Upcycling involves taking old or discarded clothing items and transforming them into new and unique pieces, giving them a new purpose and extending their lifespan, e.g. turning old jeans into a denim skirt, transforming a vintage scarf into a headband, or repurposing a worn-out shirt into a tote bag.

Recycling in the fashion industry refers to the process of converting textile waste or old garments into new materials or products, diverting them for landfills, encouraging circular industries and reducing the need for virgin materials.

Textile recycling can involve breaking down fabrics into fibres and re-spinning them into new yarns, which can then be used to create new textiles or products.

Some companies and organizations have recycling programs where customers can return their old clothes to be recycled properly. One of the companies who do this is called Teemill, with their Remill process. They are a company we use, and you can find out more about Teemill here and Remill here.

We believe that a large proportion of fashion should not be fast fashion, but circular fashion. Yes, cotton is renewable and is a good carbon sink, but nonetheless, not all fashion is natural, and our environment and landfills are piling up and paying the price of polyester...

Veganism is a code of ethics that results in a lifestyle that refrains from exploiting animals as much as practicably possible. This involves not consuming or using animal products to reduce harm to animals, reduce environmental impact, and support a plant-based diet.

Vegan consumption extends to what we wear. Vegan fashion promotes animal welfare and mitigates climate change by avoiding animal exploitation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture. Buying alternatives, like vegan cactus leather, is very sustainable, as contrary to popular belief, cows killed for leather are not commonly consumed as meat due to the medications they receive during rearing making them "inedible", and cows killed for meat are not typically used for leather due to the damage caused to their skin during the slaughter process. The meat industry and the leather industry are usually distinct, with cows raised and slaughtered specifically for either meat or leather production.

Organic Cotton: It is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and genetically modified seeds, reducing environmental impact and promoting healthier farming practices.

Hemp: Hemp is a versatile and sustainable material that requires fewer resources to grow compared to conventional cotton. It is known for its durability and breathability.

Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that requires minimal water and no pesticides to thrive. It can be turned into a fabric that is soft, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable.

Linen: Linen is made from the flax plant, which is resilient and requires less water and pesticides compared to other crops. Linen garments are durable, breathable, and have a timeless appeal.

Recycled Fibers: These include materials made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles (PET), recycled cotton, or recycled polyester. They reduce the need for new raw materials and minimize waste.

Plastic-Free Packaging: We prioritize sustainability in every aspect of our process, including our shipping. All our packaging is designed to minimize environmental impact. We use renewable, plastic-free materials, ensuring everything is recyclable, compostable, or reusable. By choosing eco-friendly packaging, we aim to reduce waste and promote a circular economy, so your purchase not only feels good but does good for the planet.

Educating oneself about fashion industry practices, sustainability, and ethical concerns can help make informed choices.

Renting clothes, swapping with friends, or participating in clothing exchange events are alternative ways to enjoy new styles without owning them permanently.

Producing items on-demand is essential for minimizing waste and promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. The recent example of Gucci destroying overstocked items before throwing them away instead of donating them, to avoid their idea of the wrong demographic wearing their items, emphasizes the importance of these practices.

By producing items only when ordered, brands can reduce excess inventory, avoid wasteful disposal, unnecessary shipping costs and carbon outputs, and create a more efficient and environmentally conscious fashion industry.

Support brands that prioritize transparency in their supply chain. Look for companies that provide information about the sourcing of materials, manufacturing processes, and labor conditions. This helps ensure that the products you buy are produced ethically and sustainably.

Circular fashion promotes practices such as garment repair, resale, and recycling. It aims to keep materials in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and the need for virgin resources.

Teemill's Remill is an example of circular fashion. Through their platform, old t-shirts are collected and recycled into new garments. This process reduces textile waste and supports a closed-loop system. Remill is one of the processes we use here for Hibearnation Wear garments.

Brands using sustainable packaging opt for materials like recycled and recyclable paper, cardboard, or biodegradable/compostable alternatives.

Carbon-neutral shipping methods offset the emissions generated during transportation. Consolidating orders and optimizing packaging sizes also minimize environmental impact.

Slow fashion emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging consumers to invest in well-made, durable garments that can withstand the test of time.

Supporting local artisans and small-scale brands that produce clothing in limited quantities promotes craftsmanship and reduces mass production's environmental footprint.