28 Lessons I’ve Learned About Ethical Fashion (and Life) by 28
If there’s one thing I’ve learned navigating the world of ethical fashion, it’s that it’s never just about clothes. It’s about people, systems, privilege, power, and, honestly, a lot of self-reflection. As I turn 28 today, I wanted to share 28 lessons I’ve picked up along the way—some personal, some industry-related, but all deeply connected to how I see fashion, sustainability, and life itself.
1. There’s No Perfectly Ethical Consumer
I used to stress that every choice should be 100% ethical. Spoiler: It’s impossible. The system isn’t built that way. Do your best, but don’t let perfectionism paralyze you.
2. Secondhand Shopping is a Superpower
The thrift store is my happy place. Not only is it sustainable, but it also lets me explore personal style without contributing to fast fashion. Embrace the art of looking for cool finds and envision your closet for years to come.
3. The Most Sustainable Wardrobe is the One You Already Own
I love a good thrift find, but re-wearing what I already have is the most sustainable choice I can make. Try using what you have and learn how to hand sew to mend any small holes and tears.
4. Buying Less is More Radical Than Buying "Sustainable"
There’s an entire industry profiting off “sustainable” fashion. Sometimes the best move is simply not shopping. We not only save our money but learn how to get more creative using what we already own.
5. Privilege Shapes How We Engage with Fashion
Not everyone has the time, money, or access to shop “ethically.” We need to make an inclusive movement rather than judgmental, negative spaces. Consider reflecting on your thoughts and feelings on how you would like to engage in fashion and sustainability.
6. Fast Fashion is a Social Justice Issue
Exploitation, low wages, and environmental destruction make fast fashion thrives on injustice. So we should not ignore that ethical fashion isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about equity and social justice. And remember that social justice doesn't mean losing our style or love for fashion. We can still look good while doing good. (We can all take notes from Elle Woods hehe).
7. Trends are a Trap
By the time something is “trendy,” it’s already on its way out. Microtrends are a vicious cycle of short-term trends. They are in and out of stores within a matter of weeks. Try to move away from these trends and invest in personal style to save money, stress, and regret. But if you still want trendy pieces, then try to thrift it!
8. Upcycling is a Love Language
Taking something old and making it new again? That’s creativity, sustainability, and love all wrapped in one. Consider what you do is full of love and that what you create will further spread the love for sustainability and care for people and the planet. Challenge yourself to see how to provide care and love for your things to embrace this love language.
9. The Fashion Industry Needs Systemic Change, Not Just Conscious Consumers
We can’t shop our way out of this crisis. Policy, labor rights, and corporate accountability matter more than individual choices. We have to push for laws and policies for the issues in the industry head-on. This will spread more accountability and force change to happen versus waiting for it to happen.
10. Clothes Hold Stories
Vintage pieces, hand-me-downs, DIY projects—fashion is deeply personal. Our wardrobes are archives of our lives. We need to honor the past of each garment and continue preserving and honoring these stories. Fast fashion has pushed for the idea that what we wear should merely be thrown away. Can you imagine an industry where we hold clothing as long as possible to ensure the continued legacy of the memories they hold?
11. The “Made In” Label Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
Just because something is made in the U.S. or Europe doesn’t equate to ethics. Labor exploitation happens everywhere, no matter if it is made in the United States. It was only a few years ago when Los Angeles started to pay their garment workers minimum wage versus via the piece rate system. So we need brands to be honest and incredibly transparent to know the full story. This would finally allow us to make fully informed choices that allow us to understand the ethical dimensions we are supporting with our purchases.
12. Ethical Fashion Should Be Affordable—But That’s Complicated
Sustainable brands charge more because they pay fairly and use specific materials that cost more to produce. Higher prices do not mean ethical fashion is right. The high prices keep away those with less money to spend on clothing and struggling to survive everyday costs. We need solutions beyond just “buy better” since we need everyone to be involved in the effort of creating an ethical fashion industry.
13. Repair is a Radical Act
Mending, tailoring, and fixing what we own instead of replacing it is an act of resistance against disposable culture. These times, patience, and intention in our fast-paced world often encourage us to throw things away and buy new ones. It also takes some skill and practice to fix clothing but if you spend time learning how to hand sew versus roaming a store or website, the payoff could be empowering and rewarding.
14. Fashion Activism is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Changing the industry takes time. Burnout is real. Find ways to sustain your activism without losing yourself in it. Change will not come fast nor will there be a lot of rewards so please don't give up. We need you to care even when your efforts don't feel like they are paying off.
15. Big Brands Will Greenwash Everything
If a major fast fashion brand suddenly claims to be “sustainable,” read the fine print. It’s usually just marketing. This is otherwise called greenwashing, another way to make money from our desire to look good for the planet. Please don’t trust brands at face value and try to do some research online about their ethos. Use Good on You, an easy app that provides rates on how well a brand is doing based on different criteria.
16. The More You Learn, the Harder It Gets
Ignorance is really bliss. The deeper I got into ethical fashion the more problems I discovered. This can make any choice feel like the wrong one but we cannot do everything perfectly under capitalism. It should be noted that some opponents of ethics and sustainability state that nothing can be truly sustainable because we are in a fossil fuel industry. Don’t fall into this. We need more people trying to make choices that help each other survive and preserve our natural forests and animals.
17. But Guilt Won’t Save the World
I used to feel guilty for every “imperfect” choice. Now, I focus on making change where I can and educating others instead of dwelling on guilt. Have conversations about what is happening in the industry, host clothing swaps with your friends, and remember that collective action is going to change the needle.
18. Ethical Fashion is a Form of Self-Expression
Dressing ethically doesn’t mean dressing boring. Personal style and sustainability can (and should) coexist. Try to look your best while remembering your values. This will be a daily challenge where you will have to continue to ask yourself questions about your beliefs and emotions. Your place in the world and your decisions are more important than you may initially believe. Can you imagine if we all deeply cared for and lived by a deep sense of authenticity, ethics, and sustainability? Fast fashion would stand no chance.
19. Community Matters More Than Consumption
Clothing swaps, borrowing from friends, supporting local makers—there are so many ways to engage with fashion that don’t involve spending money. Consider hosting a swao with a small gathering of friends during an evening or a weekend. You may end up surprised by the beautiful gems your friends no longer love and want. This could also be a great way to chat about fashion issues and find solutions that could push things forward, no matter if it feels small and frivolous.
20. The Best Way to Challenge Fast Fashion is to Show That Another Way is Possible
When people see that sustainable fashion can be fun, stylish, and accessible, they’re more likely to join the movement. Things are way too serious and complicated, so why not embrace optimism and hope? We are here because fashion has our hearts. Embrace the difficulty by turning it into a way to connect with others, to get creative with what you have, and as a way to connect with like-minded people.
21. Slow Fashion is About Reclaiming Time
Fast fashion thrives on urgency through the constant new drops and fleeting trends. Slow fashion invites us to pause and be intentional. We get our time back when we sit and think versus going out and shopping. We get to take back our control and hold strong to the future we deserve and love for each other.
22. Ethical Fashion is Political
From garment worker rights to environmental policy, our fashion intersects with major global issues. Ignoring that is a privilege. Fashion is political even when we don’t realize it. Fast fashion is built off of capitalism and colonialism which we cannot ignore. We have created a supply chain that allows brands to subcontract their orders to the Global South and their race to the bottom. The moment they tell us the truth about how their clothing can be made will reveal the truth of the interconnected web of leaders, contracts, and workers needed for our cheap fashion.
23. Ethical Brands Aren’t Perfect Either
Some claim sustainability but still underpay workers. Others use eco-friendly materials but lack diversity. We need to hold everyone accountable. No one should be exempt from doing better. No brand can stop improving, no matter if they have extensive ethical and sustainable claims. Brands are very much human because they are run by humans. Remember that we can change … but some people can be incredibly stubborn and stuck in toxic ways of fashion production. Not everything should be about money and they need to be reminded of this frequently.
24. Fashion Books Keep Us Learning
Fashion and reading can go hand in hand. Consider picking up some books to read on the industry. My favorite is The Anti-capitalist Book of Fashion by Tansy E. Hoskins and I‘m currently reading Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China by Leslie T. Chang.
25. We Need More Representation in Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion spaces are dominated by white, upper-class female voices. We need more perspectives from BIPOC, working-class, and plus-size communities. This is essential when they have been mending, repairing, and recycling- not out of choice, but out of need. The intent is different when survival is paramount. yet, I think we have a lot to learn from the most resilient and creative individuals who are constantly problem-solving about how to make things last.
26. Ethical Fashion Isn’t Just About What We Wear
Ethics can extend to the beauty industry, home goods, food, and beyond. Sustainability is a lifestyle, not just a wardrobe choice. Ethical fashion is just one part of the journey of exploring our morality within the confines of industries. What we think is good and bad is embedded in the very fabric of our existence. Dare I say, ethics is what makes up the life we deserve we should have and how we think and treat others.
27. Sometimes, the Most Ethical Choice is Just Opting Out
If a brand is shady, a product is unnecessary, or a purchase doesn’t align with my values, I remind myself that I don’t have to participate. I don’t have to give people my money nor do I have to give up on my values. Take a deep breath and be patient. Things will work out even when you step back when opting out.
28. The Journey is Never Over
I’m still learning, unlearning, and evolving every day. Ethical fashion isn’t a final destination—it’s an ongoing commitment. I invite you on this journey that will continue for the rest of our lives.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that ethical fashion isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making thoughtful choices, questioning the system, and doing what you can with what you have. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and, of course, getting dressed with intention.
What have you learned about ethical fashion? Let’s talk in the comments!
xx Elle