My Sustainable Fashion Journey
I have always been passionate about fashion and the environment, so when I heard about sustainable fashion, I was immediately intrigued. Sustainable fashion is a movement that focuses on creating clothing and accessories that are made from sustainable materials, produced in an ethical and environmentally friendly way, and designed to last. I decided to take the plunge and embark on my own sustainable fashion journey.
The first step in my journey was to research sustainable fashion and learn more about the different materials and production methods used. I read up on the various fabrics used in sustainable fashion, such as organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo. I also learned about the different production methods, such as upcycling, recycling, and zero-waste production. I was amazed at how much effort goes into creating sustainable fashion and the positive impact it can have on the environment.
The next step was to find sustainable fashion brands that I could support. I looked for brands that used sustainable materials, produced their clothing ethically, and had a commitment to reducing their environmental impact. I was pleased to find a wide range of brands that met my criteria, from high-end designer labels to more affordable options. I was also able to find some vintage and second-hand stores that sold pre-loved clothing, which was a great way to reduce my environmental impact even further.
Once I had found some sustainable fashion brands that I liked, I started to build my wardrobe. I chose pieces that I knew I would wear often and that would last me a long time. I also made sure to buy items that I could mix and match with other pieces in my wardrobe, so I could create a variety of looks. I was pleased to find that sustainable fashion was just as stylish and fashionable as regular fashion, and I was able to create a wardrobe that I loved.
I also started to look for ways to reduce my environmental impact even further. I switched to using natural laundry detergents and fabric softeners, and I started to repair and mend my clothes instead of throwing them away. I also started to shop more consciously, only buying items that I really needed and that I knew I would wear often.
My sustainable fashion journey has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have been able to create a wardrobe that I love, while also reducing my environmental impact. I have also been able to support sustainable fashion brands and help to promote a more sustainable future.
FAQs
What is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable fashion is a movement that focuses on creating clothing and accessories that are made from sustainable materials, produced in an ethical and environmentally friendly way, and designed to last.
How can I find sustainable fashion brands?
You can find sustainable fashion brands by researching the different materials and production methods used in sustainable fashion. You can also look for brands that use sustainable materials, produce their clothing ethically, and have a commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
What are some ways to reduce my environmental impact?
Some ways to reduce your environmental impact include switching to natural laundry detergents and fabric softeners, repairing and mending your clothes instead of throwing them away, and shopping more consciously.
We actually don’t know how long it takes for plastics to decompose, they’ve only been around for a hundred years or so. Any such estimates such as a thousand years are at best, educated guesses based on limited testing. As a scientist, I suspect that it might be much, much longer than that, depending on the specific plastic and the conditions in which it is disposed. I hate to think of the enormous plastic layer we’re depositing all over the world, even in the deep oceans. What a way to treat our common home, covering it with such garbage!
The first I do, too, is check the fabric content on the label of a garment, or for online purchases, the fabric description. (Many of us oldster make a distinction between a label, which is sewn inside the garment and designed to be permanent, and a tag, which shows the price and sometimes the size, and is hanging on the garment and is designed to be removed). If there is no label showing the fabric composition, I just don’t buy it, it’s undoubtedly polyester, acrylic or nylon. Price is a good, but not infallible, guide. For example I just saw a YT video where the creator showed a “real silk scarf” for $9.00 US, but I knew it just couldn’t be. I checked the link to be sure, and it was of course, 100% polyester. On the other hand, I did once find a genuine silk scarf at H&M on sale for $12 and I love it. Amazon shouldn’t allow brands to identify as items as silk if they’re not silk, but they do., all the time They are also guilty of selling garments with no fabric content labels, which is actually illegal in most countries including the US, Canada, Europe and probably NZ/Australia. There are certain things which must be included on these labels, fabric composition and care recommendations are two important ones. I also don’t buy plastic shoes, not even one single pair has ever turned out to be comfortable and I’m 63. Unlike leather, they never stretch, soften or break in, and the straps slice into the skin of the feet, I have scars to prove it. Plus, they make feet sweaty, a good way to get toenail fungus or Athlete’s Foot! Plastics don’t really work on the human body anywhere, I’m sure they’re ok for others uses, deck awnings?, car covers? but not for apparel.
I had to stop trying to wear synthetics, they just made me miserable, then I learned that it is skin allergies causing my symptoms. I have been gradually eliminating these fibers from my wardrobe, first with those worn on the torso (my skin is more sensitive there than on my limbs and it overheats more easily, too), as I either: can afford to replace them, decide I don’t need them, they look dated, or they wear out. Losing and keeping off a lot of weight required me to replace many items like sweaters anyway, the others I altered myself to fit. I’m currently eliminating the last of my items in synthetic blends, they irritate my skin, too. I am keeping most of my polyester skirts because I can wear a silk slip between them and my skin, and skirts are easy to size down. My pet peeve is the ubiquitous polyester lining, even in designer brands. I do a lot of research to find blazers, etc. with natural-fiber or rayon linings instead. I can wear the “manmade cellulosic” rayon/viscose/lyocell with no problems, probably because they’re made from plant fibers, not plastics. These have many of the great properties of silk: lightweight, soft, highly breathable, and good drape. Mostly, I look for rayon versions if I can’t find what I want in silk, it’s available in more options. Quality is really important in these rayon-family fabrics; thinner, cheap, fast-fashion versions don’t perform as well or or look as good. They often pucker a lot just when steaming them and can be very limp, but I iron them with Magic Sizing and they look better quality. Knits of silk or rayon, or blends of them, are the most comfy fabrics ever.
Thank you Mimi. I love your energy, your smile and your content so much.
Love this video! I also made a video about living more sustainably. Check it out? ❤
💜💜💜💜💜the best and my most favourite YouTuber ever! Ikonns and Naghizada families are my life mentors.God bless u all🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺
Fantastic advice but what if you get a stain on a white cashmere jumper? How would you clean in?🤔
Polyester is horrible stuff! Hot, sweaty, itchy plastic. I’m becoming more sustainable with my wardrobe over time but no more polyester either. I was over the moon to find my Sezane trench lined with viscose instead. The quality is amazing and I really hope it’ll last me forever. Buying nicer clothes that i don’t want to replace and I WANT to look after, really feels like it’s refining my own style too. Next winter I’m buying one jumper (wool / cashmere, no nasty acrylic) and I will probably spend all year researching and saving up for it 😅
aunty ji aunty ji get up and DANCEEEE !!!!!!!!!
Something just snapped Something inside of me
I went to an image consultant after you recommended it years and years ago and it’s the best think I’ve ever done! I’m a deep autumn 🙂
Yes to the capsule wardrobe!!
Just to note, your cashmere sweater at 300 pounds…in Canadian dollars that is $485 ( almost $500) not to mention shipping, duties, return shipping , size exchanges. I’m so happy that is in your budget but it is not for a vast majority of people. And other brands that are in the USA are not any better. Even considering cost per wear really doesn’t get that price down enough in any even remotely reasonable time frame. Let alone if a women has weight fluctuations through various stages of life and cannot wear it anymore.
I like the first point of only wearing natural fibres and no polyester…however, where can a person shop? Even all of the more mainstream ‘sustainable brands’ like Everlane, Sezane, Frank and Oak and almost all others still use a lot of synthetic ( plastic) fibres. The vast majority of cashmere sweaters are not affordable. Other Youtubers will say shop Quince …they do not ship to any other country than the USA. My other issue is most ‘sustainable’ brands have just very plain neutral style aesthetic and way too masculine. Sezane is more my style but it does not make sense for me to spend the very high price for that brand when the majority of their items still have a high amount of polyester just like fast fashion stores. Also, the majority of more ‘sustainable’ brands are not size inclusive enough. Some brands do offer much larger sizes ( more realistic). However, I find the style of most brands that do offer the more inclusive sizes are just not what I would want. As well, I am petite ( under 5’3”). Though I have searched extensively, I have not found one ‘sustainable’ brand that offers true petite sizing. If one exists then often, again they only offer ‘basics’ or just a couple of items. I cannot find a good fit in a sweater. I now hem all my own clothes and am learning to alter clothes myself. I literally have to alter EVERY SINGLE item I purchase. When I’m paying $200 or more for an item…I do not want to have to also invest all my time, energy,effort and even more money just to try to make it fit. If I’m going to have to pay $200 for a sweater ( or item) it needs to be perfect…style, color, material, price, FIT and cost. So far, I have not found one item that fits all the criteria to warrant paying $200 plus. I completely cannot shop second hand because ALL the clothes in second hand stores SMELL. Not body door issues but from laundry detergent scents and dryer sheet scents which are toxic ( for myself and the environment) and I cannot tolerate it at all. No one ever mentions this in regards to the environment or health.
One of my favorite videos of yours!
Thank you Mimi! I've been wondering how do you apply this to Alexa's shopping? I have done the same for myself over the last few years moving to sustainable fashion but struggle to find these options for my kids.
I’ve been doing the same, buying what I love, will use, and appreciate. I splurged recently on a cashmere sweater and it was the best decision. It’s warm, soft, and is wearing well. I got rid of the sweaters that were uncomfortable. Not to mention, that most people only wear 20% of their wardrobes, so why not pare down and have what you really love. Quality > quantity.
Mimi i love you 💖
Love all you advice. And love to see your capsule wardrobe!
Please do a video on colour palette and personal styling tips
Hi Mimi! This was great, can you also share where you get toddler / kids clothes, I am having a hard time looking for outerwear made with all natural fibers. Also is recycled polyester something you consider okay to purchase and wear? How about high street stores like hm and gap that have a “recycled polyester” or 100% cotton but also sell other man made materials do you avoid those stores completely?
Wow that cashmere jumper beautiful! Do you know the style name? Very helpful and realistic video 🙂
Theres so much to learn…… especially that Polyster = plastic… and how they ruin middleeastern countries and others to get these things
I’m super excited to always see you! Always enjoy your journey with your travels, and your life with Alexa and Alex!
I have 300e per month for food !!! Omg! You must be rich !!! I can buy sweater for 20e max…it cost me 0,1 cent per wearing !!! ;)))))))
Many shops do 80% recykle clothes, so this time we can help our planer as well ;))))) so dont be worry to buy recycle clothes……
I did the same Mimi. I basically just buy secondhand though and ALWAYS natural fibres ❤❤❤ it is absolutely the right thing to do 😊
My first video that I watched was you and your sister with the outfit the day.. omg i loved those videos!!
Marc O Polo is sustainable brand also they use the best wool kashmir alpaka ect, i work for them and i recommande it to everyone that search for something good
You are beautiful Mimi 🙂
what about athtletic/athleisure wear? How do you avoid poly/plastics?
for zara and H&M you can find basics in natural fabrics such as cotton or linen you just need to read , also for jewelry I'm totally with you investing in buying gold and diamonds is way cost effective in the long run and if you are on tight budget lab grown diamonds is a good alternative always THINK before purchase it's your own hard earned money you are spending it
That's funny that it actually resonated with me especially the part Why to wear plastic … It's something I knew but realized form another side, thanks to you Mimi