Sustainable fashion brands measure throughout its operations to adopt practices that are less harmful to the environment. Its Climate Transition Plan outlines the roadmap ahead, including a target of reducing supply chain emissions by 42% in absolute terms by 2030.
Jeffrey Hogue, Chief Sustainability Officer at Levi Strauss & Co., notes: “We are expanding proven solutions, driving innovation where necessary, and working with the wider industry to fulfill our responsibility.”
Sustainable fashion communicates their sustainability initiatives to consumers in different ways. Based on a study using Construal Level Theory (CLT), fashion managers adapt their communication strategies according to psychological distance and how consumers perceive them. The study highlights three main approaches: amplification, where companies strongly highlight their eco-conscious actions through clear messaging; quiet activism, where firms practice sustainability without heavily promoting it; and populism, which aligns with broader consumer values to make sustainability feel more accessible. These methods impact both consumer involvement and brand trust, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in sustainability communication.
Sustainable fashion brand Prada ensured that all of its textile waste was recycled, operated 18 solar power plants, and sourced over 85% of its global electricity from renewable energy.
The Re-Nylon Collection, introduced in 2019, is crafted from ECONYL — a regenerated nylon fiber that can be endlessly recycled without compromising its quality. The Prada Re-Nylon for SEA BEYOND line supports a collaboration with UNESCO aimed at promoting awareness around protecting the oceans. “Through this collection, we are able to contribute while designing products that avoid the use of new raw materials,” says Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility.
What is sustainable fashion? Sustainable fashion refers to clothing that is produced with consideration for both people and the planet, aiming to create a fairer supply chain. It also covers garments that are resold to extend their usefulness, as well as secondhand pieces whose sales support environmental and social causes. A major issue in the apparel industry is overproduction. Fast, large-scale manufacturing of cheap clothing creates harmful environmental impacts during production, shipping, and disposal. The UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion reports that, compared to 15 years ago, the typical shopper now purchases 60% more apparel.
Sustainable fashion designers were launching her namesake label in 2001, Stella McCartney has become a trailblazer in sustainable fashion. Famous for her cruelty-free philosophy, she refuses to use leather, fur, feathers, or animal skins, setting a standard for ethical design. By fusing creativity with innovation, McCartney incorporates environmentally responsible materials and practices across her entire production chain.
Her collections highlight this mission, featuring regenerated cashmere, responsibly sourced viscose, and a shift to organic cotton. In 2010, she completely removed PVC from her products, further underscoring her brand’s commitment to lowering its ecological impact. Through her focus on circularity, openness, and advocacy, Stella McCartney has firmly established her house as a leader in eco-conscious, future-facing fashion.
Latest sustainable fashion trends for summer 2024 stood at a pivotal crossroads, with 2024 marking a stronger emphasis on both sustainability and inclusivity. Although the wider apparel industry is responsible for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions¹—contributing significantly to ecological harm—the luxury fashion segment, defined by small-batch designer goods and exclusive collections, is increasingly striving to drive positive transformation.
In contrast, fast fashion—driven by mass production and the constant churn of short-lived trends—remains a major environmental concern. For instance, making just one cotton T-shirt requires about 2,700 litres of water², highlighting the resource-intensive nature of mainstream garment production. Furthermore, the devastating Rana Plaza factory collapse in 2013, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,100 workers, continues to underscore the severe human toll linked to the apparel supply chain.
Sustainable fashion trends are undergoing a significant transformation toward sustainability, as consumers increasingly prefer clothing that is eco-friendly and socially responsible. In response to this shift, the present research explores the determinants of purchasing intentions for sustainable apparel by incorporating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and analyzing the moderating effect of environmental consciousness. Using 288 valid responses gathered through an online survey of Indian apparel consumers, the study applies Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate both measurement and structural models. Findings indicate that electronic word of mouth (eWOM), attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control all have a strong and positive impact on sustainable apparel purchase behavior. Additionally, environmental consciousness is shown to positively moderate the associations between eWOM, attitude, and subjective norms, thereby amplifying their influence on consumer decisions. To the best of our knowledge, this research is one of the earliest in the Indian setting to examine the moderating role of environmental consciousness within the sustainable apparel context, offering important implications for marketers and policymakers striving to encourage sustainable consumption patterns.
Sustainable fashion trends 2025 will be marked by advancements and shifts. The most notable development is the continuous rise in global fiber production across apparel, footwear, household textiles, industrial textiles, and hygiene sectors. However, fiber use brings substantial ecological consequences, including carbon emissions, high water and pesticide usage, and microplastic pollution. Moreover, the industry’s priorities are frequently redirected by challenges such as inflation, international political instability, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
To encourage progress in sustainable fashion and drive positive environmental and social impact, both the United States and the European Union have introduced regulatory measures that will shape the fashion sector by 2025.
Sustainable fashion jobs work in sustainable fashion are SFF, Kyna Intel, Conscious Fashion Collective, LinkedIn, Common Objective, and Jooble.
Sustainable Fashion Forum (SFF) – If you’re into sustainable fashion, you probably already follow their Instagram. They now feature a dedicated job board highlighting only roles in sustainable fashion.
Kyna Intel – From the team behind the Go Blu sustainable fashion newsletter, this job board is extensive and has a global focus. You can explore listings worldwide and subscribe to their newsletter for consistent job updates.
Conscious Fashion Collective – Another excellent job board specifically for sustainable fashion. Listings are organized by internships, freelance roles, and career stages (entry-level through senior).
LinkedIn – You’ve heard of it, right? It’s a powerful platform for networking, showcasing your professional profile (like a digital resume), and applying directly to roles. Search “sustainable fashion” or look up Eco-Stylist certified brands to see current openings.
Jooble – A large-scale job board where you can track down sustainable fashion opportunities. The listings are broader than the more niche sites, so you’ll need to filter and dig to find the best matches. You can refine results by location or remote options.
Common Objective (CO) – Think of it as LinkedIn but tailored to sustainable fashion. While it doesn’t feature a job board, it’s a valuable hub for connecting with professionals in the industry and setting up informational chats. Perfect for building your network.
Best tips for sustainable fashion have become a crucial focus for fashion brands. Consumers are increasingly mindful of how their buying choices affect the environment and society, and the fashion industry remains one of the largest contributors to pollution globally. By implementing eco-friendly practices, fashion brands can not only lessen their environmental footprint but also stand out in the market and attract a broader audience. Be open about your sustainable methods and the materials you use, and share this information with both customers and stakeholders. Doing so can foster trust and credibility for your brand while showcasing your dedication to responsible practices. Transparency allows you to clearly demonstrate the steps you are taking to minimize environmental harm and uphold ethical standards. This approach can help your brand differentiate itself from competitors and strengthen customer relationships.
