{"id":34189,"date":"2025-10-07T13:44:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T11:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/?p=34189"},"modified":"2025-11-20T13:05:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T12:05:16","slug":"sustainable-fashion-style-that-respects-people-and-the-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/sustainable-fashion-style-that-respects-people-and-the-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainable fashion: style that respects people and the environment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In a world flooded with fast fashion trends and excessive consumption, making <strong>sustainable clothing<\/strong> <strong>choices<\/strong> is becoming increasingly important and more challenging. Clothing is no longer just an expression of personal style, but also a reflection of our values. If you want to reduce your environmental impact, start with your wardrobe!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-okomito.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-okomito.png 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-okomito-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-okomito-500x667.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why fast fashion is not sustainable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fast fashion thrives on mass production and the constant release of new collections, normalizing overconsumption. Behind low prices often lie <strong>poor working conditions<\/strong>, environmental harm, and garments that wear out quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are made from fossil fuels, they <strong>release microplastics when washed<\/strong>, and are rarely recycled. While sustainable clothing may come with a higher upfront cost, its durability makes it a better long-term investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"odr\u017eiv\" class=\"wp-image-34186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene-480x300.jpg 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene-500x313.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding sustainable textiles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing sustainable materials means knowing their characteristics well. Below are the types of materials you can pay attention to when buying new clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Organic cotton<\/strong> is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, using significantly less water than <strong>conventional cotton<\/strong>. <strong>Hemp<\/strong> is a fast-growing plant that requires minimal water, while improving soil quality. <strong>Linen<\/strong> is known for its biodegradability, strength and breathability, and is produced more energy-efficiently than many other textiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern materials such as <strong>TENCEL<\/strong>\u2122 <strong>or Lyocell<\/strong> come from wood pulp from sustainable sources, and the production process includes recycling of water and solvents, reducing the negative impact on the environment. <strong>Recycled fibers, whether cotton, wool or polyester, help reduce the amount of textile waste and the demand for new raw materials<\/strong>. However, you should be careful here too, because many synthetic materials, even the \u201ceco-friendly\u201d ones, can emit microplastics and are difficult to recycle, and unethical production further reduces their value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/odjeca_hrpa_brza_moda-1024x640.png\" alt=\"odje\u0107a_hrpa_brza_moda\" class=\"wp-image-28623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/odjeca_hrpa_brza_moda-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/odjeca_hrpa_brza_moda-480x300.png 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/odjeca_hrpa_brza_moda-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/odjeca_hrpa_brza_moda-500x313.png 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/odjeca_hrpa_brza_moda.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to recognize truly sustainable brands?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>False sustainability claims, so-called <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/sustainability-or-greenwashing-false-advertising-in-tourism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>greenwashing<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0 are common in the fashion industry. Real sustainable brands are <strong>transparent<\/strong>: they disclose where their clothes are made, the working conditions, and allow independent production audits. They often hold certifications like <strong>GOTS<\/strong>, <strong>Fair Trade<\/strong>, <strong>OEKO-TEX\u00ae<\/strong>, or <strong>B Corp<\/strong>, which verify environmental and ethical standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sustainable brands offer <strong>timeless collections<\/strong> and encourage consumers to buy less but choose higher-quality pieces. If sustainability claims seem vague or superficial, it&#8217;s worth doing a bit more research before purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sustainable fashion brands that successfully combine style and affordability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some brands successfully combine sustainability, style and affordability. <em>Veja<\/em>, for example, uses organic cotton, amazonian rubber and recycled plastic bottles, and production takes place mainly in France and Portugal. <em>Patagonia<\/em> is known for its durable outdoor clothing, emphasizes environmental protection and offers free repairs. <em>Maison Cl\u00e9o<\/em> makes timeless pieces from surplus fabrics, handmade in France, while <em>People Tree<\/em> from the UK focuses on basic pieces made from organic cotton, produced according to fair trade principles and available at affordable prices. Germany\u2019s <em>Armedangels<\/em> is known for modern and classic pieces, made in a transparent and ethical way. All these brands show that it is possible to combine <strong>sustainability, aesthetics and affordability<\/strong>, while supporting ethical and responsible production. These brands show that it&#8217;s possible to combine sustainability, aesthetics, and affordability while supporting ethical and responsible production.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene_zona-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene_zona-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene_zona-480x300.jpg 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene_zona-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene_zona-500x313.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sunce_sajam_razmjene_zona.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beyond buying new: second-hand and clothing swaps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying <strong>second-hand<\/strong> is one of the most sustainable fashion choices. Thrift shops, vintage boutiques, and online platforms like<em> Depop<\/em> and <em>Vinted<\/em> extend the life cycle of garments and reduce the need for new production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Local events like <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/projects\/swap-fair-wanna-trade\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Swap fair<\/a> offer free clothes exchanges, encouraging reuse and reducing textile waste. Besides their environmental impact, such events strengthen community ties and promote sustainable fashion as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DMIEV-Pooqe\/?img_index=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">shared value<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is sustainable fashion worth the price?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sustainable fashion is truly <strong>worth its price<\/strong>. While the initial cost may be higher, it is an investment in <strong>quality, longevity, and fair working conditions<\/strong>. Buying fewer but better pieces reduces waste and saves money in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also possible to learn how to <strong>make your<\/strong> <strong>own clothes <\/strong>through workshops like <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/projects\/sizika-sweing-patches-and-creative-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>\u0160izika<\/strong><\/a>. Participants develop sewing skills, reduce the need for new purchases, and foster creativity and a sustainable approach to fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sizika_volonterka-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sizika_volonterka-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sizika_volonterka-480x300.jpg 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sizika_volonterka-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sizika_volonterka-500x313.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sizika_volonterka.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The power of small decisions in protecting the environment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Building a sustainable wardrobe starts with small steps. Let\u2019s buy less, choose better fabrics, support ethical brands, and explore second-hand shopping and <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/what-about-used-clothes-sustainable-textile-management-in-urban-areas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">clothing swaps<\/a>. Every such decision helps steer the fashion industry toward a future that respects both people and the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"928\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/slagalica-za-ess_HRV-i-ENG.jpg\" alt=\"logo-eu-sunce-esc-\" class=\"wp-image-26589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/slagalica-za-ess_HRV-i-ENG.jpg 928w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/slagalica-za-ess_HRV-i-ENG-696x300.jpg 696w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/slagalica-za-ess_HRV-i-ENG-768x331.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/slagalica-za-ess_HRV-i-ENG-500x216.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 928px) 100vw, 928px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sizika_slagalica-1024x341.png\" alt=\"sizika-grad-split-info-zona\" class=\"wp-image-26957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sizika_slagalica-1024x341.png 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sizika_slagalica-760x253.png 760w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sizika_slagalica-768x256.png 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sizika_slagalica-500x167.png 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sizika_slagalica.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"78\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sajam_razmjene_slagalica.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33047\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sajam_razmjene_slagalica.png 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sajam_razmjene_slagalica-760x58.png 760w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sajam_razmjene_slagalica-768x59.png 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sajam_razmjene_slagalica-500x38.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to choose sustainable clothing and brands that respect people and the planet. Discover how to identify truly sustainable fashion, reduce waste, and build a wardrobe that lasts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":34185,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,1284],"tags":[1285,478],"class_list":["post-34189","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-sizika-sivanje-zakrpe-i-kreativne-aktivnosti-en","tag-fast-fashion","tag-sustainable-clothing"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34189"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34189\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34748,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34189\/revisions\/34748"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34185"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34189"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}