The Future of Fashion is Circular
The fashion sector has a big waste problem. With constantly changing trends and brands rushing to meet high consumer demand, the industry is producing more clothes than we can reasonably wear or dispose of responsibly. The result? A waste-intensive industry that is littering our planet with discarded clothing.
We buy a staggering 80 billion new pieces of clothing each year and a huge chunk of that ends up as waste rather than being reused or recycled. In the age of social media, fashion trends seem to be changing more frequently and fast fashion is pumping out new styles weekly, encouraging consumers to update their wardrobes regularly. These garments are usually made up of low quality materials that are designed to only last a short while before falling apart or becoming ‘out-of-style’.
With so many clothes entering circulation and so few being given a second life, the fashion industry has become one of the most polluting sectors globally. Landfills are overflowing with barely-worn outfits and synthetic fabrics contribute to microplastic pollution in our oceans. We are consuming clothes at an unsustainable rate and our planet is paying the price for it.
What is Circularity in Fashion?
Circularity in fashion is a sustainable approach to fashions’s life cycle, that moves away from the traditional linear model of ‘make, wear, waste’. The circular model focuses on keeping clothing materials in use for as long as possible. It prioritises closed-loop production where materials are continiously fed back into the economy through recycling, upcycling and reducing the need for new resources. It promotes designing durable garments that can be resold or repurposed as opposed to being discarded. The goal is simple: to make fashion more sustainable by keeping clothes in circulation instead of throwing them away. Through a circular model, fashion brands and consumers can help minimise waste, lower environmental impact, and create a more responsible relationship with clothing.
Why Circular Fashion Matters More Than Ever
The push for circularity isn’t just about being eco-friendly, it has become a necessity. The fashion industry is now responsible for around 10% of all global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Textile production requires vast amounts of water; for example, making a single cotton t-shirt can take up to 2,700 litres of water which is enough for one person to drink for over two years.
By embracing a circular fashion model, we can reduce waste, cut down on pollution and lower the demand for new raw materials. This means fewer clothes piling up our landfills, less reliance on water-intensive crops like cotton and a decrease in the carbon footprint of our wardrobes. More brands are recognising this urgency and are shifting towards more sustainable production methods but real change also depends on consumers choosing to shop and care for their clothes differently.
How You Can Get Involved
Going circular doesn’t mean giving up your love for fashion, it just means shopping (and styling) smarter. Here’s how you can join the movement:
Shop second-hand first: Thrift stores and vintage shops are goldmines for unique finds.
Invest in quality: A well-made piece will outlast a good chunk of most fast fashion buys.
Mend and DIY: Learn some basic sewing skills or support repair services to keep your old clothes in rotation.
Support circular brands: Look for companies with take-back schemes, repair programmes, or innovative materials.
Rethink ownership: Renting and swapping clothes is the ultimate hack for staying stylish without the waste.
Circularity isn’t just a passing trend, it’s the future of fashion. As consumers become more conscious and brands step up, the industry is heading towards a more sustainable future. And the best part? You don’t have to choose between being chic and being responsible, with circular fashion, you can have both.
So, next time you’re eyeing a new outfit, ask yourself: will it last, can it be repaired, or could someone else love it after me? If the answer is yes, congratulations you’re already part of fashion’s glow-up!
