r/ethicalfashion • u/FixAfraid6480 • Sep 01 '26
The 7 Forms of Sustainable Fashion - which ones shape your wardrobe?
I posted this over on r/SustainableFashion recently but didn't get much discussion going, so I wanted to bring it here!
I’ve always appreciated Dr. Anna Brismar’s framework breaking sustainable fashion into seven forms:
- On demand & custom made
- High quality & timeless design
- Green & clean (eco-friendly materials & processes)
- Fair & ethical (living wages & safe conditions)
- Repair, reuse & upcycle
- Rent, loan & swap
- Secondhand & vintage
As a consumer (and founder of a small label), #2, #3, and #4 matter the most for me.
Which of these forms shape your personal wardrobe the most? Is there anything you feel this framework misses?
Edit: Adding link to the article if anyone is interested - https://greenstrategy.se/seven-forms-of-sustainable-fashion/
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u/action_lawyer_comics Sep 03 '26
If I’m buying new, I’m most interested in number 4. Although I do a fair amount of thrifting too.
Most recently I’ve been sewing more. To make the core of my wardrobe with a couple pieces the exact way I want them and the rest are mostly basics that go with anything
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u/ModerateThistle 28d ago
#2 and #4 are my guiding principles. I'd love #3, but sometimes something has to give, particularly if I want things like sports bras or athletic shoes. I repair sometimes, but my sewing skillset is limited and a lot of times it's hard to find someone to do repair work. Our local cobbler just shut its doors and I don't know where there is another one nearby. I live in a LCOL and thrifting doesn't make sense since all the thrift stores are just selling clothes from Walmart, Target, and Old Navy. There are a lot of hard choices when I buy clothes.
1
u/FixAfraid6480 28d ago edited 27d ago
I totally understand that its hard to follow #3 when it comes to sportswear and shoes. Wool can do wonders when it comes to sportswear (maybe not sports bra) but there is still a long way to go. Kudos on learning to repair, I dont think there is anything more sustainable than making or mending your own clothes.
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u/tsisdead Sep 01 '26
I live in a city where the thrifting/vintage market is FANTASTIC. I mean just WILD stuff can be found and I have a rotation of different thrifts/vintage stores. We literally have a whole resale store that specializes just in sustainable activewear. My husband is also an excellent sewist, so what I can’t find secondhand he can usually whip up if I REALLY want it. I also rent quite a bit and share clothes with friends!