A topic that lies very close to my heart is the important differentiation between fast fashion and sustainable fashion. Gradually, the world is beginning to wake up to the harsh reality behind fast fashion brands such as Shein, H&M and Zara. But there’s still a disconnect between that awareness and actually integrating a more sustainable approach to fashion into your lifestyle.
In this article, we look at the key differences between fast fashion and sustainable fashion, our approach to sustainability at Ôsalé and some tips to help keep you on track.
So what exactly is fast fashion?
Fast fashion is designed to keep up with the rapidly changing fashion trends. It is usually low quality and inexpensive items and it moves quickly from design to retail.
All of this comes at the expense of people and planet. Overproduction and overconsumption have made fast fashion one of the most harmful industries in the world.
Fashion uses up significant amounts of water and energy, it’s responsible for a large portion of the global greenhouse gas emissions and it generates a colossal amount of nonbiodegradable waste.
Not only that, but the industry is also known for exploitative labour practices, ethical concerns and having negative impacts on local economies.
The good news is that there are a lot of sustainable options out there so you can feel more empowered to make the right choice.
The future of fashion is sustainable
Sustainable fashion is ethically made and environmentally-friendly. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, quality and ethics.
Choosing sustainable fashion means choosing timeless pieces that endure the test of trends. It's an investment in both lasting style and the wellbeing of our planet. It's about making a statement – one that speaks volumes about your values, your choices and your respect for the world we share.
At Ôsalé, we believe in a world where your fashion choices reflect your values. In an era dominated by speed and convenience, it's crucial to take a moment to contemplate the decisions we, as consumers, make and acknowledge the profound effect these choices have on our planet as well as the livelihoods of numerous artisans and workers.
Ôsalé’s approach to sustainability
As the Founder of Ôsalé, I stand strongly against fast fashion.
Growing up on the island of Ibiza, I have learned to value the planet’s finite resources and treasure its natural beauty. Sustainability is, and will always be, my north star in designing each and every piece. We ensure that every piece will last many journeys.
A couple of ways we approach sustainability are as follows:
For our prints and lining, we currently use polyamide fabric that is produced and printed in Spain using recycled Q-nova fibre. It is the polyamide fibre with the lowest certified environmental impact.
Our solid coloured bikinis are made from a beautiful satin finish fabric from Jersey Lomellina, produced in Italy. This fabric has been woven using regenerated nylon which is entirely made from ocean and landfill waste such as industrial plastic, waste fabric and fishing nets from oceans.
Our beachwear is produced with Ecovero viscose, a fibre certified as ecological by the European Union for fulfilling high environmental standards throughout its lifecycle, from the extraction of raw materials to its production, distribution and elimination. The fabric is produced and printed in Barcelona.
We use trims made in small quantities in Italy and our metal hardware is made in France. We believe that by keeping all our suppliers within Europe, we are reducing our carbon footprint.
And lastly, we use eco-friendly packaging for all our postage.
We view our approach to sustainability as a journey. It’s not about perfection but rather committing to a journey of continuous learning and improving.
How can I commit to sustainable fashion?
In my experience, it can take some time to play your part and commit to sustainable fashion. And that’s okay! These things don’t happen overnight, nor should they.
I’ve included some of my top tips below to help you contribute to the world of sustainable fashion – I hope they can be of some help to you.
1. Read, learn and research:
Stay informed about sustainable fashion practices, materials, and brands. Learn about the impact of fast fashion on the environment and society. Knowledge is the first step toward making conscious choices.
2. Quality over quantity:
One of the first places our mind goes to when we think of sustainable fashion is budget – I can’t afford sustainable fashion. And yes, while it may be the case that sustainable fashion is a bit more expensive, the point behind it is that you buy less items and therefore spend less.
Invest in well-made, timeless pieces instead of buying numerous cheap items. Quality garments last longer, reducing the frequency of replacements and overall consumption.
3. Second-hand shopping:
Explore thrift stores, charity shops and online second-hand marketplaces. Buying pre-owned clothing extends the lifespan of garments and reduces demand for new production.
4. Support sustainable brands:
Choose brands that prioritise eco-friendly materials, ethical production, and fair labour practices, like Ôsalé!
5. DIY and upcycling:
Learn basic sewing skills to repair damaged clothes or transform them into new items. Upcycling old garments into trendy accessories or new styles reduces waste and it’s also a fun and creative thing to do.
6. Know your fabrics:
There is an array of sustainable fabrics out there. To start with, there’s organic, natural fabrics like cotton, hemp, bamboo or linen. There are also other options such as the ones we use in our Ôsalé pieces – many of these are made from recycled materials.
Getting to know your fabrics a bit better will help you make more informed choices.
7. Recycle responsibly:
If you no longer need certain clothes, get rid of them the right way. Donate them to charities, shelters, or textile recycling programs. Recycling keeps textiles out of landfills.
At Osale, we are not just crafting swimwear; we are weaving a legacy of responsible fashion. Join us in this journey!