Over the years, sustainable fashion trends have taken the clothing industry by storm. With many consumers echoing the need for a much more ethical supply chain and quality clothing, more brands are opting for upcycled materials and eco-friendly solutions in their production.

Image courtesy – The Revival

Ghana has had a long standing fight against the fast fashion industry destroying many beaches in the country. The Obroni Wawu (second hand clothing) practice has been a thing here for ages, and now rebranded as “Thrifting” among Gen Z’s. Although this marketplace should technically be solving a problem of mass production in the fast fashion world with second use of clothing, there is rather, an environmental crisis looming over the shores of Ghana.

What you need to know

  • Luxury fashion is a FAD
  • Trends fade out, always!
  • Overconsumption is not the “IT” thing
  • Global warming is, actually very real 
  • Be YOU in style

Now to the list of sustainable fashion trends you can practice, starting today!

Thrift Second Hand from Kantamanto 

Yes, the Kantamanto second-hand clothing is part reason why Ghana has excess waste on its beaches and landfills, unable to decompose. A quick solution to “slowing down” heaps that may fill these open places must definitely be through thrifting. A counter strategy to ensure sustainability.

Get your clothes custom made 

Cloth making can be expensive, especially in today’s economy. But owning some quality clothes means you get to keep them for long. Avoiding the frequent wear and tears that happen with fast fashion items. Choosing better clothes means less money to restock and a safer environment.

Rent it or Swap it out

Thrift may be great, but how about creating a means to rent or swap out clothes all the time. The fashion industry is constantly making “new” clothes and that is seemingly not slowing down anytime soon. There is a recurring need by consumers to tap into seasonal fashion trends and clothes, contributing to this issue. Starting a Rent It today as your means to sustainable fashion can be very beneficial.

Build a capsule wardrobe 

Classic, minimal, chic, sporty, formal. Anyway you want to go with your fashion style, you can do by curating a capsule wardrobe made just for you. All you need are about 15 to 20 clothing items and accessories to mix and match whenever you need to. Capsule wardrobes are great entry into a minimal lifestyle – ultimately slowing you down from consuming too much in clothes and fad trends.

Upcycle & reuse clothes, accessories etc.

Upcycling is a growing environmentalist trend in Ghana. Startups like Botto upcycle and The Revival are here to create awareness and a means to repair worn out items – as a way of fostering a sustainable environment. You can try out this medium of upcycling to ensure one less cloth ends up in our landfills. 

Sell back to clothing companies

Certain companies are pushing for environmental solutions, with climate change campaigns and the fight against fast fashion. By using eco-friendly practices and the buying back of worn out clothes, these big corporations get to contribute to solving this world problem. Likewise, companies like Poshmark, Depop and social media marketplaces (Facebook) allow you to list, sell and earn money on the clothes you wish to get rid of. This way fashion and clothing is made circular and you are free of excess.

Repurpose 

Another important means to practice sustainable fashion is to repurpose clothing. Turn your used clothes into tote bags, patched up on jeans, dyed new colour or some other creative idea you can cook up to ensure your clothes do not end up on our lands, open gutters and beaches.