The Ultimate Sustainable Fashion Guide: What Is Sustainable Fashion and Other FAQs

Sustainable fashion is fundamentally different from fast fashion in both philosophy and practice. Here’s how we at Pomp think it breaks down:

• Philosophy & approach:

• Fast fashion: Focuses on rapid production cycles, disposable trends, and low-cost garments that quickly go out of style.

• Sustainable fashion: Prioritises quality, timeless design, and ethical production practices that respect both people and the planet.

• Materials & environmental impact:

• Fast fashion: Often relies on inexpensive, synthetic materials that contribute to environmental degradation, increased waste, and high resource consumption.

• Sustainable fashion: Uses eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled fibres, hemp, and innovative textiles like Tencel. These choices minimise environmental harm and reduce waste over the garment’s lifetime.

• Labour & transparency:

• Fast fashion: Frequently associated with exploitative labour practices and a lack of transparency in the supply chain.

• Sustainable fashion: Emphasises fair wages, safe working conditions, and full transparency, ensuring that every step of production is carried out with integrity.

Perhaps one of the most under-acknowledged differences is that sustainable fashion is always seeking to improve (as is visible from the history of sustainable fashion brands) whereas fast fashion brands appear to be trading terrible labour practices and environmental costs for lower prices.

Below is a quick summary of the key tips from our article “How to Quit Fast Fashion.” For a deeper dive into each tip and more actionable advice, we highly recommend reading the full article on Pomp’s Journal. 

• Evaluate your wardrobe:

• Audit your current collection to identify fast fashion items you no longer need.

• Reflect on your style and determine which pieces truly add value to your look.

• Remove temptations and substitution medication:

• Delete all fast fashion apps and unsubscribe from fast fashion newsletters.

• Unfollow influencers that promote the haul culture associated with fast fashion.

• Find sustainability influencers and brands to follow instead.

• New you:

• Do a wardrobe audit to figure out what to sell or donate, what to repair and what to use differently (e.g. old clothes for messy chores)

• Develop a vision board and preferred supplier list so you can target a certain look

• Vintage values:

• Learn basic garment care to extend the lifespan of your clothes

• Consider second-hand shopping or renting items to further reduce environmental impact.

• Build new habits:

• Go without buying from fast fashion brand for 3 months.

• Buy from a sustainable brand from the money you have saved.

For the full set of tips and more insights on breaking free from fast fashion, be sure to read the complete article on our site. We also have some short videos covering a selection of these tips on our YouTube page.

Circular fashion reimagines how we design, produce, consume, and dispose of clothing by aiming to create a closed-loop system that minimises waste. In contrast to the traditional linear fashion model, which follows a "take, make, waste" approach, circular fashion is about continuously reinvesting materials back into the production cycle. 

Here’s how it works:

• Design for Longevity:

• Garments are built to last, with quality construction that facilitates repair, reuse, or recycling.

• This contrasts with linear fashion, where products are often designed for short-term use and rapid turnover.

• Material Innovation:

• Emphasis is placed on using sustainable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials that can be repurposed indefinitely.

• Linear models typically rely on resource-intensive production that generates significant waste.

• Reverse Logistics:

• Initiatives such as take-back schemes, resale platforms, and recycling programs help redirect clothing back into the production cycle rather than ending up in landfills.

• Alternative Business Models:

• Renting, swapping, and upcycling extend the lifecycle of garments, reducing the need for constant new production.

By shifting from a linear model, where resources are used once and discarded, to a circular approach, the fashion industry can drastically reduce its environmental impact while promoting a more sustainable, resource-efficient future.

If you’re interested in exploring some of the best circular fashion brands, check out our roundup here.

If you’re ready to transform your closet, you might wonder: what exactly makes a wardrobe sustainable? It isn’t just about buying a few eco-friendly pieces; it’s about making intentional choices that contribute to a responsible cycle of consumption.

The building blocks of a sustainable wardrobe

• Quality over quantity: Invest in fewer, better-made pieces to reduce waste and support ethical brands.

• Timeless style: Opt for designs that transcend seasonal trends.Trend-proof niches such as sustainable luxury (or as second choice: quiet luxury) can be worth checking out.

• Versatility: Choose items that can be mixed and matched for multiple looks. 

• Transparency: Look for clear sustainability credentials and certifications when shopping.

If you want more detail on how to dress sustainably, check out our 10 empowering tips here. We also have guides on how to style a graphic t-shirt, oversized t-shirt, oversized hoodie, oversized jumper for women and more.

A common question we receive is: “Which materials are truly eco-friendly?” The answer depends on sourcing, processing, and end-of-life recycling.

Common eco-friendly materials

• Organic cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides and using less water.

• Tencel™ (Lyocell): Produced through sustainable processes that recycle water and solvents

• Linen: Derived from flax, it is biodegradable and resource-efficient.

• Hemp: Durable and requires minimal water.

At Pomp, our focus has been organic cotton but you can learn about the other materials above as well as some more innovative materials that have recently been introduced into the market here. 

The materials above are usually virgin materials and they are only part of the solution for combating climate change. Another key part is to use recycled materials. We’ve also got a guide on this here.

Wait, what?! There’s more than one type of cotton?

Yes, there are in fact several types of cotton to be aware of:

• Organic Cotton (organic cotton isn’t from a specific cotton plant itself):

• Grown without synthetic chemicals or pesticides, organic cotton is celebrated for its purity and eco-friendly credentials. Its gentle cultivation methods produce a naturally soft fabric that appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.

• Pima, Egyptian, & Sea Island Cotton (Gossypium Barbadense):

• These premium cotton varieties are known for their extra-long fibres, which result in fabrics that are exceptionally soft, durable, and lustrous. They are typically used in luxury textiles where quality and comfort are paramount.

• Upland Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum):

• Representing the bulk of global cotton production, upland cotton features short to medium-length fibres. Its versatility and balance between quality and affordability make it a staple in everyday clothing and textile manufacturing.

• Tree Cotton (Gossypium Arboreum):

• Traditionally grown and less industrialised, tree cotton offers unique fibre characteristics that provide a distinctive texture. It reflects more traditional cultivation methods and adds an alternative, natural charm to fabrics.

• Levant Cotton (Gossypium Herbaceum):

• With deep historical roots, Levant cotton is known for its robust and adaptable fibres. This variety embodies a heritage of traditional cotton farming, contributing to fabrics with authentic character and durability.

For a detailed exploration of each type, please check out the full article where we have a very useful infographic that covers the different types of cotton discussed above.

One of the biggest challenges consumers face is deciphering which brands are truly sustainable. Certifications provide assurance that the products you buy meet high ethical and environmental standards. But no certification can be all-encompassing: the world is too complex!

Consequently, you’ll note that certifications tend to focus on certain niches: some seek to minimise harm to animals, others minimise harm to environment, some focus on clean production processes, or lowering emissions or eliminating waste. Our periodic table of sustainable fashion certifications is shown below:

For a detailed breakdown of these certifications, read our comprehensive guide on sustainable fashion certifications and labels.We also discuss some of the challenges with certifications in general and specifically in sustainable fashion.

Many of our customers ask, “How can I adopt sustainable fashion without spending a fortune?” Building a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank as it’s about making smart, thoughtful choices. While we cover some of these tips in more detail in our How to quit fast fashion article, here’s a quick summary

Practical tips for a budget-friendly sustainable wardrobe

• Start with essentials: Audit your current wardrobe and invest in high-quality basics.

• Buy less, choose well: Focus on key pieces that are versatile and timeless.

• Prioritise quality: Investing a bit more upfront can save money over time.

• Second-hand and upcycling: Explore vintage stores and resale platforms.

• Watch for sales: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on exclusive offers and ethical sales events.

Of course, affordable sustainable fashion is a challenge for sustainable fashion brands to solve too. Brands that some or all of these features/qualities are definitely ones to follow as they are working to make sustainable fashion affordable:

• Direct-to-consumer business models: cutting out middlemen means prices can be lowered..

• Timeless, not trendy, pieces: long product runs can help cut costs over time and help customers work towards timeless wardrobes that keep them looking classy while also saving money over the long term.

• Technological innovation: this can help keep costs low through efficient production methods.

• Resale programs: this is one way of reaching customers with good quality products for cheaper because they are second hand.

• Circular business models: moving away from wasteful fast fashion business models to closing the loop with circular business models increases efficiency and lowers costs to end consumers.

We cover this in more detail in our How can sustainable fashion be affordable? article.

Transparency and ethical production are at the heart of Pomp’s values. You might ask, “How does Pomp make sure its products are ethically produced?” Here’s how we do it:

Our ethical production process

• Natural materials: Pomp uses certified organic fabrics.

• Innovative production: products are made to order to reduce waste.

• Renewable energy: we use solar and wind for energy generation within our supply chain.

• Plastic-free packaging: we use paper as the base for our packaging instead of plastic.

• Circular economy: Our Sustainable Essentials collection uses 50% recycled organic cotton and 50% virgin organic cotton..

You can learn more on our Sustainability page where we talk about accreditations and answer a number of FAQs.

Another popular question is, “What exactly is slow fashion, and how does it differ from fast fashion?” Slow fashion is the antithesis of disposable, trend-driven clothing.

The principles of slow fashion

• Quality and craftsmanship: Focuses on well-made garments that last.

• Mindful consumption: Encourages thoughtful purchasing and a reduced frequency of new buys.

• Ethical and environmental Impact: Supports practices that are both environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

• Timeless design: Emphasises enduring style over fleeting trends.

At Pomp, our design philosophy is rooted in slow fashion, ensuring every piece is crafted with care and designed to stand the test of time. Long time followers will see that we have retained the majority of the designs we started with and take back used clothes to recycle into new products.

Zero-waste fashion is a design and production philosophy that aims to eliminate all textile waste throughout a garment’s lifecycle. As highlighted in Pomp’s article on the zero-waste movement, it focuses on:

• Circularity & reuse: Emphasising upcycling, repair, and recycling to extend a garment’s lifespan and reduce disposal.

• Resource efficiency: Minimising excess energy, water, and materials at every step, from fabric sourcing to final production.

• Innovative design: Encouraging creativity to ensure style and sustainability coexist, proving that waste-free garments can still be fashionable.

• Precision pattern-making: Cutting patterns so that every inch of fabric is used, leaving no scraps to discard.

By adopting a zero-waste approach, brands challenge the industry’s normalised “take-make-waste” cycle. Instead, they promote closed-loop systems, where discarded materials are continuously re-entered into the production process. The ultimate goal is a fashion landscape that respects both the planet’s resources and the people involved, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximum design ingenuity.

Full circularity where you take back your own products to remake into new is genuinely rare (we do this!) so many brands currently work starting with pre-post consumer waste as their input materials whereas others have downcycling options for their take back schemes. All of these help and are paving the way for the zero waste fashion brands to become fully circular!

Plastic free fashion is all in the name. The lack of plastic in your clothing and accessories. 

It’s worth asking why plastic is in fashion in the first place? Well, the fact that plastics are a by-product of the fossil fuels ecosystem is why they are in abundant supply. This contributes to their low cost. Furthermore, they provide durability (even when stretchy) and can sometimes get used for specific valuable use cases like water resistance. 

However, the trade-offs of using plastics include that it further embeds the fossil fuel ecosystem even though it is a significant contributor to climate change. We are increasingly learning about the role of microplastics in our health. These synthetic fibres (such as polyester) can also cause trouble for your skin, particularly for eczema sufferers.

Consequently there is a drive for plastic free fashion, however, the tradeoffs are complex. If clothing is less durable due to no plastics being used then people have to buy clothes more often which can induce stress for the environment via intensive farming and emissions related to transportation etc. Consequently some sustainable fashion brands, including Pomp, use recycled polyester thread in the stitching to maintain a certain level of durability. We cover a range of plastic free fashion and almost plastic free fashion brands here.

If you’ve ever bought anything, you’ve probably wondered about the excessive use of plastic packaging. Finding alternatives is possible, as we discuss here, and important for making fashion more sustainable.

Sustainable luxury reimagines high-end fashion by merging premium design with a deep commitment to ethical responsibility and environmental stewardship. Rather than emphasising exclusivity for its own sake, this approach looks at the long-term impact of what we wear, from the supply chain and materials used to the final product’s lifespan.

Key principles of sustainable luxury fashion

• Ethical production: Ensures fair labour practices, safe working conditions, and respect for human rights, so every garment is produced with integrity.

• Eco-friendly materials: Focuses on responsibly sourced, organic, or recycled fibres that help minimise resource depletion and pollution.

• Transparency & circularity: Encourages open disclosure of production methods and embraces closed-loop systems that reduce waste and promote garment reuse or recycling.

• Longevity beats exclusivity: Prioritises durability and timeless design over fleeting trends, reinforcing the idea that true luxury endures season after season.

Ultimately, sustainable luxury redefines what it means to invest in fashion: elevating both style and ethical values. The benefits are significant and worth understanding in more detail. We cover this and more in the full article. Note that this is different to quiet luxury and you cane learn more about brands from the sustainable luxury and quiet luxury segments here.

To understand some of the basics around recycled clothing materials so it is worth taking a look at our guide as well as a look at the benefits associated with recycled materials. The context for the rise of recycled fashion, however, can only really come from understanding the scale of the problem. Behold:

Recycled fashion can in some ways get quite technical. Sometimes, people will talk about it from the perspective of where the fabric has come from. This gives rise to the following terms:

• Pre-consumer: making ‘new’ garments from leftover fabrics.

• Post-consumer: processing thrown away clothes to make new fabrics and items.

• Trashion: upcycling discarded items into new fashion, creatively, by hand.

At other times, people will talk about recycled fashion from the perspective of value and whether what has been created is of greater, the same, or less value than what the material was originally used for. This is essentially the difference between upcycling, recycling and downcycling:

You may also be interested in our guide to the best recycled clothing brands.

Sustainability is complex. You can focus on different aspects of it to make your industry more sustainable but there could yet be trade-offs. Here are a few things to bear in mind:

• Opting for vegan leather over animal leather may involve the use of plastics (maybe recycled, maybe not).

• Efficient processes to make sustainable fashion affordable may sometimes involve compromises on wages and/or working conditions for employees 

• Some brands that use certified organic cotton may use recycled polyester thread to make their products durable (Pomp does this)

• Many brands do not have recycling approaches (Pomp is circular so we have takeback scheme in return for a discount on future clothing)

On the plus side, there are also hidden secrets that are in fact secret bonuses. For example, some fashion brands source their organic cotton from companies that are certified by , for example, GOTS, but because the brand has not paid for certification they are not technically allowed to say that their certified organic cotton products are accredited by a specific body. (We speak from experience on this one!)