Last week, I was in Leeds celebrating my daughter’s graduation from the University of Leeds, where she completed her degree in Sustainable Fashion. It was a proud moment, not just as a parent, but also as someone deeply passionate about wellbeing, conscious living, and the choices we make every day.
At Vivre Retreats, looking after ourselves, one another, and the embracing the environment is central to everything we do. Sustainable fashion sits beautifully within that vision: it’s not just about clothes, but about care, for the people who make them, the planet that provides the materials, and the bodies we dress each day.
So… What is sustainable fashion?
We hear the word “sustainable” a lot these days, and there’s often a lot of pressure wrapped around it. But what does it actually mean? And how do we know if we’re doing it right?
Sustainability looks different for everyone. But most people agree on a few guiding principles that help us make more conscious choices:
1. Choosing Natural Materials (When We Can)
Natural fibres like cotton, wool, hemp, and linen are generally kinder to both our skin and the planet. That said, this isn’t a black-and-white are. For example, conventional cotton can be water-intensive, and some natural fibres still have environmental costs. But broadly speaking, they’re biodegradable, breathable, and far gentler on our bodies than synthetic fabrics.
Here’s why they matter:
- Natural materials like wool and cotton have antibacterial properties, they absorb sweat and can ‘self-clean’ to a degree. Whereas synthetics (like polyester and nylon) wick moisture but trap odour, leaving it sitting on your skin.
- British wool farmers are struggling, as demand has plummeted in favour of cheap synthetic alternatives. Supporting wool again means supporting the land, the farmers who care for it, and your own wellbeing.
- New research shows synthetic fibres affect our health, with microplastics absorbing into our skin. Choosing natural fabrics is also a choice for personal care.
2. Wearing Clothes More Than a Few Times
Thanks to ever changing micro-trends and social media, there’s an unspoken pressure to wear something new for every occasion. But sustainable fashion flips that narrative.
It celebrates re-wearing, restyling, and loving what we already own. Think quality over quantity, those staple pieces you feel amazing in, styled in fresh ways.
This one’s tricky, because sustainable fashion doesn’t have to mean expensive fashion.
3. Buying from brands that look after their employees
At its core, sustainability is about not over-consuming. So yes, if you buy a t-shirt from Primark and wear it lovingly until it’s worn out, that isn’t unsustainable. It’s important to be kind and realistic with ourselves.
However, if you do have the option, try to support brands that tell a story. Smaller brands, makers and designers, labels that put people and planet before profit. Sustainable brands prioritise fair wages, safe working conditions, and long-term thinking. When we choose better, we support systems that care.
Let’s be clear: consistently shopping from fast fashion brands isn’t sustainable. But if you make thoughtful, occasional purchases and truly value what you buy, that’s still a step in the right direction.
4. Washing less often
We’ve been conditioned to wash our clothes far too much. Natural fabrics often don’t need it as frequently as we think, and over-washing not only shortens the life of our clothes but wastes water and energy. Air them out. Spot-clean. Tune into what actually needs a wash.
5. Embracing second-hand and platforms
One of the most sustainable things we can do is extend the life of what already exists. Buying pre-loved (on Vinted, Depop, eBay, or at charity shops) keeps clothes out of landfill and gives them a beautiful second life. It’s cost-effective, planet-friendly, and often more unique, too.
Sustainable Fashion Isn’t About Being Perfect. It’s about being aware. It’s about slowing down, choosing more intentionally, and caring for ourselves, for others, and for the Earth.
Spotlight in Dorset
The Green Dress
Got Unused Clothes?
Take them to the store in Wareham! They review all items before accepting them. If approved, they’re offered on a Sale or Return basis. You’ll receive 40% of the sale price if sold. If not, the item is returned to you free of charge.
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With Love,
Sacha & Naomi xx