The biggest and most enduring trend in fashion now is not a particular heel size, dress cut or handbag shape. No. There is one thing that we are all looking for in every purchase — sustainability.
Unfortunately, some of our favourite clothes are very much not sustainable. Nearly half of the world’s clothing is made of polyester, which is typically made from crude oil. Greenpeace forecasts this amount to nearly double by 2030 — thanks to the rise of the athleisure trend.
Post lockdown, the market for activewear has grown by 80 per cent. Our favourite retailers, under pressure to be more green, have come up with an answer: recycled polyester.
Coat, £69, and gilet, £45, both marksandspencer.com; leggings, £20, next.co.uk; trainers, £90, jdsports.co.uk
Coat, £110, wearethought.com; jacket, £29.95, and joggers, £16.99, gap.co.uk; trainers, as before
Gilet, £45, marksandspencer.com; jacket, £165, bamboo clothing.co.uk; leggings, £31.20, nobodyschild.com; trainers, £80, schuh.co.uk
At first glance, recycled polyester seems like a great alternative. It’s the same quality as regular polyester, but the manufacturing process generates 79 per cent less carbon dioxide. And now there’s a stylish selection available on the High Street or from affordable online brands. All the clothing the model is wearing above is made from recycled polyester. Bam is an independent label whose insulated jackets are 100 per cent recycled and recyclable — and look great.
On the High Street, Marks & Spencer’s offerings are second to none.
Their pale blue quilted coat is lightweight but brilliantly warm. I love the fact it stops well below the knee. As does their pink padded gilet. The bright pink puffer jacket may be a little loud for some but it’s fabulously practical with a concealed hood and adjustable waist.
Puffer, £35, marksandspencer.com; jacket, £29.95, gap.co.uk; leggings, £20, next.co.uk; trainers as before
Coat, £269, plumo.com; jacket, £165, bambooclothing.co.uk; leggings, £49.95, gap.co.uk; trainers as before
Print coat, £119, plumo.com; jacket, £165, bamboo clothing.co.uk; leggings, £31.20, nobodyschild.com; trainers, £80, schuh.co.uk
Thought is a brand which attempts to source all its raw materials sustainably. You can also find its concession in John Lewis stores. If you’re looking for a warm winter number, Thought’s black padded coat is like wearing a duvet, one made from 150 recycled bottles.
Plumo is an independent company based in London. It has its own sustainable brand, Plumo Studio, as well as stocking other brands with green credentials such as LF Markey and Ganni. I love the navy duvet coat, or the Chinoiserie print quilted jacket to make a real statement in.
If you want to buy polyester then choose recycled outerwear — which needs less washing so sheds fewer microfibres — but still think twice about those gym leggings.
Coat, £59.99, lindex.com; jacket, £165, bamboo clothing. co.uk; leggings, £20, next.co.uk; trainers, as before