With rising levels of climate change, plastic pollution, deforestation and water scarcity, the fashion industry is trying to turn itself into a sustainable niche. This industry-wide awareness stems from the realization that the fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to global pollution. Therefore, it is imperative for the health of the planet that the fashion sector, as a whole, switches to sustainable fashion.
The pandemic has changed the situation. Although he was destructive in every sense of the word, he made people aware of his lifestyle. After the pandemic, people began to reassess their health and well-being, and even began to question their role in maintaining the environment. That and the shift to working from home and flexible work formats have led people to prefer eco-friendly clothing that includes plus-size clothing that is comfortable and versatile.
Changes in 2021-22
In the years 2021 and 2022, there was relief with the introduction of the vaccine for COVID-19 and subsequent mass immunization campaigns. This led to the reopening of many markets and businesses that slowly started to come back to life. In between, the fashion industry has also reinvented itself by creating innovative clothing, adapting to new lifestyles and incorporating new strategies for overall marketing. Great progress has been made, from product development to the adoption of new marketing techniques and the reworking of market distribution.
These actions were indeed a preparation for facing the uncertainties of the future, which could affect the world of fashion. The end of 2021 witnessed the short-term and long-term development of the industry. This progression resulted in global fashion sales exceeding 2019 by almost 8%. While this was a win and the appearance of a profit for 2022, there were also worrying factors such as material shortages, rising freight and delivery costs, and increased product prices.
The need for sustainable practices
The rise of the climate crisis has forced the average person to understand and acknowledge the fashion industry’s contribution to pollution. Moreover, with people now showing an interest in the product manufacturing process, brands are trying to be more transparent. As a result, more domestic brands have begun to prioritize sustainability and innovation. Sustainability has also enabled changes in the materials brands use. In addition, the products that consumers value and prefer have changed with the new reality of a slow return to office life. This paves the way for demand for stylish designs that blend with comfort, leisure and the growth of the sportswear segment.
It’s obvious that sustainability is the new hot topic in the fashion industry and it will flourish even more in the coming years. A Deloitte report with data from 2021 shows that 55% of consumers around the world buy sustainable products. These factors highlight that many stakeholders are keenly interested in investing in the fashion retail sector to adopt more sustainable strategies. According to Selfridges, 60% of customers opt for sustainable products and 90% want to buy less, but in a better way. Matches Fashion also contributed data showing that 60% of customers are trying to adapt to sustainable living. And without a doubt, the growing era of sustainability can be seen from these examples.
Sustainable fashion in 2023
The fashion industry, including many retailers, is focused on overall growth and new strategies to implement sustainability. And due to the result of this continuous progress towards the changing trend and the pressure to create sustainable technologies, the fashion industry will go through different trends in 2023. Read on to discover these trends that will change the fashion game.
Innovative fabric
Fabrics are necessary for making any piece of clothing, and they are an indispensable product for the fashion industry. Using and incorporating innovative fabric blends with a smaller carbon footprint into product design will be the best addition to future fashion trends. Some examples of these fabrics are certified recycled polyester, plastic waste, organic cotton and other biodegradable materials.
Ethical sourcing
The decision to emphasize ethical procurement and supply chain management is another trend that can be seen in 2023. This will be implemented alongside companies with best practices in procurement and working conditions in relation to partners, suppliers and providing fair wages.
AI
Artificial intelligence is a trending and developing field that makes work more accessible in every sector. The introduction of AI technology into the fashion industry will lead to faster production of sustainable clothing. This can help brands and retailers understand their carbon footprint and make the necessary solutions to change it.
Strategies to improve sustainability
The implementation and awareness of sustainability will require the development of more new strategies for proper manufacturing and production in the world of fashion. There will be a conscious shift to recognize the benefits of slow fashion and eliminate fast fashion and throwaway culture. In addition, improving delivery and packaging processes can reduce carbon footprints and boost online marketplaces and retail sales.
Cruelty-free products
Eventually, the trend of using more vegan and cruelty-free products will normalize. There are currently a large number of conscious shoppers who prefer pre-loved and recycled e-commerce and animal-free clothing.
The progress and development of sustainable fashion from the end of 2021 to the whole of 2022 give a short answer to this whole topic. That is, it is a niche that will be big in the future and that will hold in the fashion industry for years to come. Without any convictions about the rise of the global crisis, it is quite normal that people from various sectors try to implement a way that adapts to the demands of the future reality. Without a doubt, sustainability is key to the future of the fashion world.
Waiver
The views expressed above are the author’s.
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