14 Sustainable Fashion Trends That Will Make a Difference in 2022
The fashion industry is constantly changing and looking for the next big trend. But, the future of fashion isn’t just about looking good. Increasingly, brands are looking to create sustainable and ethical fashion, and it forms a key part of the trendsetting direction in fashion. Here are the top sustainable and ethical fashion trends for 2022, showcasing some truly innovative ideas.
1. Eco-friendly Clothing Materials
In 2022, fashion brands are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint by using eco-friendly materials. Organic cotton, vegan leather and other eco-friendly fabrics are becoming popular, as organic materials are better for the environment. Organic cotton is especially important as it doesn’t require the use of harmful chemicals which not only damage the environment but also the farmers who are exposed to them.
2. Eco-Dyeing
Thanks to some innovative technology, fashion brands are now looking at ways to reduce their water use in the dyeing of fabrics. Eco-dyeing uses significantly less water than the traditional dyeing process and is becoming increasingly popular with fashion brands who are committed to sustainability.
3. Upcycled Clothing
One of the most innovative sustainable fashion trends we’re likely to see in 2022 is upcycled clothing. Upcycled clothing involves taking items that would have been destined for a landfill and instead turning them into something new and usable once again. This also involves creating innovative clothing designs and looking to use more sustainable fabric alternatives.
4. Slow Fashion
Slow fashion is about taking quality over quantity, and this trend is set to take the fashion world by storm in 2022. Brands are looking to source sustainable materials and are instead focusing on creating timeless, high-quality pieces. The idea is to create pieces which can be worn for many years to come, eliminating the need for excessive shopping and consumption which has a negative impact on the environment.
5. Recycled Materials
We’re seeing more and more fashion brands use recycled materials for their clothing to reduce their carbon footprint. Repurposed materials such as recycled plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets are being transformed into fabrics which can then be used to create new apparel.
6. Sustainable Fabrics
There’s an increasing focus on sustainability in the fashion industry and we’re likely to see fabrics with a positive environmental impact gain popularity in 2022. From bamboo fabrics to upcycled cotton, sustainable materials are not only good for the environment but can also be soft and comfortable to wear.
7. Ethical Manufacturing
These days, shoppers are becoming more aware and are wanting to know where and how their clothes are made. As a result, ethical manufacturing is a key trend and ethical codes of conduct are being established by many fashion brands. This includes ensuring their workers are treated fairly, paid decent wages and the overall manufacturing process meets sustainable standards.
8. Local Manufacturing and Local Suppliers
As well as ensuring ethical manufacturing of their garments, fashion brands are also looking to use local manufacturing and local suppliers. By sourcing materials and having garments production within the same region, brands are able to reduce their carbon footprint, not to mention supporting local businesses.
9. Natural Colors and Prints
This trend is all about adding a natural element to clothes. This includes using natural dyes derived from plants, flowers and fruits, as well as looking to prints inspired by nature, like animal motifs and floral prints.
10. Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging is a key part of the sustainable fashion trend. This includes using lightweight, recyclable and compostable materials for packaging, as well as paper and cardboard packaging which can be recycled and reused or composted.
11. Wearable Tech
Wearable tech is gaining more popularity and this trend is likely to continue into 2022. Wearable tech can be used in a number of ways, such as reducing water and energy use in factories to making sure factories are compliant with ethical guidelines.
12. Printed Apparel
Printed apparel is gaining more attention as fashion brands are looking for more innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint. This involves using digital printing technologies and waterless printing systems which use significantly less water and energy than traditional methods.
13. Recyclable Clothing
Recyclable clothing is a key focus of many sustainable fashion brands in 2022. This includes not only creating clothes made from recycled materials but also things like creating clothes with labels which can be scanned for product information and even recycled.
14. Pre-Owned Clothing
Pre-owned clothing is another trend gaining popularity as it allows people to buy used clothes instead of buying newly manufactured garments. This reduces waste and cuts down on the consumption of new clothes.
Sustainable fashion isn’t only about creating eco-friendly clothing but also helping to create a more sustainable industry overall. As the industry continues to strive for more sustainable and ethical practices, we can only hope that in 2022, these trends will continue to gain more momentum.
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