I feel good! Fashion that feels good for the wearer and the planet.

This was a piece originally written as a commission for The Oxford Student back in February 2021, although it remained unpublished.

I feel good! Fashion that feels good for you and for the planet. 

Considering the shocking scenes of extreme weather that have been emerging in the media recently, and how most of these occurrences have been attributed to climate change, how we can be kinder to our environment is on many people’s minds currently. As well as making other lifestyle changes, like reducing your use of plastics or taking public transport over car, many are also wondering how they can make their wardrobes more sustainable. This is of the upmost importance in the minds of many, especially against a backdrop of ever-increasing rises in fast fashion brands and social media posts detailing $1000 Shein hauls. I doubt that those who frequently indulge in fast fashion 'splurges' ever stop to consider the 'story' behind the garments they wear; the chemicals like petroleum that went into making their polyester top, the electricity keeping the garment factory running for long hours, and those workers within who are paid far less than an acceptable living wage to make thousands of items a day.

Thankfully, a greater number of people are bucking the trends and turning to greener alternatives. The future of what is being dubbed "slow" fashion means so much more than wearing hand-me-downs from older siblings or shopping for second-hand garments in charity shops. There’s a whole range of shops out there striving to produce clothing that’s both brand new and kind to the planet. It can be hard to see which brands are really being eco-friendly and caring, with many companies hopping on the bandwagon of sustainability without properly taking steps to ensure that they live up to such a claim. To help others when shopping, I’ve compiled a list of some student-friendly sustainable favourites for your next shopping spree, as well as some friendly tips to ensure you don’t break the bank in the process. 

Pact - https://wearpact.com

I’m no Gok Wan, but even I know that the first thing any wardrobe needs are a few essential items. White shirts, socks, underwear, comfy jeans and hoodies - all of these play a vital part of any wardrobe, and such essentials can be found cheaply at a number of different highstreet stores like Primark. These are not necessarily the best option in terms of keeping impact on the environment low - and hailing true to the old motto of “buy it cheap, buy it twice” I would suggest that finding somewhere pricier but with better quality is a better option, providing that you have the means to do it. This is where Pact comes in, a brand that produces clothing made from high-quality organic cotton. Although they are pricier than buying a packet of six briefs from Primark, they provide clothing that is guaranteed to last without the detrimental impact to the environment. While growing cotton normally can use a lot of natural resources, organic cotton is slightly different - using 81% less water during growth, while also helping to sustain the system in which its grown. The company also are known for a strong returns policy, with the company even refusing some returns in some case but still offering a full refund; instead encouraging people to donate or gift their returned item to friends to reduce the company’s carbon footprint for returns. I don't know about you, but I can't see ASOS offering this sort of sevice any time soon.

It can be expensive to shop sustainably, but the brand does offer 20% off your first order - making the final bill a little bit nicer to the student loan, and your wardrobe kinder to the planet. 

Lucy and Yak - https://lucyandyak.com

As a student who spends most of her days at her desk, there’s nothing more comfortable than donning a light t-shirt and baggy dungarees for my day’s work. Lucy and Yak, originally founded in on a New Zealand beach in 2014, is a UK- based company founded by couple Lucy and Chris. All of their clothing is produced sustainably and ethically in Rajastan, India, and the company have a strong ethos of taking care of their workers. Although producing their clothes in India, they have ensured that their workers are well looked after - with a clean, air-conditioned factory that runs mainly from solar-powered energy, but have also committed to paying their staff a fair living wage in both the U.K. and abroad. 

Although an expensive brand, with prices for their original corduroy dungarees starting at around £45 for a pair of their original dungarees, Lucy and Yak are by far my preferred brand when it comes to lazy day garments. Not only are they light, purposely oversized, and varied in colour, the vibrancy of many of their garments is second-to-none - ranging from the latest Donna Print Roxy jacket, with its bright yellow flower pattern, to the calmer but still vibrant original dungarees in Dark Plum. My personal favourites, however, and ones that I’m lucky to own, are that of the Wavy Rainbow organic twill dungarees (pictured) - the perfect addition to any bright and colourful wardrobe. 

As a student, I understand how some can gawp at the prices, but all hope is not lost! If you’re willing to take into account some minor faults with your pair, or some that are last-of stock, then I would thoroughly recommend looking on the @LucyAndYak page on Depop. Not only do they have other reduced price items on their page, such as their range of snazzy socks, vest tops, bags, and trousers, but they also stock a whole range of their beloved dungarees - with a solution that’s both perfect for your wardrobe and bank account. Additionally, if you're a dab hand with a sewing needle, you can even mend the clothing yourself; giving you both a sense of achievement and more affordable clothing. When saving some of their items for later though, make sure you keep an eye on them - their stock moves quickly, and can often be sold out the afternoon they’ve been posted. If you can find a pair you love at a more affordable price online, then it’s still possible to grab yourself some Yak at a student-friendly price. 

bamae (Body and Mind and Earth) - https://www.bamae.com

Bamae are a small company focussing on ethical sports wear for the gym and comfortable clothing for the home. Perhaps not as well known as the likes of GymShark or other leisurewear brands, their main aim as a company is to make gym clothing comfortable and sustainably, all while channeling their message that fitness was all about the personal journey, being confident in your own body, and training on your own terms. As a company, they are looking to make their operation fully sustainable within the next three years, and have already done so by minimising the use of plastics in their production and shipping, sending all receipts electronically rather than printing them and sending them, and developing their clothing to ensure that it’s sourced ethically and fairly. Their latest collection, called Inspired, is made from certified 100% organic cotton and recycled polyester. The brand are known for their adherence to high ethical standards, adhering to both the labour principles set out in the Amfori BSCI Code of Conduct and their use of ethical materials for all their clothing, which sets out guidance on choosing the best factories in terms of employee pay and treatment. Only a small brand, they are working on their ranges alongside aiming to be fully sustainable within the next three years.

I will admit, I purchased some items from their 'Relax' range about a year ago now, and they are still my go-to items when I head to the gym. At the time what appealed to me was their use of GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton and polyester blend, meaning that the items are breathable and comfortable at the same time. I tend to do lots of stretching and movement when I'm working out, and their seamless design gives just that little extra level of comfort when on the move. On a more aesthetic level, I also love the colour choices of Grey and Purple Marl, although the range of colours could be a little wider. For a small company, they are certainly off to an impressive start.

These are only a few of the sustainable companies I’ve found over the years that are working towards a sustainable goal, and brands that stay true to their policies to help protect the planet. There are plenty more out there for you to try and discover, and I encourage you all to! Another great little site to have when checking what a brand's sustainability is like before shopping is good on you, a site that independently verifies many brands, designers, and online stores.

At the end of the day though, there is only one option that is the most sustainable, and that's learning how to mend and repair what we already have. Darning socks might sound like a pastime that your grandmother did in the 1970s, it might seem like 'a product of a different time', but extending the life of clothing that's already made is the most sustainable thing to do. Throughout the national lockdowns we had in the UK, I watched many a YouTube video to pass the time - including one that detailed rather beautifully how to darn your own socks. After practicing on a few pairs of cheap older socks, I gradually got the hang of what to do; two years later, and I've rarely thrown out a sock, although there are still some that are too far gone. It gives me a little sense of achievement to know that with every darned sock, rehemming, and replacement button sewn on, I've managed to do my part in reducing what goes to landfill. The science is there too; recent reports show that extending the life of clothing by just 9 months more would help reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by about 20-30%.

Buying clothing is inevitable; we are humans, and most would not want to get charged with public indecency. But it's not what we buy that's important, it's what we do to look after our clothing that's important.