5 Ways Mexicans are Natural Ethical Fashionistas
I was raised in a low-income, frontline community by migrant Mexican parents living in low-wage, factory jobs. Language barriers and limited education made it hard for them to find better-paying opportunities. This forced us to live on tight budgets and save money at every corner we could to afford bills and food for the month. This need to survive forced my Mexican American mother to use the skills she learned when raised in Mexico. She had learned how to sew and embroider clothing as a child by a trained seamstress, which remained with her throughout her adult life. I remember the time and dedication she would take to upcycle my older brother's old jeans to give them to me. She did this to save money and to clothe me in cute pieces, but it also marked an adopted lifestyle of both choice and need. So, in this blog article, we will delve into five ways Mexicans have been natural ethical fashionistas through my personal lived Latinidad experiences.
1. Upcycling Los Pantalones
As a kid, playing outside meant rolling in the dirt, jumping on bikes, and running like your life depended on it. This would take a toll on the clothing my brothers and I would wear. Tears and rips would pop up in different spots of our clothing, especially on my pantalones (pants). And, even as an adult, pants take a lot of wear and tear. They are more exposed to movement and use as we move around throughout the day. It is also interesting to note that Mexicans who work in service jobs or outdoor gigs are especially faced with the question of what to wear and how much to spend on clothing. Pieces are often used up or worn faster for construction and service jobs versus jobs located in controlled office spaces. So to practice ethical fashion is often not a concept, but out of tough jobs and survival needs.
And, if you are not aware, ethical fashion is all about clothing that considers the social, environmental, and labor conditions of the fashion industry. It advocates for reusing clothing, reducing textile waste, and upcycling clothing. The main way to practice ethical fashion is to use what you already own and to buy second-hand when you need to buy things you need. Since Mexicans are often limited in funds and resources, they resort to upcycling, recycling, and reducing waste to survive. It is not necessarily a lifestyle they want to embrace, but one they know they need to have. It can even be assumed they are unaware of the issues in the fashion industry, making “ethical fashion” almost irrelevant. Living an ethical fashion lifestyle can be by accident, and marked more out of the need to survive than out of a desire to live an intentional lifestyle stemming from privilege and excess resources.
2. Recycling Old Clothing
Recycling old clothing is more than just a practical approach to reducing textile waste; it is a sentimental journey filled with nostalgia and cherished memories. Many households, like mine, have collections f rags, dish towels, or even quilts made from repurposed clothing, each telling a unique story and triggering flashbacks to bygone days.
In my Mexican family, the concept of recycling clothing was deeply ingrained. Instead of discarding old garments, they were carefully stored away for future use. That faded pair of jeans became a patch on a quilt, a worn-out sweater transformed into cozy mittens, and a favorite dress was repurposed into a stylish tote bag. Nothing went to waste, and everything gained new life. This culture of recycling clothing not only preserves sentimental value but also encourages a more conscious approach to consumption. It prompts us to reflect on the disposable nature of the fashion industry, where trends change rapidly and lead to excessive generation of textile waste.
“The rags in the kitchen looked oddly familiar, and then the little design on it triggered a flashback to a past memory. This may be because the rag was made from an old childhood shirt saved to be used again. And if you had parents like mine, clothing stored away from twenty years ago was fair game.”
Recycling clothing also encourages creativity and individuality in fashion. When we transform old garments into new creations, we infuse them with our personal touch and unique style. Each recycled item becomes a statement piece, reflecting our personality, values, and tastes. In a world full of fast fashion, recycling old clothing is a small but significant act of resistance. It empowers us to take control of our consumption habits, reduces waste, and contributes to a more sustainable future.
3. Embroidery en las Camisas
Mexicans are often considered natural ethical fashionistas due to their rich tradition of embroidery and their commitment to upcycling clothing, particularly shirts. Embroidery has been a significant aspect of Mexican culture for centuries, passed down through generations as a cherished art form. This intricate craft not only adds beauty and uniqueness to garments but also reflects the wearer's cultural heritage and individuality. Mexican artisans are renowned for their exceptional embroidery skills, using vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic designs to transform plain shirts into stunning pieces of wearable art. Through this creative process, we can breathe new life into existing clothing items, extending their lifespan and reducing the demand for fast fashion.
By choosing to embroider and upcycle clothing, it can showcase respect for craftsmanship, a close connection to cultural heritage, and a commitment to sustainable practices. This mindset also influences the way fashion is consumed, prioritizing quality over quantity and cherishing each garment as a valuable representation of identity and values. Also, the art of embroidery in Mexico often involves traditional techniques passed down through generations, fostering a sense of community and unity among artisans and ancestors. The preservation and continuation of these crafts contribute to the support of local economies and to the celebration of cultural diversity.
4. Low-Waste Culture
Mexicans have long been natural ethical fashionistas because their cultural upbringing often instills a strong sense of practicing a low-waste lifestyle, whether it is a conscious choice or a necessity driven by social and economic factors. Here are some reasons why they may adopt a low-waste lifestyle in the fashion industry:
Cultural Roots and Tradition: Mexican culture has a deep-rooted connection to sustainability and resourcefulness. Traditional values and practices emphasize the importance of conserving resources and minimizing waste. This mindset is passed down through generations, with parents and elders teaching their children the value of reusing and repurposing items, including clothing. As a result, Mexicans grow up with an inherent understanding of the environmental impact of their actions and the importance of reducing waste.
Resource Scarcity and Economic Realities: In many regions of Mexico, particularly rural areas, there may have been historical challenges in accessing resources, including clothing. This scarcity has led to a culture of making the most out of what is available. Families with limited access to new clothes prompt them to mend, patch, and creatively alter existing garments to make them last longer. This resourcefulness has become an integral part of Mexican culture and is still practiced by many, even in urban settings.
Awareness of Environmental Impact: With increasing global awareness and negative environmental issues, more and more Mexicans have consciously embraced ethical and sustainable practices to save resources. They are actively seeking ways to reduce their ecological footprint, including their fashion choices. This shift in consumer behavior has led to a growing interest in reusing, reducing, and recycling what is already owned.
Influence of Indigenous Cultures: Mexico is home to a diverse range of indigenous communities, each with its unique traditions and practices. Many of these cultures have a deep understanding of living in harmony with nature and respecting its resources. Their ecological wisdom has influenced Mexican society as a whole, contributing to the widespread appreciation for sustainable practices and respect for the earth.
5. Mindful Spending: The Key to Mexicans' Ethical Fashion Choices
Mexicans' natural inclination towards conscious approaches to fashion extends beyond their sustainable practices; it also involves their mindful approach to spending. One key aspect of their ethical fashion choices is the intentional decision to avoid spending money on unnecessary items, directing their resources towards what truly matters in their lives. The following reasons are why mindful spending is a priority for Mexicans:
Practicality and Prioritization: Mexican culture often emphasizes practicality and prioritization when it comes to spending. Instead of succumbing to impulsive purchases or following fleeting fashion trends, the utility of each item is carefully considered. This discerning attitude allows for an investment to be made in items that will serve a clear purpose, align with a personal sense of style, and have a long-foreshadowed future, all ultimately reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Financial Responsibility: Being responsible with finances is an essential trait in Mexican culture. It is important to save for essential expenses, such as education, healthcare, and supporting families. By avoiding unnecessary expenditures on fleeting fashion items, we can allocate more funds toward these crucial aspects of our lives.
Focus on Longevity and Versatility: When choosing clothing, Mexicans tend to opt for pieces that have longevity and versatility. Classic designs and durable materials become the go-to choices that will be wearable for a lot of different occasions. These items can then be mixed and matched in various ways, allowing for a diverse wardrobe without the need for excessive spending.
Community and Family Values: Mexican culture places a strong emphasis on community and family. This sense of interconnectedness often translates into sharing and swapping clothes among family members and friends, further reducing the need for excessive spending on individual wardrobes.
Mexicans' journey towards becoming natural ethical fashionistas is deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, resourceful upbringing, and mindful spending habits. Growing up in low-income, frontline communities with limited resources. An emphasis on practicality, financial responsibility, and a focus on longevity and versatility in clothing choices not only contributes to reducing textile waste but also allows them to allocate resources to more important aspects of their lives, such as education and supporting close family units.
All these elements come together to form a unique approach to ethical fashion that is deeply ingrained in their Latinidad and shapes their daily lives. As the world increasingly recognizes the importance of ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry, Mexicans serve as a shining example of how conscious choices and a mindful lifestyle can lead to positive changes. Their lived experiences and cultural values also showcase a holistic approach to fashion that goes beyond just trends and consumerism, encouraging a deeper connection to our environment, heritage, and community.