What is circular fashion and why is it a trend?

To find out what circular fashion is, let's first review how the fashion industry has functioned forever. The production of most of the garments that we keep in our wardrobe is far from being environmentally friendly.

For its manufacture, non-renewable resources are extracted that will be dumped into productive circuits, which they will result in a garment that will be worn for a season and then discarded.

This is what is called fast fashion; a model of excessive consumption of clothing that is not always necessary. They are garments that are valid on the catwalks only for a short period of time and that will fall into disuse long before their useful life ends.

According to some studies, 80 million garments are sold each year in Spain alone, while a single Spaniard discarded 7 kilos of clothes in the same period. In view of these figures – which are even more alarming if they are multiplied by all the countries of the world – the so-called circular fashion arises.

It is a sustainable proposal that seeks to rethink the present and the future of fashion and the entire textile industry. What does it consist of? What are its benefits? In the next space we detail everything about it.

What is circular fashion and why is it characterized?

Circular fashion it frames a much more ambitious and far-reaching project known as the 'circular economy'. Ellen Macarthur Foundation is a foundation that is committed to this alternative sustainable economic model, which is gaining more and more followers.

It is based on social equality, the elimination of waste and pollution, the sustained use of products so as not to dispose of them and the "regeneration of natural systems", as explained on the web.

The premise is to keep the products in circulation as long as possible by implementing the concept of the three R's "reduce, reuse, recycle."

In the case of circular fashion, we are talking about the garments being active as long as they have a useful life. Thus, when they can no longer be used, they can return to the environment without contaminating it.

On the other hand, promotes the use of sustainable materials without causing damage to the various ecosystems. To do this, we talk about five key factors:

• Materials that can be reusable.
• Renewable energy.
• Carbon management.
• Management of water resources.
• Social justice.

Finally, it contemplates the fact of recycling and obtaining raw material from garments that can no longer be reused. With this, the manufacture of other products is achieved, or waste is generated that does not cause damage to the environment.

You may be interested: 10 ways to reduce waste production

What are the benefits of circular fashion?

We want to highlight some of the benefits of entering the world of circular fashion. Whether economic, social or personal, all of them make a positive contribution to the health of ecosystems.

We acquire excellent quality garments

For a garment to be part of circular fashion, it must be thought, designed and produced so that it lasts much longer than conventional garments. For this, it is necessary to take into account, above all, the raw material and the production cycles. In other words, they are garments of exceptional quality.

We contribute to sustainable production

Although the materials used are natural, their process should not generate contamination. In addition, they must be returned and recycled without environmental damage. Examples of these processes and materials are organic cotton, renewable energy, and so on. When we buy a garment of these characteristics we are investing in the future of the environment.

We can all be part of circular fashion and make our contribution to sustainable fashion.

We reduce pollution levels

Not only because we do not throw away the clothes that we no longer use, but because these garments are made according to environmentally friendly practices, as we have already mentioned above.

How can I contribute?

We can all contribute to this cause to a greater or lesser extent. While it is true that many could not afford the costs of acquiring a garment made according to the parameters of circular fashion, there are other ways to collaborate.

Do upcycling or a creative recycling

It is a proposal in which we can recycle clothes, but adding an extra value. For example, by means of an embroidery, an appliqué, a stamp or a lace that changes its appearance completely.

We also include at this point the fact of modifying a garment. For example, turn a dress into a two-piece set, or a jean into a skirt. Imagination and creativity are limitless in this case.

It may interest you: 6 tips for washing delicate clothes

Buy as an investment and not by trends

If we have the opportunity to buy one of these garments, we must consider that it is a long-term investment and not as a one-season purchase that we will later discard.

Donate the clothes you no longer wear

With the change of season, we can take disused clothing to charity centers. Of course, it has to be in good condition so that other people can use them for a longer time. Many will be delighted to receive used clothing.

Resell at fairs

This is one of the most used ways to participate in the circular fashion circuit. We only have to consult the fairs of used or second-hand objects, and take the garments there to resell them or exchange them for others of the same characteristics. This buying and selling can be very beneficial.

Circular fashion, a lifestyle

In 2014 this concept arises from the hand of Anna Brismar, consultant of the firm Green Strategy while organizing an event on sustainable fashion. Since then, both entrepreneurs and producers and consumers have been invited to participate in fashion from a more benevolent place with mother earth.

Circular fashion should not be a simple trend, but a challenge and a philosophy of life. If we all practice it, we will be doing good to the planet. You dare?