You may be wondering what exactly circular fashion means and why it is important to engage with it now, more than ever.
Circular fashion seems to me to be the only way to enjoy fashion without a guilty conscience and at the same time change the fashion industry in a positive direction. First of all: it is about much more than just choosing sustainable fabrics. It is about creating a cycle in which clothing leads a long, meaningful life - from cradle to cradle, and not from creation to landfill.
WHAT DOES CIRCULAR FASHION MEAN?
A definition to understand
Circular fashion is a model that designs the life cycle of clothing in such a way that sustainability and recyclability are taken into account from the outset. It is about designing, producing, using and ultimately disposing of or - even better - recycling garments in a way that protects the environment and promotes social justice. This concept breaks with the traditional, linear approach of "produce, use, throw away" and replaces it with a closed loop in which resources are preserved.
THE CORE PRINCIPLES OF CIRCULAR FASHION
Longevity: Clothes should be designed and manufactured to last. This means not only high quality materials and workmanship, but also a design that lasts for more than just one season.
Repairability: A key aspect of circular fashion is the ability to easily repair garments. This not only extends their lifespan, but also strengthens the relationship between the garment and the wearer.
Recyclability: At the end of their life, garments should be designed in such a way that they can be fully recycled in order to reuse the resources they contain. The fewer different ingredients or fibres a garment or fabric contains, the easier it is to recycle, as these all have to be separated from one another first.
Reuse: Before considering recycling, the possibility of reusing clothing should be maximized. This can be done by passing it on, selling second-hand goods, upcycling it, or making new fibers and fabrics.
RESPONSIBILITY IN FASHION
It can be felt everywhere – the effects of climate change and excessive consumption of resources are shaping the development of this world and the fashion industry plays a major role in this.
We are challenged to break the cycle of “buy, wear, throw away” and instead create clothing that is repaired, recycled or passed on to minimize waste and conserve our precious resources.
Circular fashion shows us that it is possible to enjoy fashion responsibly by choosing clothes that are good for both us and our planet. And for me, that is the most honest form of sustainability there is.
Sustainable materials such as those from bio-based farming or recycled materials are certainly a step in the right direction, but they are not a panacea if the recycling process uses a lot of energy and water, which can certainly be the case. Isn't it more sustainable to wear an outdoor jacket made of conventional synthetic material for 10 years than to buy a new item made of recycled polyester every two years?
Circular Fashion - What is it actually?
The new honest sustainability.
You may be wondering what exactly circular fashion means and why it is important to engage with it now, more than ever.
Circular fashion seems to me to be the only way to enjoy fashion without a guilty conscience and at the same time change the fashion industry in a positive direction. First of all: it is about much more than just choosing sustainable fabrics. It is about creating a cycle in which clothing leads a long, meaningful life - from cradle to cradle, and not from creation to landfill.
WHAT DOES CIRCULAR FASHION MEAN?
A definition to understand
Circular fashion is a model that designs the life cycle of clothing in such a way that sustainability and recyclability are taken into account from the outset. It is about designing, producing, using and ultimately disposing of or - even better - recycling garments in a way that protects the environment and promotes social justice. This concept breaks with the traditional, linear approach of "produce, use, throw away" and replaces it with a closed loop in which resources are preserved.
THE CORE PRINCIPLES OF CIRCULAR FASHION
Longevity: Clothes should be designed and manufactured to last. This means not only high quality materials and workmanship, but also a design that lasts for more than just one season.
Repairability: A key aspect of circular fashion is the ability to easily repair garments. This not only extends their lifespan, but also strengthens the relationship between the garment and the wearer.
Recyclability: At the end of their life, garments should be designed in such a way that they can be fully recycled in order to reuse the resources they contain. The fewer different ingredients or fibres a garment or fabric contains, the easier it is to recycle, as these all have to be separated from one another first.
Reuse: Before considering recycling, the possibility of reusing clothing should be maximized. This can be done by passing it on, selling second-hand goods, upcycling it, or making new fibers and fabrics.
RESPONSIBILITY IN FASHION
It can be felt everywhere – the effects of climate change and excessive consumption of resources are shaping the development of this world and the fashion industry plays a major role in this.
We are challenged to break the cycle of “buy, wear, throw away” and instead create clothing that is repaired, recycled or passed on to minimize waste and conserve our precious resources.
Circular fashion shows us that it is possible to enjoy fashion responsibly by choosing clothes that are good for both us and our planet. And for me, that is the most honest form of sustainability there is.
Sustainable materials such as those from bio-based farming or recycled materials are certainly a step in the right direction, but they are not a panacea if the recycling process uses a lot of energy and water, which can certainly be the case. Isn't it more sustainable to wear an outdoor jacket made of conventional synthetic material for 10 years than to buy a new item made of recycled polyester every two years?
FASHION WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE
In addition to the trend towards second-hand goods, the need to buy a new fashionable item of clothing will certainly always remain. It would be nice if this could be done with a good feeling. For me, one thing is clear: I can only reconcile my own fashion label with my conscience if I neither produce more textile waste nor pollute the environment as I have done so far. The challenge is to pay attention not only to the materials, but also to what happens to a piece of clothing when it is no longer worn. To appreciate the design and enjoy wearing it, to care for the item accordingly so that it lasts a long time, or to pass it on. The limits of sustainability become apparent where the longevity and recyclability of products are not taken into account.
EVERYONE’S CONTRIBUTION: CONSUMING FASHION CONSCIOUSLY
Every decision we make as consumers has an impact - on the environment, on society and on the economy. Conscious consumption in the fashion industry means recognizing this power and using it for the better. It's about choosing clothes not just based on how they look, but also on where they come from, how they're made and their life cycle. Your choices can drive change and help make the fashion industry more sustainable.
Despite the abundance of clothing, I decided to start this label to not only support the idea of circular fashion, but to actively promote it. I believe that every piece of clothing we design, produce and use should respect both the environment and the people who wear and produce it. I also believe that fashion is something beautiful that we can enjoy. and with which we can bring something positive into our lives and change our moods.
You can read how I implement circular fashion with SWEERS here.
Are you ready to be part of the change?
SWEERS invites you to become part of a movement that shows that fashion and sustainability can go hand in hand. Explore our collection and find your next favorite piece that reflects not only your style but also your values. Together we can change the world, one garment at a time.
Circular Fashion – so that you look great and do good for our wonderful environment. This is not just a saying, but an invitation to work together for a better future. Are you ready to go down this path with us?
What you can do: