In recent years, sustainable fashion has gained traction, becoming increasingly popular with consumers who want to make more ethical and eco-conscious choices. Sustainable fashion refers to clothing that is produced and consumed in a way that is socially and environmentally responsible. It involves reducing waste and pollution, using eco-friendly materials, and promoting fair labor practices, among other things.

While the concept of sustainable fashion has gained momentum, there are still many barriers to its adoption. Many people struggle to make sustainable fashion choices due to various psychological factors. In this blog post, we will indicate several barriers between our psychology and sustainable fashion choices and how to overcome them.

 

Psychological & social factors that affect fashion choices, and how to overcome them

 

The power of marketing/advertising and consumerism

 

Marketing and advertising have a significant influence on our fashion choices, shaping our attitudes and values ​​towards clothing. Fast fashion advertisements create the illusion that clothing is disposable, leading to a mindset where constant purchasing is necessary to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Additionally, the fear of missing out, colloquially referred to as FOMO, can make it challenging for people to prioritize sustainability over following trends as the constant introduction of new fashion styles creates a sense of urgency to keep up with the latest trends.

Solution: Education, mindful consumption and challenging the narrative

 

One solution to overcome the influence of marketing and advertising is to educate ourselves about sustainable fashion. Education is a crucial tool in combating the power of consumerism and promoting sustainable fashion. We can start by learning about the environmental and social impact of fast fashion and sharing this knowledge with others. This can be done through social media, word of mouth, or even organizing educational events or workshops. By promoting a better understanding of the true cost of fast fashion, we can encourage more people to make sustainable choices.

Challenging the narrative is another way to combat the power of marketing and advertising. We can challenge the idea that clothing should be disposable and emphasize the importance of investing in quality pieces that are designed to last, or in other words, the importance of quality over quantity. By changing the narrative around fashion, we can shift the focus from mindless consumption to conscious, sustainable choices

Social norms and desire for social acceptance

 

Humans are social creatures, and the need to belong to a group is a fundamental aspect of our psychology. This need to fit in can manifest in our fashion choices, as people may feel pressure to wear certain brands or styles that are deemed “cool” or “in” by their social group. The fear of being judged or ostracized for not fitting in with the group can be powerful, and can override considerations of sustainability when making fashion choices.

Solution: Promote self-expression, spreading the word

 

The solution to this challenge is to shift the focus from fitting in with social norms to promoting individuality and personal style. By encouraging people to embrace their unique style, we can reduce the pressure to conform to the latest trends. Emphasizing the importance of self- expression and creativity in fashion choices can also help to make sustainable fashion more appealing to people who value their personal style.

In addition to this, we can also encourage our friends and families to make more sustainable fashion choices together. By creating a community that values ​​sustainability, we can reduce the fear of being judged or ostracized for not following mainstream fashion trends. This can create a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose around sustainable fashion, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider group of people. Ultimately, by working together to promote sustainable fashion, we can create a more sustainable and compassionate world.

Self-expression/Personal Values

 

Fashion is a form of self-expression, with people using their clothing choices to communicate their personality, beliefs, and values. Clothing can be an outward reflection of one’s inner self and can be a powerful tool for conveying individuality. Therefore, when it comes to fashion choices, personal values ​​are often a significant influence.

Sustainable fashion choices may align with a person’s values, such as environmental consciousness and ethical production, but finding clothing that allows them to express their personal style can be a challenge. The current sustainable fashion market may not offer as many options for self-expression as traditional fast fashion, which can make it difficult for people to make the switch.

Solution: Experimentation & creativity

 

However, there are ways to overcome this challenge. They can experiment with different looks and try new styles that align with sustainable values, ultimately allowing them to express themselves while being mindful of the environmental impact of their choices. Another solution to the challenge of finding sustainable fashion that aligns with personal style is DIY (do-it-yourself) fashion. DIY fashion allows individuals to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their personal style and values ​​while reducing their environmental footprint. With a little creativity, individuals can upcycle old clothes, repurpose fabrics, and even create their own designs using sustainable materials. Not only does DIY fashion allow for more self-expression and creativity, but it also promotes a more sustainable and mindful approach to fashion. By using materials that would otherwise go to waste and creating pieces that are designed to last, individuals can reduce their contribution to the fashion industry’s negative impact on the environment and promote a more circular economy. Read more about circular economy in our latest blog post: Sustainability 101 : the basics of circular economy

The role of emotions

 

Our emotional state can have a significant impact on our fashion choices. Emotions such as stress or anxiety can lead people to engage in retail therapy, a term used to describe the act of buying clothes or other items as a way to feel better. This behavior can lead to impulsive and unsustainable fashion choices as people may not necessarily be purchasing items they need or will use in the long term.

Solution: Mindful coping & consumption

 

It is essential to recognize the emotional drivers behind our fashion choices and develop strategies to address them. Rather than using fashion consumption as a coping mechanism, it is crucial to identify healthy coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. These activities can help reduce stress and anxiety without negatively impacting the environment.

Another solution is to practice mindful consumption. This involves being more intentional and aware of our fashion choices. It includes considering the ethical and environmental impact of the clothing we purchase and being more intentional with our clothing choices. Additionally, investing in high-quality, durable pieces that can be worn for an extended period can reduce the need to constantly buy new clothing items. This not only reduces the environmental impact of our fashion choices but also allows us to make more sustainable choices driven by our personal values ​​rather than fleeting emotions .

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, sustainable fashion is not just about buying eco-friendly clothing; it is also about reflecting on the psychology behind our fashion choices and why we make those choices. By understanding the psychological factors that influence our fashion choices, we can overcome any psychological or social barriers that prevent us from making sustainable choices. We can educate ourselves about sustainable fashion, challenge social norms, promote individuality, prioritize our personal values, and practice mindful consumption to become more conscious consumers. Ultimately, by making more sustainable fashion choices, we can create a more compassionate and sustainable world for ourselves and future generations. Learn about cool sustainable fashion buzzwords in this blog post: from upcycling to circular fashion: decoding 10 sustainable fashion buzzwords.

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appcycle is a company based in Aomori, Japan, that aims to reach a more sustainable future of the fashion industry. appcycle’s product, RINGO-TEX , is a vegan leather made out of apple food waste. To find out more about appcycle and RINGO- TEX, browsethis website and follow our Instagram .

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This article was written by Anzelin