In the vast world of fashion, textile labels often go unnoticed, considered only a marginal detail. However, behind those small tags lie immense stories of sustainability, environmental, and social commitment that should be recognized and valued. In this article, we will explore the importance of textile labels, their transparency, and how we can be informed and responsible consumers. Reading clothing labels is fundamental. Labels must indicate the exact composition, but not always if the yarn is certified. Pay attention to mixed fabrics between synthetics and naturals. The “made in” indicates the country of production, different from “designed in.” Reading the washing instructions is essential for preserving garments.
Transparency is KeY
When it comes to conscious shopping, transparency is crucial. Textile labels are one of the few windows through which we can peek into the world of clothing production. They provide vital information about fabric composition, place of production, and any sustainability certifications. However, the lack of standardization and regulation has made it difficult for consumers to distinguish between truly committed brands and greenwashing.
Certifications: Which Ones Matter?
There are independent organizations that certify the sustainability of brands. However, not all certifications are created equal. It is important to know the main organizations and their standards. Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX, and Fair Trade are generally considered reliable and rigorous in their evaluation criteria.
How to Be Informed Consumers
As consumers, we can do our part to check and evaluate the information on a garment’s label. Let’s:
1. Familiarize ourselves with the symbols: Let’s learn the symbols used on the label, which provide information about textile composition and washing instructions. Familiarizing ourselves with the symbols on the fabric label not only provides crucial information about the composition and care of the garments but also contributes to sustainability, durability of the fabrics themselves, and responsible resource management.
2. Research the brand: Let’s use resources like Good On You, an app that gathers the most famous brands and indicates their degree of sustainability. This helps us identify genuinely committed brands.
3. Question the brand: Let’s not hesitate to contact the brand directly to ask for information about their production chain, materials used, and sustainable practices adopted.
4. Look beyond greenwashing: Be aware of deceptive marketing tactics and greenwashing. Let’s look for concrete evidence of environmental and social commitment, such as recognized certifications or published sustainability reports.
The Future: The Digital Product Passport
The future of sustainable fashion is increasingly digital. The Digital Product Passport, a “digital passport” that tracks a product’s journey from its creation to the end of its life cycle, is gaining ground. This revolutionary tool will increase transparency and traceability along the entire production chain. From the purchase of raw materials to the production of the finished garment, the Digital Product Passport provides comprehensive and accessible documentation to consumers and stakeholders.
Conclusion
Textile labels are much more than simple tags; they are windows to sustainability and ethics in fashion. As consumers, it is our duty to inform ourselves and act responsibly. By using resources like reliable certifications, brand assessment apps, and embracing digital innovation like the Digital Product Passport, we can drive positive change in the fashion industry and beyond.
Sources
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Hill, J., & Kennedy, S. (Eds.). (2019). The Textile Institute Book Series. Woodhead Publishing.
Colleoni, C. (2016). Sustainable Fashion Supply Chain Management: From Sourcing to Retailing. Springer.
Black, S. (2012). Eco-Chic: The Fashion Paradox. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Fletcher, K., Grose, L., & Hawley, J. (2012). Fashion & Sustainability: Design for Change. Laurence King Publishing.
McNeill, P., & Moore, M. (2015). Sustainable Fashion: What’s Next? A Conversation about Issues, Practices, and Possibilities. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Niinimäki, K. (2013). Sustainable Fashion Consumption and the Fast Fashion Challenge. Aalto ARTS Books.
Fuad-Luke, A. (2009). Design Activism: Beautiful Strangeness for a Sustainable World. Earthscan.
Fletcher, K., & Tham, M. (2019). Routledge Handbook of Sustainability and Fashion. Routledge.
Williams, D. (2017). Fashion and Sustainability: Design for Change. Laurence King Publishing.