Micah Chrisman

Given that shopping second-hand (when it comes to sustainable fashion) is quite common in Portland, I decided change gears and not just educate myself on the effects of fast fashion/the fashion industry in general, but to look for ethical brands that are much more environmentally conscious in terms of their production and/or material use.

I learned a few things via reading articles: 60% of synthetic fabrics are made utilizing fossil fuels, and 85% of that material will end up in landfills, where it won't decay/decompose. (Young, Robin & Hagan, Allison). Take polyester, for example: Not only are greenhouse gases emitted to produce it, but it sheds microfibers as well.
Many are aware of the extreme work conditions many garment production facilities entail, but what I did not know is that ethical labor costs/workspaces would not cost companies much more than what they're already spending. "Labor costs account for 1% to 3% of an item’s retail price," (Young, Robin & Hagan, Allison).

Here are some sustainable brands I found that source ethically, use organic material, and do much more to stay as sustainable as possible. (Of course, buying second-hand will always be better, but finding more ethical options when you need a brand-new quality blank, etc., is much better than finding a cheap, fast fashion option.):

1. E.L.V. Demin (0 waste via sourcing from vintage denim sellers that would otherwise send material to landfills)
2. Todd Shelton (Uses organic material and makes items to order to prevent excess waste of material and product)
3. Taylor Stitch (Lifetime warranty and re-stitch program to promote repeated/constant use of a single product)
Some other sustainable options:
- Olderbrothers
- Seneca
- Patina
- L.F. Markey
- O Pioneers
- CHNGE