, environmental, and ethical implications of products. It encourages mindful consumption and supports brands that align with these values.

Cradle to Cradle

A design philosophy that considers a product's entire lifecycle, from creation to disposal, and aims to create systems that are waste-free. It emphasizes materials that can be fully reclaimed or re-used.

Greenwashing

When a company falsely advertises their products as environmentally friendly to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. It's important to research and verify a brand's claims to avoid being misled.

Secondhand Fashion

Buying and wearing previously owned clothing (doesn’t always mean it’s worn!). This practice reduces waste and lessens the demand for new clothing production. It includes thrift shopping, vintage stores, and online resale platforms. Our favorites include ThredUp, Poshmark, DePop, the RealReal and Grailed.

Artisan Made

Craftspeople who make products by hand using traditional methods. Supporting artisans often means preserving cultural heritage and providing fair wages and working conditions.

Zero Waste Fashion

An approach to design and production that seeks to eliminate waste by using every piece of fabric or creating garments that can be entirely recycled or composted.

We are always adding more as we grow and learn together!