Sustainability is becoming a blanket buzzword that leaves me with a lot more questions than answers. Like, what is it about this product that deems it sustainable?
Does this wedding gown have a second life as a swimsuit that can be magically mashed into baby food? Really, is it supply chain? Materials? Worker's rights? Donations on the backend? What makes a fashion brand sustainable?
I've heard about fashion houses that slash or burn unsold inventory in an effort to preserve the brand's reputation (the irony). But I would be remiss not to acknowledge the interesting shifts happening. For example fashion brands like Girlfriend Collective and Reformation who have been pretty successful in making sustainability "sexy," with taglines like, “Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We're #2.”
On the flip side, I've been to enough bachelorettes and weddings to wonder just how sustainable a $450 Reformation dress really is. They're things I wear once or twice a year to events I likely wind up twinning with someone wearing the exact same cut or color.
Regardless, I am becoming increasingly aware of the detrimental impact careless consumption has and it's started to change my tune on seeking out more sustainable options like thrifting and resale brands like The Real Real, or investing in pieces like leather jackets and handbags I can pass on when my body eventually dissipates into a customized plastic cup for Elon Musk's pumpkin spice Soylent.
But before that tragedy occurs, here are some pretty cool resale and sustainability initiatives from brands I really like and had no idea had them.
This is a peer-to-peer marketplace for pre-loved Clare V. from past seasons. You can either purchase vintage Clare V. or sell yours for credit toward future purchases.
I'm pretty sure this was the brand's "We made too much" page. A compilation of discounted items on styles they overproduced. It seems it has since evolved into a resale program with an intention to "lessen our carbon footprint and help restore a healthy planet. We're reinvesting 100% of Like New profits into our sustainability initiatives, including circular product design, renew and recycle programs, and store environmental programs."
I only have experience with the "We made too much" sales whereas this is a mix of previously like new and almost new. Which Im not sure I would give any of my leggings a second life as leggings but maybe some sweatshirts?
Considering Patagonia can really stand the test of time, this is pretty great. How it works is if you have an old Patagonia item you can trade it in and get credit towards your next purchase on a used or new garment.
Ok, the last time I tried this when they launched, it was a little too involved. However, it looks as though they have streamlined it a bit. Basically, instead of selling on third party sites like Poshmark, you can request a "Payout Kit". They send you a postmarked bag, you fill it with lightly used items and if items are accepted, you'll receive a Ref shopping credit.
Nike Grind is a global sustainability program that transforms manufacturing scrap and end-of-life shoes into recycled Nike Grind materials. It’s part of what they call "a circular future" to advance circularity in their own ecosystem by using Nike Grind in new apparel, footwear, and products.