We don’t often think about our clothes beyond how they look or feel. But what if we told you that your closet choices could have a real impact on the planet? From production and water use to emissions and waste, the fashion industry leaves behind a serious footprint.
The good news? Small changes in how we shop and which brands we support can add up to meaningful progress. Let’s break down the connection between fashion and climate change, and why your wardrobe choices do matter.
Fast fashion’s carbon footprint
The fashion industry is responsible for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions. That’s more than international ights and maritime shipping combined! The credit goes to fast fashion: a business model built on mass-producing trendy clothes at lightning speed and low cost. These pieces are often made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels and take hundreds of years to break down.
Add to that the energy-intensive processes of dyeing, washing, and transporting clothes, and you’ve got an industry that’s contributing heavily to global warming. It’s not just about emissions either. Fashion is also the second-largest consumer of water worldwide and a major contributor to water pollution due to toxic dyes and untreated wastewater.
Rethinking our role as consumers;
So, where does that leave us? The truth is, every purchase is a vote: for the kind of world we want to live in and the kind of businesses we want to thrive. Shopping more mindfully doesn’t mean never buying new clothes; it means slowing down, asking questions, and looking for brands that align with your values.
Ask yourself:
● What is this made from?
● Is this stylish enough to take me from day to night?
● Who made it, and under what conditions?
● Will I wear this 30 times or just once?
These questions might seem simple, but they can shift your mindset from impulse shopping to intentional investing.
Fabric matters.
One of the easiest places to start making better choices is by paying attention to the fabrics we wear. Synthetic bers like polyester, acrylic, and nylon are not only derived from petroleum but also shed microplastics every time they’re washed. Natural, biodegradable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and Tencel™ oer a lower-impact alternative, especially hemp clothing.
This is where brands like Reistor step in. Reistor is a sustainable fashion label that focuses on low-impact, natural fabrics without compromising on style. They use materials like hemp, 100% organic cotton, biodegradable Bemberg™, and Tencel™ to create eortless everyday pieces that are kind to the planet and easy on your skin.
Let’s take a closer look at Reistor’s choice of eco-friendly fabrics
1. Hemp:
A superstar in sustainable fashion, hemp grows quickly, uses very little water, and doesn’t require pesticides. It naturally replenishes the soil, making it ideal for regenerative farming. Hemp clothing is also in
2. Organic cotton:
Unlike conventional cotton, which is notoriously water-intensive and heavily sprayed with chemicals, organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It’s gentler on the earth, farmers, and your body.
3. Tencel™ (Lyocell):
Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, Tencel™ is a silky-soft, breathable fabric that uses a closed-loop process, meaning the water and solvents used in production are almost entirely reused.
Reistor thoughtfully incorporates these materials throughout its collections, creating lightweight, versatile outts designed for repeat wear.
Ethical production matters too
Beyond just the fabric, it’s worth paying attention to how your clothes are made. Are workers paid fair wages? Are they working in safe conditions? Is the brand transparent about its supply chain?
Reistor stands out here, too. The brand operates with a strong ethical backbone, partnering with small production units and keeping production local to minimize carbon emissions. Also, a good portion of the products are made by talented women from underserved communities. Their slow
fashion approach encourages quality over quantity, with seasonless styles that don’t go out of trend overnight.
From closet to climate action
You don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe overnight. Start by assessing what you already own and get creative with styling what you have. When you do need something new, opt for pieces that you’ll wear often and that are made to last. Brands like Reistor make this easier by oering capsule-ready clothing that transitions easily from day to night, work to weekend.
You can also:
● Thrift or swap clothes with friends.
● Wash clothes less frequently and in cold water.
● Avoid tumble drying where possible.
● Learn a few basic mending skills.
● Donate or recycle what you no longer wear.
Every small step contributes to a larger shift.
Why it’s worth it
The fashion industry’s impact on climate change isn’t just a statistic, it’s a reality that aects ecosystems, communities, and future generations. However, when we shop with intention, we send a message. We tell brands that ethics and sustainability matter. We support innovation and transparency. We start to build a future where looking good doesn’t mean harming the planet.
So the next time you’re browsing for a new outt, take a pause. Read the label. Ask where it came from. If you’re looking for a brand that makes it easy to do the right thing, Reistor’s collections are a great place to start.
Summing it up:
Fashion and climate change are more connected than most of us realize. But with that knowledge comes the power to shop smarter, support better practices, and wear our values on our sleeves. Conscious consumerism isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware, informed, and choosing progress over perfection.
Because our choices matter, and our choices can help shape a more sustainable future for generations to follow.
