With London Fashion Week just passed, we present sustainable fashion brands in Glasgow that play a pivotal role in helping the slow fashion movement gain momentum.
It’s no secret, the fashion industry is guilty of leaving a huge carbon footprint, accounting for approximately ten percent of global carbon emissions. Earth.org revealed that 92 million tons of clothing are discarded every year, enough clothes to fill 1.5 empire state buildings every day!
These staggering statistics are the consequence of fast fashion, where cheaply produced garments are pumped out rapidly to capitalise on trends, resulting in an obscene amount of waste and pollution. Fast fashion is also notoriously unethical, with forced labour running rampant in developing countries due to cheap costs and lenient regulations.
So how do we hit the brakes on all this excessive production, forceful labour, and mindless consumption?
Slow Fashion
Slow fashion is the reaction to the impact of fast fashion, advocating for locally sourced and produced garments, fair treatment of people and animals, and a less-is-always-more approach. Slow fashion preserves our environment and provides excellent value to both consumers and producers.
It’s challenging to navigate the slow fashion movement when high street brands are offering such a variety of clothes at a low price. However, a sustainable way we can shop is by supporting local businesses. Luckily, Glasgow is home to a host of companies that encourage slow fashion and are committed to both our love for the planet and our wardrobe.
Established in 2014, Seamster Vintage is a family-run business that sells traded-in-retro fashion and a range of handmade accessories made from vintage fabrics.
All the garments are washed, graded, and repaired, and any garment that can’t be brought up to a satisfactory standard for sale is then used as material for their zero waste accessories. When asked their stance on sustainable fashion, they responded:
“Our commitment to sustainable fashion is based on the idea that eco-friendly choices should be fun and accessible. We are resolve certified, which is Zero Waste Scotland’s quality stamp for circular economy organisations.”
With their tagline “Reclaimed Revived Remade”, Rejean Denim positions itself at the forefront of ethical fashion. The brand produces slow, sustainable denim with zero waste, a feat to be sure considering how toxic and wasteful the mainstream denim industry can be.
Not only are the garments ethically resourced and produced in Glasgow, but they also offer a repair and alteration service to extend the life of a garment either made by them or another brand! When asked what sustainability meant to them, they state:
“At ReJean Denim, sustainability is not an add-on or a buzzword, it’s part of our DNA.”
In a world where mainstream fashion brands are guilty of greenwashing, it is refreshing to see a brand dedicated to keeping its carbon footprint to a minimum. In doing so, they provide incredibly high-quality denim that is timeless, environmentally friendly, and well worth your investment.
Situated in Glasgow’s South Side, Rudan is an independent lifestyle store that sells ethical clothing, made exclusively at the owner, Taylor Wilson’s, home. All the materials used are carefully sourced, using organic cotton and organic bamboo silk from Wales.
Furthermore, all their offcuts from the bin are saved and used to make accessories such as earrings, headbands and scrunchies! When asked how her business remains sustainable, Taylor said:
“Everything is made in small batches, one item of each on the rails, which can then be bought straight away or made to order in a different size if needed, stopping excess stock waste.”
She also emphasised the longevity of her garments:
“I don’t follow fashion seasons, releasing new collections. Rather, I design pieces that can be transitioned between seasons and make up a capsule wardrobe, encouraging customers to cherish their purchases.”
Wilson’s beautiful homemade collection is well worth a visit, as every piece of clothing made always has the wellbeing of our planet in mind.
Why let the slow fashion train end here? These are only the first few stops of the slow fashion movement. For details on the location and opening hours of the boutiques listed above, plus many more throughout Glasgow, check out our interactive map!
For further information, Sustfashscotland is heavily involved in the sustainable fashion community in Scotland.
Also, remember to use the hashtag #whomademyclothes on Instagram, for more information and advice on sustainable wardrobes, as well as supporting more businesses that are carbon conscious!
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