Skip to Content

Debunking 3 Myths About Ethical And Sustainable Fashion

In our work as credential clothing buyers in Maryland, we’ve found that myths about ethical and sustainable fashion are quite common.
These myths, seemingly harmless, keep people from taking a substantial part in protecting the planet because they think they’re already doing enough.

We debunk some of the most common misconceptions below:

Myth 1: The Majority of Clothes are Recyclable

Recycling textiles is notoriously tough. This is because their composition is much different than other, easy-to-recycle materials, such as paper and glass. The use of blended fabrics is extremely common in making clothes. Some examples include:

  • Polycot (polyester and cotton)
  • Poly-viscose (polyester and viscose)
  • Polywool (polyester and wool)
  • Linen and cotton
  • Wool and cotton

Blended fabrics are used to cut costs, combine the properties of two or more materials in a single fabric, and improve the visual appearance and quality of the end product.

Unfortunately, this also means that for proper clothes recycling, these materials need to be separated from each other.
Since throwing away clothes is easier, most of our clothes end up in landfills, taking centuries to decompose.

Myth 2: Buying ‘Eco-Friendly’ Clothing is Better for the Environment

The current state of the earth suggests that we all need to prioritize buying less. This is true for clothes and other items alike. It’s also the surest way to decrease your environmental impact.

As much as possible, increase the useful life of your current wardrobe with repairs, alterations, and restyling. With proper care and upkeep, adult clothing can last for years.

You can save even more by learning to do small repairs at home. Replacing a button or repairing a faulty zipper is quite easy once you know what to do.

If you do need to buy new items, your first choice should be to go to local used clothing stores. Choosing secondhand clothes over brand-new pieces makes sense as they’re not only more affordable, but you also have access to a wider variety of styles.

Myth 3: Fast Fashion is Solely Responsible for Textile Pollution

Over the last several years, there’s been a lot of focus on fast fashion and how bad it is for the environment. In reality, the luxury fashion industry isn’t much better when it comes to sustainability.

The fashion supply chain has a reputation for being exploitative and disparate, which is why manufacturers need to ensure transparency and accountability.

On the consumers’ side, people need to move away from following the latest fashions and trends that change every few months.

Instead, they should invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces in timeless styles and designs. They can then supplement their wardrobes by buying secondhand clothes online when it’s necessary.

At Whitehouse & Schapiro, we buy rags and accept used clothes donations.
If you’ve been searching for secondhand clothing suppliers or credential clothing buyers in Baltimore, get in touch with us today.

Back to Top