As much as sustainable clothing in Singapore has seen a massive growth in popularity and demand in recent years, there's still so much to know about it from the perspective of a regular consumer.
One of which is: how did it come about here in Singapore? Who are the people behind the push for more sustainably made clothing? We're here to answer these questions and share a few more things about our growing sustainable clothing industry.
First, let's determine what makes a certain piece of clothing “sustainable”.
What is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable fashion refers to items of clothing produced, distributed, and sold in a way that considers many of the environmental and social issues that the entire fashion industry deals with.
It goes beyond just fabrics and textiles and considers the entire process that a piece of garment goes through, starting from sourcing its materials down to its eventual disposal.
Some of the key principles of sustainable clothing include preserving natural resources, reducing waste and pollution, protecting consumers' health, and upholding fair labour practices.
1. The sustainable clothing trend in Singapore is supported by the government
In 2015, the Singapore government launched the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint to help more people make sustainable and eco-friendly choices through various initiatives.
One of these initiatives was making sustainable fashion more accessible by promoting the use of natural and eco-friendly materials within the local fashion industry, marking the birth of many local sustainable clothing brands we know today.
2. More than 1 out of 3 Singaporeans have a piece of sustainable clothing
That's according to a survey by YouGov in January 2024.
Sustainable clothing in Singapore appears to be equally popular among men and women. However, it's the younger consumers (millennials and Gen Z) who are more likely to purchase sustainably made products.
Based on the same survey, 44% of Gen Z and 46% of the millennials interviewed implied having purchased a piece of sustainable clothing, while only 33% of Gen X surveyed have.
H2: 3. Sustainable clothing in Singapore has certifications
To know if what you're purchasing is authentically sustainable and eco-friendly, there are various environmental certifications you need to know.
Here are some global and local clothing certifications to consider:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) - guarantees that a garment's materials contain a minimum of 70% organic and natural fibre.
- The EU Ecolabel - means that a sustainable clothing brand operates under a high level of environmental awareness.
- Better Clothing Initiative (BCI) - means that the materials and fabrics used in producing the garments are grown sustainably and sourced ethically.
- Singapore Green Labelling Scheme - aims to help Singaporeans find and purchase products that meet certain eco-friendly and sustainability standards.
4. Sustainable clothing can be more durable
Since sustainable clothing isn't made from toxic and chemically-treated fabrics, they're more likely to last than an average fast-fashion piece.
Another reason sustainably made clothes last longer is due to the cotton used, which is often picked by hand instead of a machine, helping to preserve the original quality and integrity of its fabrics.
5. Sustainable clothing deepens your appreciation for your existing wardrobe
There's no doubt that most of us fall quickly into the temptation of buying new clothes every now and then, especially when we pass by a mall or get hit with ads online. This is exactly what these giant fast-fashion brands want.
The great thing about sustainable fashion is that it encourages you to become more resourceful and creative by working with what you have inside your closet – because in reality, having more clothes is more overwhelming than helpful.
Imagine the collective impact if we start viewing clothes as an environmental responsibility that affects the environment as a whole instead of just another insignificant lifestyle choice that has no bearing in the larger scheme of things.
If you're looking for more sustainable clothes to add to your closet, you might want to check out Something to Hold for classic and basic clothing pieces made from organic and natural fabrics!
SOURCES:
https://www.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam-in-action/oxfam-blog/7-facts-about-sustainable-fashion/