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Gianni Romano

What is Circular Fashion?


what is circular fashion

Circular fashion marks a pivotal transformation for the fashion industry, steering us away from the traditional 'take, make, dispose' model towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly approach. This blog explores the journey and principles of circular fashion, its vital role in today's world, and how it's reshaping our understanding of fashion sustainability.


What is Circular Fashion?


Circular fashion is rooted in the principles of the circular economy, which contrasts sharply with the traditional linear model of 'take-make-dispose.' In the linear model, resources are used to create products that are eventually discarded as waste. In contrast, circular fashion aims to create a closed-loop system where resources are used more efficiently, and products are designed to have multiple life cycles.


At Lyfcycle, we believe in the principles of Circular Fashion and work to implement them in the garments that we manufacture.



"Circular fashion isn't just about clothes that last longer; it's about a complete paradigm shift in the industry, where every piece tells a story of sustainability, from its thoughtful creation to its endless reincarnation"



what is circular fashion?


Key Principles of Circular Fashion


Design for Longevity: This principle is about creating garments that are durable, timeless, and versatile. It's a push against the fast fashion trend, emphasising quality and lasting style. Doubling a garment's lifespan can significantly reduce its carbon footprint.


Sustainable Material Sourcing: This involves using materials that have a minimal environmental impact. The focus is on renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable fabrics, which lessen the strain on natural resources.


Resource Efficiency and Waste Reduction: This principle aims to minimise waste at every stage of production. It encourages the fashion industry to adopt more efficient processes, reducing the overall ecological footprint.


Product Use and Maintenance: Circular fashion advocates for educating consumers on how to care for their clothing, extending its lifespan, and reducing the need for frequent replacements.


End-of-Life Strategies: This is about planning for a garment's end of life. It involves recycling and up-cycling old clothes, ensuring that materials are kept in use for as long as possible.


Encouraging a Circular Mindset: This principle is about changing the way we think about fashion. It's about moving from a culture of disposability to one of sustainability, where both consumers and manufacturers are mindful of their environmental impact.


Technology and Innovation: The role of technology in circular fashion is undeniable. From new materials to efficient production methods, technology is enabling the fashion industry to leap forward in sustainability.


Collaboration Across the Industry: Circular fashion requires a collective effort. This means collaboration between designers, manufacturers, retailers, and even consumers, each playing a role in this sustainable transformation.


A Short History of Circular Fashion


The concept of circular fashion emerged as a response to the mounting environmental and ethical concerns associated with the traditional fashion industry. In the past few decades, as awareness of the fashion industry's significant environmental impact grew, so did the urgency for change. This led to a paradigm shift, focusing on sustainability, resource efficiency, and waste reduction.


To truly appreciate the significance of the circular fashion movement, it's essential to look back at its roots and evolution.


The Early Awareness (Late 20th Century)


circular fashion principles

The seeds of circular fashion were sown in the late 20th century as environmental awareness began to take centre stage. This period marked the awakening of global consciousness regarding the detrimental impacts of industrial activities, including fashion, on the environment. The publication of works like "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson played a pivotal role in this awakening, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.


The Emergence of Sustainable Fashion (1990s)


In the 1990s, the concept of sustainable fashion began to emerge. This era witnessed the birth of eco-friendly brands and the introduction of organic materials in clothing. However, these efforts were still in their infancy, primarily focusing on reducing the negative impacts of production rather than a holistic approach to sustainability.


The Turn of the Century: A Paradigm Shift (2000s)


The early 2000s marked a significant shift in the fashion industry's approach to sustainability. The realisation that merely reducing harm was not enough led to the emergence of a more comprehensive strategy: circular fashion. This paradigm shift was influenced by the broader concept of a circular economy, which emphasises the continual use of resources and minimisation of waste.


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The Rise of Circular Fashion (2010s and Beyond)


The last decade has seen circular fashion gaining momentum, evolving from a niche concept to a mainstream movement. This period has been characterised by groundbreaking innovations in recycling technologies, the rise of traceable fashion technologies like ettos, and a growing emphasis on garment longevity and reuse.


High-profile fashion brands and collaborations with environmental organisations have propelled circular fashion into the limelight, signalling a collective commitment to change. Brands like Patagonia & Stella McCartney have helped to drive the collective conscience and sustainable movement in the industry.


The role of social media and digital platforms cannot be understated in this transformation, as they have been instrumental in raising awareness and fostering a community of environmentally conscious consumers and designers.


Today's Landscape and Tomorrow's Vision


Today, circular fashion stands at the forefront of a sustainable future in the fashion industry. It represents not just a set of practices but a fundamental rethinking of how fashion operates - from design and production to consumption and disposal.


The fashion industry, once a significant contributor to global carbon emissions and waste, is now at a crossroads. The move towards circular fashion is driven by both environmental necessity and a growing consumer demand for sustainable products. It's a journey from indiscriminate consumption and waste to mindful and responsible fashion practices.


Circular fashion represents a holistic, systemic change in the way we produce, consume, and think about clothing. It's not just about creating sustainable products; it's about transforming the entire fashion ecosystem to be more regenerative and restorative.


At Lyfcycle, we approach every garment we manufacture through a lens of circular fashion principles to consider the impact of every aspect of the garment. In order to reduce the impact of our industry on the planet, we need to become more conscious about what we are creating, before we create it.


Editor's note

Images by Unsplash & DAKS Simpsons Ltd.

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