Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Conscious Shopper

     Sustainable clothing, ethical products, slow fashion, these are terms we have probably all heard as we enter into 2025. However, sometimes we don't know what this terminology means, and why it even matters! Furthermore, if we do know what these terms mean, sometimes we do not know how to put them into action.

     Here at The Main Street Exchange we are unable to completely spell out what being sustainable, choosing ethical, and pursuing slow fashion means, but we do want to help define these terms, and inspire you to choose them when you are able to! As a boutique, we are continually growing, expanding, seeking to produce quality products, and learning how we can buy ethically made products. Our invitation is to come learn with us, as we do not have all the answers yet

First, let's define the terms.

Sustainable. This is a broad term that get's used and thrown about in many different ways. It "is ultimately about maintaining a balance that allows us to preserve the world we live in for future generations to enjoy." 

Ethical. This term is often used in reference to how the individuals and workers that created the clothing pieces are being treated. Fair wages, a good working environment, etc. 

Slow Fashion. When companies use this term, they are usually referring to a goal to choose quality over quantity and provide pieces that will last. It is a way of life, a process of carefully choosing items for one's closet. 

Why does this matter?

     In our world today, studies show that "The average American now generates 82 pounds of textile waste each year. That adds up to more than 11 million tons of textile waste from the U.S. alone" (Environmental Impact). This increase in clothing manufacturing and decrease in pricing means that most likely workers are not being treated fairly, and the quality of the clothing has gone significantly down. 

What can we do?

     This is not a problem that will go away overnight, and it can feel overwhelming to know how to work towards a solution! Here are some simple and practical steps to help you get started. 

Shop your own closet.

      This step may feel overly basic, but often we have quality pieces in our closet that we already enjoy wearing. They may just need to be styled in a new way, or just need a little mending. Time to pull out your needle and thread! Going through your own closet it is the key to being aware of what you truly need, and knowing which items you choose to wear most often. This step will help you define your style, and save money simply by falling in love again with the pieces you already own! 

Shop sustainable brands that are transparent.

     After going through your closet you may realize you need to add some sustainable pieces! So, where should you shop? Choose brands that are transparent with their manufacturing and where they purchase their products from. Oftentimes these will be small companies, and women-owned boutiques. Look at a company's "why" – where do they source their clothing from? Are they working on building relationships with their manufacturers? What is their business statement? Brands that are more transparent will feature products at a higher price point because of their elevated quality standards. 

Choose to shop second hand.

     One way to shop sustainably while spending less, is to shop second-hand! This method does not guarantee you will walk away with the pieces you went shopping for, but it is an ethical + environmentally-friendly way to add new pieces to your wardrobe.  More is not always better, so you may need to use your discernment here!. 

Love clothing from The Main Street Exchange? We created MSE Re-Loved just for you – a site that is dedicated to re-using your favorite MSE pieces. Find a link to the site here!

Choose quality pieces you will love for years. 

     Check to ensure the pieces you begin to add to your wardrobe are made from quality fabrics, and are designed in styles that you will be able to wear consistently. This will ensure sustainability in your closet, enabling you to to keep your pieces for a long time.

How to select quality fabrics:

Here is a list of some of the best fabrics you can choose when selecting your new pieces!

• Organic Cotton: The cotton industry can be pretty dirty, the opposite of ethical, so choosing organic cotton may be essential!
• Hemp: This fiber is durable, can be blended with other fabrics, and no pesticides are used in the making of it! 
• Linen: Beautiful, comfortable, and durable!
• Wool: Nothing can keep you warm in the cold months like wool can! There are multiple options you can find to purchase wool items from farmers that are intentional with their methods.
• Lyocell: If you love the feel of silk or bamboo this is a great fabric to choose! Tencel is produced from this fabric, and is made from sustainably-harvested eucalyptus trees.

A sustainable clothing checklist:

To sum it all up, we have created a check-list for you to reference as it is helpful:

• Sort, organize and go though closet, mend what is needed, restyle some items, and discern what pieces need to be added.
• Buy from brands that are transparent about their effort to choose ethical methods that love people, as well as our planet. 
• Choose clothing pieces that are made with intentionally, thoughtfully, and with quality fabrics. 

Find a link to our Natural Fibers Collection here.

Find a link to sourcing for this blog post here. 

xoxo - MSE Team.