Fashion is all about making choices that reflect our values, and when it comes to sustainability and empowerment, those choices become even more meaningful. By choosing ethically made clothing, you not only contribute to a healthier planet but also uplift amazing women who are leading the charge in innovative fashion. If you’re on the lookout for beautiful, eco-friendly dresses that match your values, you’re in the perfect spot!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us! Cover Image: Transcend

In this post, we’re excited to introduce you to 10 gorgeous woman-owned brands that are changing the face of sustainable fashion in 2025. From comfy organic cotton basics to stunning artisan-crafted pieces, these brands showcase that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand. Whether you need a chic everyday dress, an effortlessly elegant occasion piece, or a breezy summer staple, you’ll find something truly special here.

Let’s take a closer look and celebrate these inspiring women-led businesses together!

Why Choose Woman-Owned Sustainable Fashion?

Choosing to support woman-owned brands means more than just looking good. It’s a powerful step towards empowerment, ethics, and sustainability. Many women-led businesses place a strong emphasis on people and the planet, focusing on fair labor practices, sustainable materials, and inclusive design. These brands often set out to challenge the harmful practices of the fashion industry, like exploitative labor and excessive waste. Instead, they promote transparency, fair wages, and eco-friendly production methods. When you shop from woman-owned sustainable brands, you’re not just finding beautiful, eco-conscious fashion; you’re also uplifting female entrepreneurs who are transforming an industry long dominated by fast fashion giants.

What Makes a Dress Truly Sustainable?

With so many brands claiming to be “eco-friendly,” it’s essential to recognize what true sustainability looks like in fashion. Here are some key features of sustainable dresses:

Ethical Production: Look for dresses made in factories or artisan workshops that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and uphold labor rights.

Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Materials like organic cotton, linen, hemp, TENCEL™, and deadstock fabric help reduce water usage and avoid harmful pesticides.

Low-Impact Dyes & Processes: Many traditional dyes include toxic chemicals. Opt for brands that use natural dyes or certified non-toxic alternatives.

Circular Fashion Principles: Sustainable brands design with longevity in mind, creating durable pieces that are easy to repair, recycle, or compost.

Carbon-Conscious Practices: Some brands focus on minimizing carbon emissions by using local production, renewable energy, or offsetting their carbon footprint through practices like reforestation.

Our Favorite Sustainable Dresses from Woman-Owned Brands:

1. Transcend

Price: $250-350

use code CHIC30 for 30% off

This brand isn’t just about clothing; it’s about making a difference. Each dress they create not only looks beautiful but also supports social and environmental causes, empowering women and encouraging us to shop mindfully.Their latest collection, Empower, features ethically made clothing produced at a factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, using natural materials like cotton and linen.

2. Passion Lilie

Price: $60-118

use code sustainablychic15 for 15% off

Every dress feels like a unique piece of art, lovingly made by artisans in India who are committed to fair trade. At Passion Lilie, you’ll find beautiful block-printed designs that not only showcase traditional craftsmanship but also help provide sustainable livelihoods for the talented individuals behind them.

3. Agaati

Price: $350-1,425

use code AGAATI15SC on ready-to-ship styles to their elegant Bespoke / On-Demand pieces

Agaati’s sustainable dress collection is all about celebrating the incredible craftsmanship of women artisans in India and Nepal. Each piece is thoughtfully handcrafted using natural and repurposed fabrics, and many are made-to-order to cut down on waste. The collection features gorgeous silhouettes, from elegant midi dresses to stunning evening gowns.

4. Cleobella

Price: $64-318

If you're a fan of boho-chic styles, you'll love what Cleobella has to offer! They work closely with artisans from around the globe to craft beautiful dresses that are not only intricately designed but also made using traditional techniques. Plus, by choosing Cleobella, you’re supporting fair wages and ethical production.

5. Rujuta Sheth

Price: $80-248

Rujuta Sheth’s sustainable dresses are truly special. They’re crafted in collaboration with artisans in India, using eco-friendly, handwoven cotton and linen. Each piece, whether it’s a breezy midi or a chic check-patterned “chex” design, combines bright colors with a classic vibe. Best of all, these dresses are designed and made in New York with a commitment to zero waste and ethical production

6. Daughters of India

Price: $185-365

These dresses are everything you could want...flowy, feminine, and made with a purpose. They celebrate the rich craftsmanship of traditional Indian textiles, and the brand collaborates closely with artisan communities to keep these amazing techniques alive.

7. No Nasties

Price: $26-76

An Indian-based brand that goes all-in on sustainability. Their organic, fair-trade dresses are made from 100% vegan materials and ensure ethical practices at every stage of production. We also love their price points!

8. ReCreate

Price: $50-290

ReCreate Clothing's dress collection is all about blending style with a conscience. Based in New Zealand, they use 100% GOTS-certified organic fabrics, like super soft cotton jersey and crisp poplin. What’s also really special is their workshop in Cambodia, where every garment is produced with care...supporting fair wages, training, and empowering the local community!

9. Whimsy + Row

Price: $62-248

Whimsy + Row exclusively uses locally sourced and eco-friendly materials and recycles every scrap of deadstock fabric to create new garments or accessories. Additionally, their designs are made using recycled water and low-impact dyes, and the brand is carbon-neutral. It's a great place to shop for everyday dresses and formal events, offering extended sizing and a pre-loved section where you can purchase their items secondhand!

10. Omnes

Price: $67-242

This UK-based brand offers affordable, stylish, and responsibly made dresses. Their range of dresses combines fashion-forward designs with eco-friendly materials like deadstock fabrics and organic cotton. Whether you need a casual brunch dress or something elegant for a night out, they've got versatile options for every occasion - all produced in ethical factories.

---

When we support women-owned brands that champion fair wages, ethical sourcing, and sustainable fabrics, we help create a fashion industry that uplifts rather than exploits. These brands prove that fashion can be a force for good (one dress at a time) 💛

When you're cleaning out your closet, it might feel good to donate your clothes, thinking you're helping out. But here's the reality: a lot of that donated clothing ends up being burned, tossed in the trash, or shipped to other countries, where it can create problems for those communities.

It’s easy to think that once we drop a bag off at a donation bin, we’ve done something good. But the reality is more complicated. Some estimates suggest that thrift shops sell less than 20% of donated clothing; they often bale and ship the rest abroad, downcycle it, or discard it altogether. That means the majority of our donations aren’t finding new homes. Rather, they’re becoming part of the global waste crisis.

When donations are sent overseas, they can flood local markets and displace small businesses. This influx often overwhelms communities with clothing they don’t need and can't properly process. Instead of helping, our well‑meaning contributions can create environmental and economic problems for others. It’s a cycle that not only clogs landfills but also contributes to public health crises in parts of the world already facing significant challenges. You can find more information on this pressing issue here.

It's important to find ways to keep clothing donations out of landfills and ensure they are truly reused.

So how do we make sure our good intentions actually do good? It starts long before we’re ready to donate, with how we shop in the first place, and it continues with the choices we make when we pass clothing on. A conscious effort to buy less, keep pieces in circulation longer, and choose thoughtful donation routes can help ensure that what leaves our closets doesn’t end up polluting someone else’s backyard.

Here are five thoughtful ways to make sure your donations don’t end up in the landfill:

1. Buy Less in the First Place

The most sustainable garment is the one that never needed to be produced. Every new piece of clothing requires resources like water, energy, fabric, and human labor, and the fewer items we bring into our closets, the less strain we place on those systems. Buying fewer, better‑quality pieces reduces the need to constantly clean out your closet and donate. When you’re intentional with your purchases, you’ll naturally have fewer items to offload, and those you do donate will likely be in better shape for someone else to use, helping keep clothing donations out of landfill.

Think of it this way: instead of chasing every new trend, consider curating a wardrobe filled with timeless, versatile pieces you truly love. A capsule wardrobe, for example, not only saves space but also simplifies daily dressing and reduces decision fatigue. Focusing on natural fabrics that hold up over time like organic cotton or linen, means you’ll have clothes that feel good, age gracefully, and remain wearable season after season. Ultimately, buying less is about valuing quality over quantity and building a closet that works harder for you without the excess.

2. Only Donate Clean, Wearable Items

Before donating, ask yourself: Would I give this to a friend? If it’s stained, ripped, stretched out, or smells strange, most donation centers can’t sell it. In fact, many centers spend valuable time and resources sorting through unusable donations, and much of what can’t be sold ends up in landfills anyway. Always wash and fold your clothes before donating so they’re ready for someone else to wear right away. Presentation matters! Clean, neatly packed clothing is far more likely to be accepted and appreciated.

If an item is beyond repair, textile recycling is a better option (see below). Even items that feel “too worn” to you can sometimes be upcycled into rags, insulation, or new fabrics, but only if they’re directed to the right place. Taking that extra step ensures your donations help rather than burden the organizations receiving them.

3. Research Where You Donate

Not all donation centers operate the same. Some only sell a fraction of what they receive and send the rest abroad or to textile recyclers, many of which still discard large amounts. Prioritize local organizations that support your community directly, like:

• Homeless shelters or women’s shelters
• Refugee resettlement groups
• Church donation drives
• Community closets or free stores

Call ahead to ask what they accept and how donations are used.

4. Sell Your Clothes Yourself

Give your pre-loved pieces a second chance by selling them directly to people who want them. This ensures your clothes stay in use and reduces the risk of them being tossed since many thrift stores are overwhelmed.
Here are a few great platforms to try:

• Poshmark – Best for fashion lovers and name brands
• Depop – Great for vintage, trendy, or Y2K styles
• thredUP – A clean-out service with optional payout or donation

Click here for a list of our 12 favorite secondhand clothing apps for you to buy and sell!

This route takes a bit more time, but it’s one of the most effective ways to keep your clothes in circulation, and you may even make some money along the way.

5. Recycle Responsibly

For clothes that are no longer wearable (holey socks, stretched-out tees, underwear, etc.), look for textile recycling programs. Brands like Trashie, Terracycle, and some local governments offer recycling options that turn worn-out items into insulation, industrial rags, or even new textiles, keeping them far from the landfill.

Click here to find stores who take your old clothes in return for store credit.

Final Thoughts on Clothing Donations and Landfills

At the end of the day, what we do with our clothes matters just as much as what we buy. By being intentional (like purchasing less, donating thoughtfully, and recycling responsibly) we can make sure our wardrobes don’t become someone else’s problem. Every garment we keep in circulation a little longer helps reduce waste, protect communities, and ease the pressure on our planet. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s simply making choices that honor both the clothes we own and the people who may wear them next. Thank you for taking care of what you have and this beautiful planet :)

Fast fashion is a complex issue, and tackling it requires multi-layered solutions, including fast fashion laws. Dedicated policies and citizens' awareness are necessary to solve problems stemming from systemic injustice. To make fashion fair by default, regulators must hold companies accountable for their environmental impact. They also need to consider the quality of life they provide for their employees.

There is growing public awareness about the exploitative conditions and environmental issues associated with fast fashion. Thanks to the efforts of activists, NGOs, and trade unions, regulators worldwide are beginning to take steps to improve the fashion industry.

European Union Lawmakers & Fast Fashion

The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles 

Textiles have a sizable environmental impact in the EU. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), in 2020, textile consumption put the third highest pressure on water and land use in the Union. This textile-industry-specific strategy aims to put the commitments of the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the European industrial strategy into practice by improving the environmental performance of this resource-intensive sector. To do so, it addresses issues throughout the textiles' life cycle through specific regulations and directives.   

In terms of design, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) set new design requirements for textiles, intending to make them more durable and easier to maintain and repair. Entered into force on 18 July this year, it also set 'ecodesign requirements' to increase the recycled content and better the availability of information on goods sustainability. It also introduced the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digitally accessible product ID that will store info related to products sustainability and circularity performance and their legal compliance.

The Waste Framework Directive tackles the end-of-life aspect of textiles. It will require EU member states to ensure a separate collection of textiles by 1 January 2025. It also presented extended producer responsibility (EPR), an environmental policy mechanism that requires producers to take responsibility for the waste management of their products. 

France & Ultra Fast Fashion Influencers

France is making headlines with updated legislation that goes beyond taxing ultra-fast fashion. It actually bans influencers from promoting it! In June 2025, the French Senate approved a law targeting brands like Shein and Temu, prohibiting both traditional ads and influencer marketing for ultra-fast fashion products. Influencers in France who promote these kinds of excessively cheap and disposable items now risk penalties under the new rules.

This bold move recognizes how much influencer culture fuels overconsumptions. It’s a signal that marketing practices, not just the garments themselves, have a huge role in driving fast fashion’s environmental and social harms.

While the law primarily targets non-European ultra-fast brands, critics have raised concerns that exempting fast-fashion giants like Zara and H&M could undermine its impact. Still, by tackling both production and promotion, France is laying down a new international model for holding fashion ecosystems accountable at every level.

United States Fast Fashion Laws

The NY Fashion Act

The New York State Fashion Act is a state bill that would apply to fashion companies doing business in New York with a global revenue of $100 million. If passed, it would mandate fashion sellers to be accountable for their environmental and social standards and bring about a shift in the fashion world by harnessing the economic power of New York in this sector and beyond. 

Introduced in the 2022 New York legislative session by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles, it would set a legal framework to enforce standardized due diligence requirements across apparel and footwear supply chains. The action mandated by this bill would include "identifying, preventing, mitigating, accounting for, and taking remedial action to address actual and potential adverse impacts to the environment.". In addition, the apparel companies covered by the Fashion Act would have to collaborate with their suppliers to manage their chemical use throughout production.    

This bill focuses on accountability. Through Mandatory Due Diligence, this state bill would demand the achievement of Science Based Targets (SBTs) in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and map and disclose their supply chain. Under this act, the Attorney General would be able to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance. Non-compliant brands who do not remedy within a three-month notice time-frame may be fined up to 2% of their annual revenue. This money would be invested in environmental projects and to the benefit of directly injured workers and communities. 

The Responsible Textile Recovery Act

On the other side of America, in California, lawmakers are also working on tackling the burden fashion overproduction and overconsumption put on communities and the environment. In the Golden State, Senator Newman, along with Senators Skinner and Wiener, introduced Senate Bill 707 last year. 

Passed by the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee last summer, apparel and textile articles would have to form and join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) under the Responsible Textile Recovery Act. In addition, this bill would establish a statewide extended producer responsibility program for fashion goods if it becomes law. 

This EPR would facilitate rearing and reusing, improve fashion's environmental and social impact, and reduce hazardous waste production. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act would cover manufacturers who are domiciled in California and those who operate there and establish the Textile Stewardship Recovery Fund in the State Treasury. This bill ould be a move towards sustainability and circularity in the fashion industry in California, where 1.2 million tons of textiles were disposed of in 2021.

Why We Need Fast Fashion Laws

The fast fashion industry poses significant environmental and ethical challenges that cannot be solved by consumer choices alone. While shopping more mindfully and supporting better brands makes a difference, it’s not enough to counteract an industry built on overproduction, exploitation, and disposable design. Without meaningful regulation, fast fashion giants will continue to flood the market with ultra-cheap clothing, externalizing the true costs onto people and the planet.

Robust legislation is essential to hold companies accountable for both their environmental impact and their treatment of workers. This includes laws that limit harmful chemicals in textiles, regulate the disposal of unsold clothing, and ensure brands take responsibility for the massive waste streams they create. Equally important are policies that enforce living wages, safe working conditions, and protections for garment workers who are too often left voiceless in the global supply chain.

Transparency is another critical piece. Many brands still hide behind vague sustainability claims or greenwashing campaigns, leaving consumers in the dark about where and how their clothes are made. By requiring public reporting on supply chains, carbon emissions, water use, and labor practices, legislation can make honesty the industry standard rather than the exception.

Ultimately, fast fashion laws aren’t about taking choice away from consumers. They’re about creating a level playing field where sustainable and ethical practices become the norm instead of the niche. With well-designed policies, governments have the power to shift the fashion industry from one that thrives on overconsumption and exploitation to one that values quality, fairness, and long-term responsibility.

---

About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.

---

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

---

WANT TO FIND MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

The Brand Directory features hundreds of sustainable brands approved by us!

We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

With the luxury fashion industry under the microscope for unethical labor practices and notorious lack of sustainability, AERA emerges as a refreshing exception. True to its tagline, “luxury footwear without a footprint” - the brand offers high-end fashion while standing firm in its commitment to sustainability. In this AERA shoes review, we'll see how the brand, as the first certified B-Corp in luxury footwear, sets a new standard for eco-conscious luxury.

AERA creates timeless designs that artisans handcraft in Italy, showcasing the value of slow fashion. Yes, they do come at a premium, but the exceptional quality, comfort (which is a rarity in a lot of luxury shoes), and classic styles make them well worth the investment. The pieces are created to last, and the designs never go out of vogue - a true testament to the value of slow fashion. 

Review of the Jackie Slingbacks

I have the Jackie slingbacks in black patent - $525, and worth every penny (currently on sale for . You cannot go wrong with this pair. These classic flats, inspired by the timeless elegance of fashion icon Jackie Kennedy, are super classy and chic. With their sleek pointed toe, they transition seamlessly from day to night. I wear them with slacks to work, or jeans and a cute top for a night out with the girls. (Check out these guides for sustainable jeans or eco-friendly workwear brands).

The cushioned insole makes these flats very comfortable to wear. These do fit small, so we recommend sizing up half a size. In terms of care, the patent leather is super easy to clean - gently wipe with a damp cloth. You don’t need to use soap or any other cleaning products - these can actually damage the shine of the patent leather. 

All AERA’s designs are certified vegan - no exceptions. The design team has thoughtfully selected every single component of the shoe, ensuring they maintain style, quality, and comfort. They crafted the outer materials using a mix of cotton, polyester, and nylon. But no greenwashing here - AERA openly acknowledges the environmental concerns of these synthetics and is engaging in plastic offsetting. 

Their signature lining material is made from bio polyols - made from field corn not viable for human consumption. This corn is produced for ethanol and other manufactured products, so its use doesn’t divert resources for animal feed or other farm use. Additionally, bio polyols have a smaller carbon footprint than their petroleum-based alternatives. 

Is AERA a sustainable brand?

AERA is mindful of the suppliers they partner with, ensuring they engage in sustainable and ethical practices. They thoroughly vet manufacturers to uphold these standards. Their primary partner is an industry leader in non-leather, vegan shoe materials. This supplier excels in innovation, recently focusing on materials that contain lower plastic content. Additionally, they have increased the percentage of recycled components compared to virgin materials. They are also the first company to develop a 100% solvent-free material made with water-based resins. This is huge, because solvents (commonly used in adhesives and polishes to improve shoe quality and durability) are toxic chemicals that may be carcinogenic and neurotoxic, and may also affect the respiratory system.

AERA is highly selective about the suppliers they work with. They partner primarily with an industry leader in non-leather, vegan shoe materials for their outer material and lining, which make up the majority of their raw materials.

AERA is Carbon neutral certified. The brand has invested in several carbon and water offset programs, including reforesting 120,000 acres of marginal farmland in the Mississipi Alluvial Valley through the Green Trees Reforestation Project. Read more about AERA’s sustainability initiatives on their website - they have a lot of in-depth information which we love to see!

Why Sustainable Shoes and Fashion Matter

When we talk about building a more sustainable wardrobe, it’s easy to focus on the clothes we wear every day. Items like dresses, jeans, tops, and sweaters often take center stage in this discussion. But shoes are just as important, and often even more impactful. After all, they’re the pieces we wear the most, walking us through years of work, travel, and everyday life. The conventional footwear industry, much like fast fashion, faces numerous environmental and ethical challenges. These include plastic-heavy designs that never decompose, toxic tanning processes that contaminate waterways, and underpaid labor involved in the production of mass-produced shoes designed to fall apart.

The truth is, you can’t really have a sustainable wardrobe without including your shoes in the conversation. A thoughtfully made pair of shoes can completely shift the way your wardrobe functions. Choosing high-quality shoes means they last longer, feel better on your feet, and reduce the need for constant replacement of cheaply made options. When you pair these shoes with clothing made from natural fibers and timeless designs, you cultivate a closet that aligns with both your lifestyle and environmental values. This thoughtful approach not only enhances your wardrobe but also contributes positively to the planet.

Supporting sustainable shoes and fashion together also means supporting a shift in the industry as a whole. Choosing brands that focus on better fabrics, lower-impact production, and fair treatment of workers helps us reject an industry founded on disposability and exploitation. Each purchase we make communicates our values to the fashion industry. By opting for sustainable options, we amplify our message and encourage positive change.

At the end of the day, sustainable fashion isn’t about perfection or replacing everything at once. It's about making conscious choices piece by piece. This can include items like a pair of vegan flats that last for years or a linen dress that stays beautiful season after season. Sustainable shoes help us walk a little lighter, dress with more intention, and feel proud of the closets we’re creating.

& of course, the most sustainable pair of shoes are the ones you already own :)

Looking for More Affordable Sustainable Shoes?

While AERA is an incredible example of luxury done responsibly, I know the price point isn’t realistic for everyone. The good news is that there are plenty of other sustainable shoe brands out there. They are creating beautiful, long-lasting footwear at a more accessible cost. From everyday sneakers to versatile flats, there are options that prioritize natural materials and non-toxic dyes. You can find these styles produced ethically, all without the luxury price tag.

Check out my guide to sustainable shoe brands for a curated list of favorites that combine style, comfort, and conscious design at prices that won’t break the bank.

---

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

---

Searching for MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

The Brand Directory features hundreds of sustainable brands approved by us!

We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

While we often hear about the impacts of the fashion industry on the climate, the fashion industry’s impact on water, specifically how the fashion industry pollutes water, receives less attention. As we are all aware, water is a vital resource. Clothing production pollution harms the environment, human health, and reduces our drinking water supply.

Overall, fashion is one of the most water-intensive industries. As of 2020, the fashion industry uses over 79 trillion liters of water every year. Clothing production generates significant pollution and excessive water use, leading to serious consequences.

This article examines water usage in clothing production, its impacts, and potential solutions for the fashion industry.

Water and the Fashion Industry

Clothing relies on water in every stage of its lifecycle, from growing the actual fibers to throwing the clothes away. From production to disposal, the fashion industry has three major negative environmental impacts related to water: high water usage, high levels of chemical pollution, and high levels of physical microfiber pollution.

Water Usage

Our global water supply is severely threatened; it is estimated that over 2 billion people are already affected by water shortages in over 40 countries. As water scarcity increases globally, the fashion industry continues to exacerbate the problem.

The first step in clothing manufacturing is obtaining raw materials. For some clothes, this includes the production of polyester or other synthetic fabrics from plastic. For conventional cotton clothing, which makes up about 33% of all clothes, this includes growing the cotton. Growing cotton is extremely water-intensive, as it is one of the thirstiest crops. Simply making one cotton shirt can take up to 2700 liters of water, which is enough water for one person to drink for 2 ½ years. The water used for irrigating cotton has serious impacts on the environment and local communities, as it depletes drinking water in addition to precious aquifer and groundwater stores.

The actual processing of textiles (turning them from a raw material into a fabric) also uses immense amounts of water, and creates pollution.

Water Pollution

The main source of water pollution in the clothing production process is the “wet-processing” stage. After manufacturers spin and weave cotton into fabric, they wet-process it by dyeing, printing, and finishing the material. Not only is this process water-intensive, but it also pollutes water.

Textile processing involves applying a huge amount of chemicals to the fabric. In fact, the process of turning raw materials into textiles often takes over 8000 different synthetic chemicals. One of the major chemical-culprits used in clothing manufacturing is chemical dye. It’s estimated that around 20% of all global water pollution comes from the dyeing of textiles. Many industries dump the water used to apply chemicals and dye fabrics back into rivers and other waterways.

According to the 2016 documentary RiverBlue, which follows the textile industry’s contamination of China’s rivers, it’s estimated that around 70% of China’s freshwater is contaminated by 2.5 billion gallons of wastewater produced by the fashion industry. Unfortunately, this pollution is largely unregulated and continues to occur.

Microfibers

Finally, some types of clothing continue to pollute water even after they’ve made it into your closet! Many synthetic clothing fabrics, like polyester and nylon, come from plastic. As these fabrics break down, they release “microfibers” into the natural environment. In the case of plastic-based fabrics like polyester and nylon, these small fibers that are dropped from clothing in use or when washed are actually microplastics, very small pieces of plastic that do not degrade over time.

When you wash your polyester clothing (such as athletic clothing), small pieces of the fabric enter the wash water, and eventually make their way into the ocean. Studies show that 35% of microplastics found in the ocean result from washing clothes made of synthetic material. These microplastics don’t just stay in one place, either, because water is an extremely efficient method of transport! Synthetic microfibers pollute freshwater, contaminate drinking water, and even make their way into Arctic sea ice.

When people throw clothes away instead of recycling them, the fibers break down into microplastics in the landfill. Because microplastics don’t degrade, they instead make their way into water sources over time.

Impacts of Fashion’s Water Pollution

The most obvious damage the fashion industry’s water use creates is harm to the environment. The introduction of toxic chemicals into water sources harms wildlife and destroys sensitive marine and freshwater environments. Some chemicals may also contribute to ocean acidification, which has far-reaching impacts throughout the marine food chain.

"">Water pollution from clothing production also harms human health. First, while not directly linked to water pollution, the chemicals used in textile manufacturing can have severe impacts on workers’ health. 

Additionally, chemical dumping into water supplies damages the health of nearby communities that depend on the water for resources, whether that’s drinking water or seafood. For example, shellfish often soak up toxic chemicals like AZO dyes from textile production, which can cause harm to people who eat them. 

The microfibers released from fabrics can cause health issues as well. Microplastics in seafood or drinking water are especially harmful, as ingestion can cause a variety of health problems.

Image Credit: RiverBlue

Where do we go from here?

Much of the change must come from the fashion industry itself. For example, manufacturers must invest in less water-intensive production methods, and find ways to reduce the amount of chemicals used in clothing production. For example, some companies are taking steps towards only using natural dyes, which have a much lower environmental impact. Many clothing companies also choose to follow guidelines from the Higg Index, a set of standards created by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to help businesses ensure sustainable supply chains.

Some scientists are also working on solutions to clean chemicals from wastewater before it’s released into the environment. For example, one team of researchers believes that chitin, a biological chemical found in shells, can be used to filter chemicals out of the textile industry’s wastewater.

Increased regulation of the fashion industry’s wastewater habits is another step that will help reduce the amount of toxic chemicals in our waterways. While this has begun in some countries, more oversight is needed in many countries that produce large amounts of clothing, such as China.

Luckily, there are also a few things you can do to reduce the fashion world’s water use and pollution. For example, it’s important to buy new clothes only when you need them to reduce the amount of clothing (and waste) that is produced. Another great, sustainable option is to thrift clothes, rather than buying new. This also reduces the amount of new clothing that must be produced, and thus reduces the amount of water and pollution created in clothing production. Finally, consider recycling your clothes rather than just throwing them out. This will help reduce the amount of microplastics that make their way to the ocean from landfill.

For more tips on making your closet more sustainable, check out our guide to sustainable fashion.

---

About the Author:

Lena Milton is a freelance writer covering sustainability, health and environmental science. She writes to help consumers understand the environmental and ethical challenges in everyday life so we can find viable solutions for both.

---

WANT to find SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

---

related reading you may also enjoy: