The garment and textile industry is closely connected to consumers' daily lives, as textiles are used almost constantly. I'd like to address some common misunderstandings about this industry:
Contrary to popular belief, cotton is not the most popular fiber used in the textile industry today. Polyester has taken the lead due to its affordability, durability, and versatility. Polyester's ability to incorporate various functionalities makes it ideal for activewear and outdoor apparel, while its price remains relatively stable compared to cotton, which is subject to price fluctuations as a cash crop.
Garment sewing is not as automated as many people think. While some products like pants, jeans, shirts, and t-shirts can be produced with automated sewing stations that require minimal worker intervention, fashion styles often demand extensive hand-sewing. This means that your favorite dress or jacket was likely crafted by the hands of numerous skilled workers, we should appreciate more of their work!
Dyeing fabric is a complex process, similar to cooking. It involves multiple steps: prewashing, pretreating, the dyeing process itself, and the application of finishes to achieve desired functionalities like water repellency or a specific texture. This process requires significant amounts of water and heat, making dyeing factories hot and humid environments, particularly in the summer months. Due to these environmental concerns, the industry is actively researching and developing dyeing techniques that minimize water and heat usage.
The notion that "Made in China" equates to poor quality is a common misconception. As the world's leading producer of textiles and garments, China manufactures products for numerous premium, designer, and affordable luxury brands. Any quality issues experienced with a "Made in China" product are likely due to specific brand practices and oversight, rather than the location of production.
Real leather vs. Vegan or Synthetic Leather. The debate surrounding real leather versus vegan or synthetic leather is a major topic in the industry. Real leather, a byproduct of the meat industry, can be a sustainable option if sourced from Leather Working Group-certified suppliers.
Real leather products generally retain more value and can be resold or repurposed more easily than vegan or synthetic options. While vegan leather may be made from sustainable bio-based materials like mycelium or cactus, it can also contain petroleum-based materials like PU and polyester, similar to synthetic leather. As a consumer, it's essential to research the specific materials used in a product and choose the option that aligns with your values and priorities.
While fast fashion has earned a reputation for being unsustainable, the industry is undergoing a transformation. Driven in part by consumer demand, fast fashion companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices. These include working with third-party certified supply chains, utilizing sustainable materials, enhancing product longevity through rigorous testing, implementing resale programs, and investing in and collaborating with sustainable fashion startups. While the industry still has a long way to go and faces increasing regulation, these changes indicate significant progress towards sustainability. However, consumers remain key players in driving change by choosing to support brands that align with their values.
It's a misconception that a product's carbon footprint is solely generated during production. In reality, carbon emissions occur throughout the entire lifecycle of a garment—from raw material extraction and processing to consumer use and eventual disposal. This includes emissions associated with transportation, washing, drying, and even the end-of-life disposal of a garment.
Therefore, to reduce the carbon footprint of your clothes, consider buying second-hand, choosing clothing made from certified sustainable materials, supporting brands with transparent carbon reduction efforts, and washing your clothes less frequently and at lower temperatures. Extending the life of your clothes by reselling or handing them down also significantly reduces their environmental impact.