By Valentina Alvarado
Translated by Sofia Bohórquez
Probably you have heard or read terms such as upcycling, slow fashion, and thrifting in contexts of sustainable fashion and fashion responsibility. These concepts come together in one powerful movement: circular fashion.
Instead of the traditional linear fashion model in which we buy, wear and then dispose of our clothes, circular fashion invites us to reduce the amount of waste we generate and the frequency with which we do so. This movement has increased exponentially as the industry seeks to become more conscious and sustainable. It is not just a temporary trend, but something that defines our time.
The fashion industry has been generating waste at an accelerated pace for decades, and this situation is unsustainable. Fast production and garment waste have contributed to the depletion of natural resources, pollution, and the exploitation of workers all over the world. Circular fashion is an answer to this challenge, which proposes a more ethical and more ecological approach.
Circular fashion is gaining momentum in Latin America thanks to textile diversity, community empowerment, and growing environmental awareness. We can revive the textile traditions and handicraft techniques of our region to transform and preserve garments and textiles.
This model not only reduce waste but also boosts the local economy by supporting entrepreneurs and communities. When you buy circular fashion garments, you dress with style, contribute to community growth, and support small entrepreneurs
The enterprises that have successfully implemented circular fashion models have adopted this philosophy in all stages of their value chain, from clothing design to the moment when the consumer decides to dispose them. This involves the reuse of materials, waste minimization, and the promotion of fair and sustainable work practices.
Source: HIGHXTAR
How can you include circular fashion practices in your life?
- Buying second-hand clothing: Either through an online platform, at a thrift shop, or in a “closet”, buying and selling second-hand clothing is one of the simplest ways to extend their life cycle. In addition, you can find unique pieces that can add an incredible touch to your style.
- Exchanging and bartering: with your family, friends, or at an event organized by a foundation or a thrift shop. Bartering garments is an economical an effective way to give new life to clothes you no longer wear and, at the same time, to purchase “new” clothes for your collection.
- Supporting local and sustainable businesses: Attending fairs in your city let you discover local circular fashion brands that may you don’t know. Sustainable businesses are usually transparent in the communication of their value chain and allow you to connect directly with artisans and the designer behind each garment.
- Mending and reusing: Instead of discarding torn or stained clothes, dare to give them a second chance. Either you do it by yourself or take them to a tailor or seamstress, mend and reuse what you already have is a sustainable way to save money and add character to your wardrobe.
- Customizing: Free your creativity and customize those garments that are already boring you. Through cuts, appliqués, prints, draws, pins, patches and many other options, you can completely renovate your wardrobe.
Source: Elena Belykh – Getty Images
It is more than a trend, it is a lifestyle
Circular fashion is a lifestyle that encourages sustainability, creativity, and responsibility. It constantly reminds us that our fashion choices have a lasting impact on the world around us, and it brings us diverse creative and responsible practices to make the fashion industry more conscious and sustainable.
Incorporating circular fashion is not just a passing fad; it is a long-term effort to reduce the amount of waste we generate, extend the useful life of our garments, and transform the way we dress, positively impacting the planet.
Original design: Sarah Lazarovic
