Is ethical fashion boho?

The fashion sector often encourages players in the field to renew the collection over the years to attract more consumers. Behind this incessant evolution, the textile industry is the source of many environmental concerns. It is the second most polluting industry on the planet. Indeed, the dye may contain chemicals that pollute waterways.

Also, the fashion industry does not respect working conditions and men's rights, especially in fast fashion. In addition, it widens social inequalities. The world of ready-to-wear deserves a real improvement. This is what ethical fashion is trying to establish through the implementation of several bio-fair solutions that can be beneficial for both consumers and the environment.

The concept of ethics or eco-responsibility consists in paying more attention to your collection of outfits in your dressing room to limit the environmental impact. But sometimes he is accused of bobo, which is not often seen as a compliment.

What is ethical fashion?

A multitude of ideas revolve around ethical fashion, that it is sometimes difficult to define it perfectly. It comes in different facets: eco-responsible fashion, sustainable fashion, up-cycling, eco-design, slow fashion,… What is certain, this trend is based on the type of textile and the manufacturing process.

The textile

The fabric is the main component. To make ethical clothing, there are many approaches.

natural fibers

They can be of animal or vegetable origin, the most common of which are cotton, linen, hemp, wool, silk, cashmere... It should be noted, however, that cotton production requires a lot of water and pesticides, unlike that of flax and hemp fibres.

Organic fibers

They are also of natural origin, but their cultivation mainly follows the specifications of organic farming and affirms fair working conditions. This is the case of organic cotton or organic wool. Various labels guarantee the required quality of a textile, namely the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Oeko Tex.

Recycled fibers

This concept is part of the circular economy and waste management. It consists of recovering textiles to produce fully recycled yarns.

Upcycling

These are clothes and accessories for men and women or even second-hand reused fabrics. Become useless for their owners, these objects are recovered and remain in the state to revalorize them. Be aware that product traceability is very difficult, if not impossible, in upcycling.

Chemical textile fibers

Viscose, Tencel or Lyocell… these fibers are said to be ecological since they come from natural and renewable materials (eucalyptus, bamboo…).

The vegan fibers

This last category therefore excludes raw materials of animal origin in the design of ethical fashion.

The making process

Different concepts come into play to ensure an eco-responsible, ethical and sustainable design:

• Eco-design, which promotes reuse, repair and recycling to limit environmental impact,
• Local production to reduce polluting emissions from transport, because sometimes the fiber already comes from the other side of the earth,
• The use of natural and non-toxic dyes, the Oeko Tex Label certifies the non-existence of these pollutants,
• Fair trade: fair trade,
• Transparency, a common process in textile production for major clothing brands.

Clothing for wealthy people?

The term "bobo" is the contraction of bohemian bourgeois, designating a category of wealthy people who live in urban centers and are often sensitive to ecology. Ethical fashion corresponds to them, because it emphasizes concern for the environment and the well-being of workers, which is not the case with fast fashion.

For some time now, eco-responsible fashion has been heard from time to time in the world of ready-to-wear. Whether you want coats or a messenger bag for women, or a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved organic cotton T-shirt for men. There's something for the whole family. Many people want to convert to responsible consumption.

However, ecological clothing is specifically aimed at a limited audience, in particular the famous sores. Associated with luxury, they have a cost that is not very accessible for small budgets. In addition, the catalog does not offer enough choice and diversity. The quality of the garment takes precedence in slow-fashion. There is no time to multiply models and collections.

However, there is no need to buy an organic cotton T-shirt to throw away after a few washes! This is not part of sustainable approaches. Greener and more ethical fashion is dedicated to being reused. If not used, it will be upgraded to second hand.

The challenges of ethical fashion

The fashion industry is considered very polluting. Better to choose clothes and accessories that affect our planet the least. In fact, ethical fashion took off following the scandal of British clothing group Boohoo, which is decried for its modern slavery, and also the collapse of Rana Plaza.

Over time, demands for transparency continue to grow. This means that both clothing brands and consumers are getting into organic fashion for ethical and environmental reasons.

But not everyone can afford to think about their clothing consumption, the issues related to their way of dressing, responsible fashion brands, recycled materials, or even where to buy ethical clothing.

An expensive collection… or not expensive

Bobo or not bobo, it is possible to find inexpensive eco-responsible clothing. Certainly, buying clothes in fast fashion, which are very affordable, constantly pushes us to go shopping. In the end, unworn tights or sandals pile up in your wardrobe. This process therefore entails considerable expense and a significant environmental impact.

An organic or recycled polyester T-shirt may be expensive, but it is a sustainable product with no toxic components. Produced in small quantities, eco-responsible collections will have more impact on the price. But behind the tempting offers of a clothing brand, there is always eel under rock.

Sustainable fashions are not always high-end clothing. Some ethical clothing brands produce less expensive and basic pieces: a timeless skirt, a pretty certified sweatshirt or a magnificent blouse at a low price. The main thing is to play on sobriety and durability.