The importance of made to order in sustainable Fashion

14/06/2024

In the contemporary fashion world, the focus is often more on economic profit than on the environmental, social, and economic consequences of production practices. The frenzy of fast fashion has led to an unsustainable consumption model, characterized by massive production and rapid turnover of collections. However, this race for profit has a dark side that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The importance of made to order in sustainable Fashion

The Dark Side of Fashion

The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world. Mass clothing production requires enormous amounts of natural resources, such as water and energy, and significantly contributes to pollution through the use of toxic chemicals and the release of microplastics. Furthermore, fast fashion often relies on low-cost labor, with exploitative working conditions and insufficient wages, perpetuating social injustices. Seasonal collections, produced in excess, often end up as waste, exacerbating the issue of textile waste accumulation.

The Made to Order Method

In response to these issues, more and more brands are adopting the “Made to Order” method, representing a shift towards sustainability. This approach involves producing clothing only after it has been ordered by customers, thus avoiding overproduction and resource wastage.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Waste Reduction: The “Made to Order” production eliminates the problem of unsold inventory, thereby reducing the amount of textile waste. This method allows for the production of only what is necessary, avoiding the accumulation of unused stock that often ends up in landfills or incinerators.

Efficient Use of Resources: By producing only the requested items, the use of natural resources is optimized, reducing the consumption of water, energy, and materials. This leads to a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional production methods.

Valuing Artisanal Work: The “Made to Order” method often involves slower, artisanal production, which values workers’ skills and offers them better and fairer working conditions. This approach helps combat labor exploitation, improving social conditions for workers in the fashion industry.

Supporting Made to Order Brands

Supporting brands that adopt the “Made to Order” method is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. These brands not only reduce the environmental impact of fashion but also promote more conscious and responsible consumption. Purchasing from brands that produce to order means choosing quality over quantity, supporting sustainability, and contributing to more ethical fashion.

My Commitment

In my brand, I am committed to following the “Made to Order” model. I firmly believe that this is the right path to reduce our environmental impact and promote a fairer and more sustainable fashion industry. Each garment I produce is made with care and attention, only after receiving the order, ensuring that no resources are wasted and that each piece has meaning for the wearer.

Choosing “Made to Order” fashion is not just a style choice but an act of responsibility towards our planet and future generations.

Sources

Fashion Revolution

Ellen MacArthur

Foundation Greenpeace

Business of Fashion

Sustainable Apparel Coalition