Sustainability of Vintage Clothing

1950s Silk dress by “Tobi”

So we love style. That’s a given. And we don’t want to forsake style to be environmentally conscious.

But, did you know that the fashion industry and garment manufacturing is linked to 20% of global industrial water pollution? Or that it takes 715 gallons of water to produce the cotton needed for one t-shirt? That is almost three years’ worth of drinking water for one person! https://www.thefashionlaw.com/home/how-many-gallons-of-water-does-it-take-to-make-a-single-pair-of-jeans

Why would we want to continue to manufacture new items of clothing when more than enough already exists? That’s the big question. Of course we want fabulous styles but environmental sustainability requires balance. And, if we can achieve terrific fashions without polluting the environment that’s a great big win-win for us … and for the planet!

As I was shopping around while on vacation a few weeks ago, I noticed a real trend towards 1970s style fashion. These weren’t true vintage, of course, but made to look from an era gone by. I realized I had many similar pieces on my online shop and they were the real deal! They were the original masterpieces.

It got me thinking. If we already had the styles we were looking to achieve (and in such perfect condition) then why would you want to buy new? The answer was clearly use those fantastic vintage pieces that feel great and that look great.

I don’t want to knock the many great fashion shops that carry new and vintage looking clothes that look fantastic but we should consider the items previously manufactured. New is nice sometimes but let’s not forget what we already have.

So, if you are looking for something different to wear, you might want to consider looking to the real thing and dropping by the vintage and thrift stores nearby. You can also virtually stroll the online vintage shops to see the style you’re looking for reflected in their online catalogues. Many of those terrific original pieces from decades ago are available in mint condition just waiting to be loved again by the next generation. And Mother Earth will thank us for it!