Ready to level up your fashion game while making a difference? Sustainable menswear will get you looking dapper and saving the planet at the same time! From eco-friendly materials to ethical production practices, we'll take a dive into the world of sustainable fashion in this blog. Get ready to explore the benefits of embracing sustainable menswear, from reducing your carbon footprint to unleashing your personal style. 

The ABCs of Sustainable Menswear – What Is It?

Sustainable menswear refers to clothing and accessories for men that are designed, produced, and consumed in a manner that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and promotes ethical practices throughout the supply chain. It encompasses several key principles:

• Eco-Friendly Materials

This kind of fashion emphasizes the use of environmentally friendly materials. It includes organic cotton, which is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and hemp, which requires less water and land compared to conventional crops. In fact, a study from the Stockholm Environment Institute revealed that producing 1 kg of cotton consumes approximately 10,000 liters of water, while hemp requires less than half that amount, around 2,123 liters per kilogram of usable fiber.

Additionally, sustainable menswear incorporates recycled fibers, such as recycled polyester made from plastic bottles, and innovative alternatives to animal-derived materials, such as vegan leather made from pineapple or mushroom fibers. The market share of recycled polyester experienced a slight increase from 13.7% in 2019 to 14.7% in 2020, but its growth has been slow due to the affordability of fossil-based polyester. To speed to the growth of the recycled polyester market, the 2025 Recycled Polyester Challenge was introduced in 2021, with over 100 brands and suppliers committing to raise the share of recycled polyester to 45% by 2025.

There is increase demand for such materials. For instance, according to the Textile Exchange's 2021 Organic Cotton Market Report, global organic cotton production reached 249,153 metric tons, an amount set to grow at 48% the following year. All this is grown on certified organic land spread across 21 countries

• Ethical Production

Sustainable menswear prioritizes ethical production practices. This involves ensuring fair and safe working conditions for garment workers, paying living wages, and promoting worker empowerment. Sustainable brands often collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers that adhere to internationally recognized labor standards and certifications, such as Fair Trade or the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). 

Fairtrade International is an organization that operates in the food and agriculture sector across 72 countries as of May 2023, including 21 low-income countries. It coordinates Fairtrade labeling globally and establishes minimum pricing and premium levels, aiming to reduce poverty for producers in developing countries.  On the other hand, by the time GOTS was marking its 20th anniversary in 2022, it had a total of 12,338 certified facilities in 79 countries. The largest numbers of these were in Turkey (1,799), Italy (894), Germany (817), Portugal (608), and France (122).

• Circular Design

Circular fashion is an integral part of sustainable menswear. It focuses on designing garments with longevity and recyclability in mind, aiming to minimize waste and extend the lifecycle of clothing items. This includes using durable materials, implementing repair and recycling programs, and encouraging customers to actively participate in the circular economy by returning worn-out garments for repurposing or recycling. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, extending the active life of clothing by just nine months could reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20-30% each.

• Minimal Environmental Impact

The Greenpeace "Detox Fashion" campaign found hazardous chemicals, such as nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), in clothing items from various brands. The textile industry alone also accounts for 20% of the world's water pollution, which is enough water for to quench the thirst of 110 million people for a whole year.

Sustainable menswear seeks to minimize its environmental footprint at every stage of the product lifecycle. This includes adopting eco-friendly production processes, such as water-efficient dyeing methods and energy-saving manufacturing techniques. It also involves reducing waste generation through responsible sourcing, efficient packaging, and minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.

• Transparency and Traceability

Transparency is a vital aspect of sustainable menswear. Brands that prioritize sustainability provide consumers with information about their supply chains, including details about material sourcing, manufacturing processes, and certifications obtained. This transparency allows customers to make informed choices and supports accountability within the industry. An IBM study found that the majority of consumers, 79 percent, consider it important for brands to offer guaranteed authenticity through certifications when making purchases. Among this group, 71 percent are willing to pay a premium, specifically 37 percent more, for companies that provide full transparency and traceability.

Sustainable menswear represents a shift away from the fast fashion model, which often prioritizes low-cost production and rapid turnover of clothing items at the expense of environmental and social considerations. By embracing sustainable menswear, individuals can contribute to a more responsible and mindful approach to fashion, benefiting both the planet and their own personal style.

Environmental Benefits of Sustainable Menswear

When it comes to sustainable menswear, the environmental benefits are substantial. By opting for sustainable materials and production methods, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. Let's explore some of the key environmental advantages of embracing sustainable menswear:

1. Cut Down Your Carbon Footprint

Sustainable menswear focuses on using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fibers. These materials require fewer resources and energy during production, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Textile Exchange released a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report that examined the production of organic cotton on a global scale. According to the study, organic cotton production generates 978kg of CO2e per tonne of cotton fiber, resulting in a significant 46% decrease in global warming potential compared to non-organic cotton. Recycled polyester production, mainly utilizing discarded plastic bottles and other plastic waste, emits 37% less CO₂ compared to virgin polyester from non-recycled fibers. By choosing sustainable garments, you can actively contribute to mitigating climate change.

1. Circular Fashion and Textile Waste Reduction

Did you know that one garbage truck of textiles gets wasted every second? According to the findings of the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, the fashion industry is also responsible for the disposal of 92 million tons of solid waste in landfills each year. By embracing circular fashion principles, the fashion industry can minimize textile waste and reduce the amount of clothing ending up in landfills. Sustainable menswear brands often prioritize recycling programs and encourage customers to return their worn-out garments for repurposing or recycling.

1. Conserve Natural Resources

Traditional fashion production consumes vast amounts of water, energy, and raw materials. For instance, the water needed to produce a single cotton t-shirt – 2,700 liters, which can last one person for 900 days. In contrast, sustainable menswear brands strive to minimize resource consumption. They adopt practices such as water-efficient dyeing processes, responsible sourcing of materials, and reduced energy consumption in manufacturing. By supporting sustainable menswear, you contribute to the conservation of these precious natural resources.

1. Reduce Pollution

The fashion industry is notorious for its pollution, including the release of harmful chemicals into waterways and the atmosphere. It’s not just the toxic chemicals from industrial wastewater mentioned above. Washing synthetic fabrics also contribute to pollution. It results in approximately 500,000 tonnes of microfibres being released into the ocean annually. In fact, 35% of primary microplastics being released into the environment comes from such sources. Moreover, a single load of polyester clothes during laundry can introduce 700,000 microplastic fibres into the food chain.

Sustainable menswear addresses this issue by utilizing eco-friendly production methods and avoiding toxic substances. Sustainable brands prioritize non-toxic dyes and chemicals, as well as proper wastewater treatment. By wearing sustainable menswear, you actively participate in preventing pollution and protecting ecosystems.

Incorporating sustainable menswear into your wardrobe not only benefits the environment but also enhances your personal style. Let's explore the personal advantages of embracing sustainable fashion in the next section.

Personal Benefits of Sustainable Menswear

When you choose sustainable garments, you not only contribute to a more sustainable world but also enhance your own personal style and lifestyle. Let's explore the personal advantages of buying and wearing sustainable menswear:

• Higher Quality and Durability: Sustainable menswear brands prioritize quality craftsmanship and use durable materials. The focus on longevity means that sustainable garments are made to withstand the test of time, offering superior durability compared to fast fashion alternatives. By investing in high-quality pieces, you can build a wardrobe that lasts and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
• Versatility and Timeless Style: Sustainable menswear often embodies a timeless aesthetic, transcending short-lived trends. By choosing classic designs and neutral colors, you can create a versatile wardrobe that can be easily mixed and matched for various occasions. 

You can get such menswear from Vustra. From the  Honey Floral Bloom shirt paired with a linen blazer for your night out; the Chard shirt whose micro patterns gets heads turning the moment you walk into a room, to casual tees like the soft and breathable 'Board' print tee or the plain Midnight Black variation- Vustra has got you covered, and these particular shirts are made from 100% certified organic cotton. Sustainable garments are designed to withstand the test of time, ensuring that you'll look stylish and put-together season after season. 

• Potential Cost Savings: While sustainable menswear may come with a slightly higher price tag upfront, investing in quality pieces can lead to long-term cost savings. Due to their durability, sustainable garments require less frequent replacement, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, the timeless style of sustainable menswear means that you won't feel the need to constantly update your wardrobe to keep up with fleeting fashion trends.
• Positive Impact on Personal Image and Social Responsibility: Wearing sustainable menswear allows you to align your personal image with your values. By making conscious choices in your fashion purchases, you demonstrate your commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. This commitment can enhance your personal image and make a positive impression on others. Moreover, embracing sustainable fashion reflects your social responsibility, showing that you care about the well-being of the planet and the people involved in the fashion industry.

Incorporating sustainable menswear into your wardrobe not only benefits the environment but also enhances your personal style and values. In the next section, we will explore the ethical considerations of sustainable menswear.

Ethical Considerations of Sustainable Menswear

By supporting sustainable fashion brands, you have the opportunity to promote fair trade, ethical labor practices, and the well-being of workers in the fashion industry. Let's explore the ethical issues you should consider when buying and wearing sustainable menswear:

• Fair Trade and Ethical Labor Practices: Look for brands that prioritize fair trade and ethical labor practices – like the posh Craisin Navy Flannel shirt popular for its soft and cosy feel or the Sand Art tee for outdoor summer adventures that have been made with sustainable fabrics in a Fair Trade Certified factory. This means ensuring that workers involved in the production process are treated fairly, paid living wages, and provided with safe working conditions. By supporting these brands, you contribute to a more equitable fashion industry and help improve the lives of garment workers.
• Supply Chain Transparency: Consider the transparency of a brand's supply chain. Look for brands that openly share information about their sourcing and production processes, as Vustra does with its ethical manufacturing partners. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions and ensures that the garments you purchase are made under ethical conditions.
• Worker Empowerment: Support brands that empower workers by providing them with access to education, training, and skill development opportunities. These initiatives help improve the livelihoods of workers and contribute to long-term sustainable development within the fashion industry.
• Animal Welfare: Consider the use of animal-derived materials in sustainable menswear. Look for brands that prioritize cruelty-free and animal-friendly alternatives. This includes using materials like organic cotton, hemp, recycled fibers, and innovative vegan alternatives to leather and fur.
• Environmental Impact of Material Choices: Consider the environmental impact of the materials used in sustainable menswear. Look for brands that use eco-friendly fabrics and production methods. This includes materials made from organic, recycled, or upcycled fibers, as well as utilizing low-impact dyeing processes and reducing water and energy consumption.
• Community Support: Support brands that actively engage with and support local communities. This can include collaborations with artisans and craftsmen, preservation of traditional techniques, and sourcing materials locally. By supporting these brands, you contribute to the economic development and cultural preservation of communities.

By considering these ethical issues and supporting brands that align with your values, you can make a positive impact on the fashion industry and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical menswear market.

5 Tips for Building a Sustainable Men's Wardrobe

Building a sustainable men's wardrobe doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

1. Assess your current wardrobe: Take inventory of your existing clothing items and identify gaps or pieces that can be repurposed.
2. Invest in quality basics: Begin by investing in timeless essentials like well-fitting jeans, versatile shirts, and classic outerwear. Choose pieces made from sustainable materials and produced by ethical brands.
3. Embrace secondhand shopping: Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms to find unique and affordable pre-loved items. This not only reduces waste but also adds character to your wardrobe.
4. Research sustainable brands: Discover brands that prioritize sustainable practices and offer stylish menswear. Look for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fair Trade to ensure authenticity.
5. Care for your clothes: Extend the lifespan of your garments by following proper care instructions. Wash them less frequently, use eco-friendly detergents, and repair or alter items when needed.

Threads of Change: Look Good, Feel Good with Eco-Friendly Fashion

In conclusion, buying and wearing sustainable menswear offers a multitude of benefits, both for your wardrobe and the world. By choosing eco-friendly materials and production methods, you contribute to reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and minimizing pollution. Sustainable menswear also enhances your personal style, offering timeless and durable garments that transcend trends. Moreover, by supporting fair trade and ethical practices, you promote the well-being of workers and local communities. So, let's make conscious choices in our fashion purchases and pave the way for a more sustainable and stylish future. Shop at Vustra to upgrade your fashion game while championing a cause.