The fashion industry has long been labelled as one of the world’s biggest polluters with a growing number of brands now working harder to use more sustainable materials and conducting more ethical and earth-friendly practices. 

The term ‘always read the label’ has never been more important when it comes to the fashion industry. Too many brands are misleading consumers into labelling their products as sustainable; however, when you take a closer look they are using a very low % of eco-friendly and ethical materials. 

Another term being associated with the industry is ‘fast fashion’ which has played a major role in damaging people, biodiversity, and the planet. Shopping sustainably not only reduces our carbon footprint but supports better working conditions for the people making the garments and animal welfare. 

Climate Communicator Darragh Wynne, Founder of The Climate Alarm Clock podcast comments, “The evidence has never been clearer that we need to urgently change our relationship with the things we buy. The latest IPCC report estimates that we can reduce global emissions by 40-70% by focusing on demand and consumption. takethejump.org has identified our relationship with clothing as one important area of lifestyle change to live sustainably recommending that we buy no more than 3 new items of clothing per year. With this in mind, it’s important to buy quality, long-lasting sustainable products that are doing right by the planet”. 

With a strong vision for the impact, their brand will leave for future generations, these sustainable and ethical Irish fashion brands have invested in their infrastructure and are dedicated to upholding a positive environmental and social impact. 

Human Collective: 

Sustainable Irish urban clothing brand, Human Collective is committed to minimising its impact on the environment by adopting sustainable practices at every step so customers can rest assured their purchases are considerate and kind to the planet and the people who make them.

Human Collective’s vibrant collection of sweatshirts, beanies, and loungewear only uses organic or recycled materials and their manufacturers are GOTS* organic cotton certified, Vegan PETA approved and WearFair certified. True to its ethos, Human Collective also donates €3 from the sale of every sweatshirt directly to three important Irish charities that aim to help level the social playing field: SARI (Sports Against Racism Ireland), The Irish Youth Foundation and LGBT Ireland.

Shop the Human Collective range now from www.wearehumancollective.com

 

Zzzana: 

ZZZANA, the sustainable luxury sleepwear brand is designed in Ireland and made from 100% organic bamboo. The natural fabric has a silk-like texture and a range of natural properties that help support a good night’s sleep. 

Bamboo fabric is sometimes referred to as ‘air-conditioned clothing’ due to its natural temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties. It is also anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic making it perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Sleep benefits aside – bamboo is also a highly sustainable material. Why? Because it thrives naturally without using any pesticides or fertilisers and requires no watering to survive. Bamboo is also the fastest-growing plant in the world and is 100% biodegradable. Another benefit is that it releases a significant amount of oxygen into the air, even more than trees. Meaning, that planting bamboo can help reduce carbon dioxide in the air. 

Available from www.zzzana.com, pyjamas sets are available from UK size 8 to UK size 22 and are priced at €85.00. Bamboo Eye masks are priced at €20.00. 

 

Lilymais: 

Circular fashion brand LilyMais has created a range of unique sustainable swimrobes, handmade outside Dingle in West Kerry.

Handcrafted and expertly cut using recycled towels and vibrant end-of-line fabrics, as well as organic cotton and recycled polyester threads, each robe is created maintaining the lowest possible carbon footprint. 

Each distinctive swimrobe is entirely unique from the bright colourways to the pattern on the hood. From tonal pieces to rainbow-brights, bold stripes and pastel tones, it’s easy to spot a LilyMais robe! Priced at €150, LilyMais swimrobes are cosy and oversized, with large pockets to keep your belongings – the perfect partner for cold-water swimming. 

Swimrobes by LilyMais are priced at €150 and are available online from www.lilymais.com.