The fashion industry is a major contributor to pollution. From the production of textiles to the dyeing and finishing processes, the industry leaves a significant footprint on the environment. However, there is a growing movement towards sustainable fashion, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of clothing production and consumption.
Sustainable Fashion: Healing Our Planet. & How Cloth Alterations Matter!
Sustainable fashion encompasses a wide range of practices, including:
- Using organic or recycled materials
- Producing clothing in ethical and fair-trade conditions
- Reducing water and energy consumption
- Minimizing waste and pollution
Here are some of the ways that sustainable fashion can help to reduce pollution:
- Reduced water and energy consumption: Traditional cotton production is a water-intensive process. Organic cotton, on the other hand, requires less water to grow. Sustainable fashion practices also often involve using less energy in the production and dyeing of fabrics.
- Reduced chemical pollution: Conventional dyeing and finishing processes use a lot of harmful chemicals, which can pollute water and soil. Sustainable fashion brands often use natural dyes or less harmful alternatives.
- Reduced waste: The fast fashion industry produces a lot of textile waste. Sustainable fashion brands are working to reduce waste by using recycled materials, designing clothing that is more durable, and encouraging consumers to buy fewer clothes.
Alterations Matter!
One often overlooked aspect of sustainable fashion is alterations. When clothes fit well, they are more likely to be worn and loved for many years. This reduces the need to buy new clothes, which in turn reduces the environmental impact.
What are alterations?
In the context of clothing, alterations refer to any modifications made to a garment to change its fit, style, or function. This can include a wide range of adjustments, such as:
- Taking in seams: This is a common alteration to make clothes fit more snugly.
- Letting out seams: This is the opposite of taking in seams, and it’s often done to make clothes fit looser.
- Shortening hemlines: This is a popular alteration for dresses, pants, and skirts.
- Lengthening hemlines: This alteration is less common, but it can be done to extend the life of a garment that you love.
- Taking up shoulders: This alteration can make a jacket or blouse fit better if the shoulders are too wide.
- Narrowing sleeves: This alteration can make a shirt or jacket look more tailored.
- Adding darts: Darts are small tucks that can be used to shape clothing and improve the fit.
- Replacing zippers or buttons: This is a simple alteration that can extend the life of a garment
Want to Contribute in Sustainable Fashion then try Alteration
If you’re interested in getting started with sustainable alteration, here are a few tips:
- Find a good tailor: A good tailor will be able to alter your clothes in a way that is both stylish and sustainable.
- Ask about sustainable fabrics: Some tailors use sustainable fabrics for their alterations. Ask your tailor if they offer this option.
- Bring in your old clothes: Don’t throw away your old clothes! Bring them to your tailor and see if they can be altered into something new.
- Get creative: There are endless possibilities when it comes to alteration. Get creative and come up with ways to update your old clothes.
If finding a Professional tailor seems difficult then Meet AlterDry – your one-stop shop for on-demand alteration, Eco-Friendly dry cleaning, and bespoke tailoring in Mumbai! Alterdry We not only save your time and effort but also contribute to sustainability. Our team of professional tailors is at your service, ready to visit you at your doorstep.
Here are some of the benefits of getting your clothes altered:
- Clothes fit better and look better: A well-fitting garment is more flattering and comfortable to wear.
- Clothes last longer: Clothes that fit well are less likely to rip or tear, and they are less likely to go out of style.
- You can save money: Getting your clothes altered is often cheaper than buying new clothes.
So, how can you support sustainable fashion?
Here are a few tips:
- Buy fewer clothes, but invest in quality pieces that you will love and wear for many years.
- Shop at sustainable fashion brands or buy second-hand clothes.
- Get your clothes altered so that they fit you well.
- Take care of your clothes so that they last longer.
Sustainable fashion is not just about the clothes we wear; it is about making a conscious choice to reduce our impact on the planet. By making small changes to our shopping and clothing habits, we can all help to make a difference.
Additional ways to reduce your fashion footprint
- Support brands that are transparent about their supply chains and manufacturing processes.
- Look for clothing made with durable materials that are less likely to pollute when they shed microplastics.
- Wash your clothes less often and in cold water.
- Air dry your clothes whenever possible.
- Donate or sell your unwanted clothes instead of throwing them away.
By making these small changes, we can all help to create a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
