Consumerism and the appearance of fast fashion brands are seriously damaging our planet, being one of the leading reasons for climate change. Clothing production numbers are through the roof in the last two decades as well as the carbon emission that goes along with it. People buy more and quickly discard completely new clothing items creating 92 million tons of clothing waste each year. Not to mention lack of recycling, toxic wastewater, microplastic, and many other issues revolving around fashion.
Minimalism As A Lifestyle
These facts are terrifying and are getting worse. Therefore, more and more people educate themselves on these problems and how they directly affect every living being on Earth. The concept of minimalism in fashion started in the mid-20th century but with a different purpose – to express simple shapes and fabrics. Nowadays, it is a response to overconsumption and evident climate changes.
Minimalism turns to a more simple wardrobe, recyclable material, and natural colors. It is rejecting trends and creating your style through sustainable fashion. It is also called ‘slow fashion’ which has been getting more attention from buyers. Slow fashion brands send a clear message which is to think before buying. It is more a lifestyle than just a shirt you buy. It means you are aware of the fast fashion industry and you want to do something about it.
Useful Minimalist Fashion Tips
Let’s go through practical ways to implement minimalism into your wardrobe. Firstly, have a huge cleanout. It can be stressful after many years of shopping but it is a rewarding feeling to see all the items you wear. All the items should go well together as far as colors and patterns are concerned. However, try to stick to more natural colors such as white, black, beige, and brown. This makes color coordination easier. Also, these colors need less water in their production. So that is already a win.
Think quality over quality when buying your next clothing item. You need a material that is natural, organic, and less toxic for your health. If you had to pick an organic cotton shirt or a polyester one, you already know your answer. The same goes with accessorizing. Opt for high-quality jewelry that is simple in design and goes with every outfit. For example, The Estate Watch & Jewelry Co in Arizona is a must-see jewelry shop offering minimalist pieces of various materials. Versatility is key in a minimalist fashion. When it comes to shoes, you only need one pair of sneakers. It is better to have one high-quality pair than several pairs that cannot be worn next season due to bad production.
Minimalism As A Trend
In the 60s and 70s, minimalism had a different purpose. Fashion was more focused on simplistic shapes and patterns but had nothing to do with why this movement is important today. Some consumers still see minimalism as an interesting style that matches their preference but nothing more. It is still a positive impact on fashion because they buy from sustainable brands and would eventually understand the true meaning of this movement.
Unfortunately, sustainability and recycling are greatly misused by fast fashion brands. The so-called ‘greenwashing’ is a new term used to show negative marketing practices. It is a marketing strategy of brands to appear more environmentally friendly in their production. The simplest example is using a green color to persuade consumers they are working on being more healthy, natural, recyclable, and less wasteful. Minimalism is growing as a concept, so fashion brands are manipulating facts to appeal to a bigger audience, therefore, gaining profit.
Think About Your Next Purchase
Although climate change is the biggest issue of our time, look at it from a personal perspective. Embracing minimalist fashion means you no longer waste a lot of money on clothes but enjoy the items you love to wear. Less clutter equals a peaceful mind.
