10 Sustainable Fashion Trends Happening Now

This faux fur looks nothing like real fur, but it gives the pouf and pop that fur typically lends to a fashion piece. Expect to see long dusters and coats using it. Designer Tiziano Guardini and ISKO schemed and designed the faux fur fabric that uses certified organic cotton and recycled cotton.

9. Upcycled Threads

While not a specific trend, large and small fashion companies are using discarded (pre-consumer) materials to create new fashions. Their efforts reduce waste and promote consumer-based upcycling too.

8. Recycled Activewear

Did you know that companies are keeping plastic bottles out of landfills and recycling them into yarns and fabrics? Thanks to brands like Girlfriend Collective, you can buy these activewear threads and help the environment. Big brand Timberland recently collaborated with Thread International to make clothing and shoes from water bottles; collected from Haiti and Honduras, their street trash becomes yarns and cloth.

7.  Old is New with Vintage Trends

To be honest, this isn’t a major industry trend, but a savvy shopping trend that reuses gently worn clothing. The styles don’t have to be vintage. With online thrift stores and consignment shops, you can find plenty of used, newer threads and possibly score some vintage finds. However, online shopping might be convenient, but it’s not always sustainable or good for the environment due to shipping (both from the seller and then again to the buyer). If you really want to maximize sustainability, stay local and help a good cause in your community.

6.  New Plant-Based Fabrics

Fashionable clothes made from organic bamboo and cotton aren’t new, though their trends are ever revolving. Hemp, flax, and even pineapple leaves will see more use as sustainable options for new threads and fabrics.

5. Banana “Leather”

Few faux leathers on the market are truly eco-friendly. PVC, for example, is heavily treated and processed. Vegan leather options for accessories just received a facelift thanks to innovator Green Banana Pepper, who makes wallets from banana leather.

4. Ocean Trash Fashion

Do you know how many plastic bottles and recyclable trash pollute the world’s oceans? Norton Point takes the ocean waste and transforms it into sunglasses. Stella McCartney has also teamed up with Parlay to Oceans. Plastic bottle trash from oceans will replace recycled polyester in her line, Ocean Legends. Parlay to Oceans also works closely with Adidas, and they created shoes and swimsuits made from ocean trash.

3. Less Fur and Leather

Thanks to ethical companies and consumers, trends in the future will feature less animal cruelty. This is in part to heavy no-fur and no-leather movements, but also about education and news reaching a wider audience than it had before. As fashionistas saw the harm and cruelty to animals, many stopped wearing or wanting the clothing. It’s a trend many would like to see permanent.

2. Swedish Stockings

Vogue gave the company a major nod after the Swedish company unveiled their sustainable hosiery. Traditionally, pantyhose and tights use nylon, which is a petroleum-based product with a nasty carbon footprint. Traditional nylon stockings also take decades to break down in landfills. Two women from Sweden thought there had to be a better way, and they found it. Swedish Stockings use only recycled yarn and natural fibers to create elegant, long lasting hosiery. They also come in an array of fashionable styles from traditional to lace to fishnets to leopard print tights.

1. Lower Costs for Consumers

As more companies make the switch to sustainable practices and manufacturing, consumers will see prices lower in stores. They will also see newer brands emerging on the scene as well as old favorites collaborating with eco-friendly causes to raise awareness. Consumers are who drives industries to reshape and redefine their ways.