Men’s Fashion and Sustainability: How to Build a More Eco-Friendly Wardrobe

Sustainability in men’s fashion is becoming increasingly important as the fashion industry faces growing scrutiny for its environmental and social impact. Building a sustainable wardrobe means choosing clothing that’s eco-friendly, ethical, and designed to last, all while maintaining your personal style. This guide covers key aspects of sustainable men’s fashion, from materials to shopping habits, helping you make more responsible fashion choices.

1. Choose sustainable fabrics

One of the most impactful ways to embrace sustainability in fashion is by choosing eco-friendly fabrics. Many conventional materials, like polyester and conventional cotton, require significant resources to produce and can contribute to pollution. Instead, opt for fabrics that are organic, recycled, or sustainably sourced.

Sustainable fabrics to consider:

• Organic cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, organic cotton is better for the environment and healthier for farmers.
• Linen: Made from the flax plant, linen is a biodegradable, durable fabric that requires less water and fewer chemicals than cotton to produce.
• Hemp: Hemp is a highly sustainable fabric that requires little water to grow, regenerates soil, and is naturally resistant to pests.
• Recycled polyester: While conventional polyester is made from petroleum, recycled polyester uses plastic waste like bottles, reducing the need for virgin materials.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is a fabric made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, produced in a closed-loop process that minimizes waste and water use.
• Wool: Wool is a renewable, biodegradable material that’s naturally insulating, making it a great choice for eco-friendly winter wear.
• Tip: Check clothing labels for certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or OEKO-TEX to ensure the materials meet sustainability standards.

2. Buy less, choose quality

One of the core principles of sustainable fashion is consuming less. Instead of buying large quantities of cheap, fast fashion, focus on building a smaller wardrobe of high-quality, durable pieces that you can wear for years. This approach not only reduces waste but also saves you money in the long run.

Benefits of buying less but better:

• Longevity: High-quality clothing is made to last longer, meaning you won’t need to replace items as often.
• Reduced environmental impact: By buying fewer clothes, you reduce the demand for production, which helps lower pollution and resource use.
• Better fit and feel: Well-made clothes often fit better and feel more comfortable, enhancing your overall style and confidence.
• Tip: Look for classic, timeless pieces that won’t go out of style quickly. Neutral colors and versatile cuts are ideal for creating a sustainable wardrobe that stands the test of time.

3. Support ethical brands

Supporting fashion brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices is key to driving positive change in the industry. Many sustainable fashion brands are committed to using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and ensuring fair labor conditions for workers.

Brands to consider:

• Patagonia: Known for its commitment to environmental responsibility, Patagonia uses recycled materials and supports sustainable practices in its supply chain.
• Everlane: Everlane is transparent about its production process and factories, focusing on ethical labor and sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics.
• Outerknown: A sustainable men’s brand that focuses on fair labor practices and eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton and recycled nylon.
• Nudie Jeans: Specializing in organic cotton denim, Nudie Jeans offers free repairs for life, encouraging customers to wear their jeans longer.
• Allbirds: Known for its sustainable shoes made from natural materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fiber, Allbirds also focuses on reducing its carbon footprint.
• Tip: When shopping, look for brands that are transparent about their supply chains and production methods. Certifications like Fair Trade and B Corp are good indicators of ethical practices.

4. Embrace slow fashion

Slow fashion is the opposite of fast fashion—it emphasizes mindful consumption, craftsmanship, and clothing that is made to last. Rather than chasing trends, slow fashion encourages buying timeless pieces that you can wear season after season.

How to embrace slow fashion:

• Avoid trends: Stick to classic styles and neutral colors that never go out of fashion. This helps you build a wardrobe that remains relevant for years.
• Repair and maintain your clothes: Instead of discarding items when they get damaged, learn to repair them or take them to a tailor for alterations. This extends the life of your clothes and reduces waste.
• Buy second-hand: Shopping at thrift stores or online resale platforms is a great way to embrace slow fashion. You can find high-quality items at a lower cost, all while reducing demand for new clothing production.
• Tip: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item will work with multiple outfits and if it’s something you’ll wear frequently. This helps you avoid impulse buys and ensures that each piece adds real value to your wardrobe.

5. Reduce your carbon footprint

The fashion industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, from the energy used in production to the transportation of goods. You can reduce your personal carbon footprint by making more conscious decisions about how and where you buy your clothes.

Tips to reduce your fashion carbon footprint:

• Shop local: Whenever possible, buy clothes from local brands or stores to reduce the carbon emissions associated with shipping and transportation.
• Choose eco-friendly shipping: When shopping online, select slower, ground shipping options, which have a lower carbon impact than expedited air shipping.
• Buy second-hand: Shopping second-hand not only reduces waste but also eliminates the carbon emissions involved in producing new clothing.
• Avoid fast fashion: Fast fashion brands often prioritize speed and profit over sustainability, resulting in higher emissions and waste. Focus on quality over quantity to minimize your environmental impact.

6. Care for your clothes responsibly

How you care for your clothes plays a significant role in their longevity and environmental impact. Washing and drying clothes account for a large portion of a garment’s lifetime energy use, so making small changes to your laundry routine can have a big impact.

Sustainable clothing care tips:

• Wash less frequently: Washing clothes too often can wear them out faster and waste water and energy. Unless clothes are visibly dirty or smell, wear them multiple times before washing.
• Wash with cold water: Cold water washing uses less energy than hot water and is gentler on fabrics, helping your clothes last longer.
• Air dry whenever possible: Dryers consume a lot of energy and can be harsh on clothing. Line-drying or using a drying rack helps reduce energy use and extends the life of your garments.
• Use eco-friendly detergents: Choose biodegradable, non-toxic detergents that are free from harmful chemicals. These are better for both your clothes and the environment.

7. Donate, recycle, or repurpose old clothes

When it’s time to part with clothing you no longer wear, be sure to dispose of it responsibly. Instead of throwing clothes in the trash, consider donating, recycling, or repurposing them to reduce textile waste.

Ways to dispose of clothes sustainably:

• Donate to charity: Give your gently used clothes a second life by donating them to local charities or shelters.
• Sell or trade: Platforms like Poshmark, Depop, or eBay allow you to sell or trade clothing you no longer need, reducing waste and giving others the opportunity to reuse your items.
• Recycle: Many brands and stores, including H&M and Patagonia, offer recycling programs where you can drop off old clothing to be repurposed or recycled.
• Repurpose: Turn old clothes into cleaning rags, reusable bags, or even new clothing pieces through DIY projects.

Final thoughts

Sustainable men’s fashion is about making thoughtful, eco-conscious choices that benefit both the environment and your wardrobe. By choosing sustainable fabrics, supporting ethical brands, and focusing on quality over quantity, you can reduce your environmental impact while maintaining a stylish, functional wardrobe. Embrace the principles of slow fashion, care for your clothes responsibly, and be mindful of how you dispose of old garments to contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.