Let’s face it, fashion today is as much about ethics as it is about aesthetics. While you’re busy debating whether to go with the plaid or the polka dots, there’s a whole other conversation happening around sustainability. With brands claiming to be “organic,” “carbon neutral,” or downright “ethical,” it’s easy to feel like you need a degree just to buy a t-shirt. But there’s no need to get lost in the sustainable fashion terms!

Being a conscious consumer extends to all areas of life, but ethical fashion has really taken centre stage lately. Brands love to flaunt sustainable fashion terms like “eco-friendly” or “carbon neutral,” and suddenly you’re surrounded by jargon. Don’t worry—we’re here to help you navigate this ethical fashion maze and ensure you’re dressing with both style and intention.

We’ve pulled together the top 11 ethical fashion terms you need to know so you can look stylish and make smart, sustainable choices. Whether you’re a seasoned ethical shopper or just starting your journey, these terms will have you confidently strutting your stuff (in your vegan leather shoes, of course).

Sustainable Fashion

Let’s start with the big one. Sustainable fashion isn’t just about slapping a green label on something and calling it a day. According to the UN, sustainability means meeting our needs today without ruining things for future generations (because, you know, they’ll need clothes too). In the fashion world, this translates to minimising environmental harm at every step of a garment’s life—from how materials are grown to how you wash and dispose of them. Dr. Brismar, a sustainability guru from Green Strategy, summed it up: it’s about being efficient, using renewable energy, and focusing on reuse and recycling. Long story short? Sustainability is about rethinking the whole process, not just one trendy part of it.

Ethical Fashion

Ethical fashion is the heart of the conscious consumer movement, and it’s about more than just the environment. It dives deep into the moral side of things: Are the workers treated fairly? Are the animals involved? Is the brand transparent? “Ethical” can cover a lot of ground, from supporting living wages to ensuring cruelty-free practices. Unlike sustainability, which focuses on the planet, ethical fashion looks more at people and principles. The good news? If a brand is loud and proud about its values, chances are it’s on the right ethical track.

Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is the McDonald’s of clothing—cheap, mass-produced, and instantly satisfying, but you’ll regret it later. The term describes the rapid production of low-quality clothes designed to be worn a handful of times before they fall apart. Think Forever 21 or H&M. These items are often made in unethical conditions, where garment workers face long hours and low wages. And the environmental cost? Huge. Fast fashion’s throwaway culture fuels overproduction, pollution, and waste. So, next time you’re eyeing that $10 top, remember that it’s likely to come at a much higher price—for both people and the planet.

Minimalism

Minimalism isn’t just a home decor trend—it’s a fashion philosophy, too. It’s all about owning fewer, better-quality pieces that last longer. Minimalists focus on classic staples rather than buying into every fleeting trend. If you’re aiming for sustainability, a capsule wardrobe—a tight collection of versatile, timeless clothes—is the way to go. By mixing and matching a smaller wardrobe, you reduce waste and encourage thoughtful consumption. Minimalism says: “Hey, quality over quantity. Invest in pieces that make you look effortlessly cool, while saving the planet one pair of loafers at a time.”

Greenwashing

Beware of brands talking the green talk but not walking the walk. Greenwashing is when a company exaggerates or lies about its environmental efforts to win over eco-conscious shoppers. They might slap “sustainable” on one small line of products while their main operations remain anything but. It’s marketing magic designed to make you feel good without actually making a difference. So, the next time you see a brand boasting about its “green” collection, dig deeper—are they really eco-friendly, or just friendly with your wallet?

Organic

We’ve all seen the “organic” label, but in fashion, it’s about more than your dinner salad. Organic fabrics, like cotton, are grown without harmful pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This is better for both the earth and the farmers who produce them, preventing toxic chemicals from seeping into soil and water supplies. If you’re looking to go green, keep an eye out for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification—it’s the real deal when it comes to organic integrity.

Vegan/Cruelty-Free Fashion

Veganism isn’t just for your diet. In fashion, vegan means no animal-derived materials—no leather, wool, silk, or fur. If it comes from an animal, vegans don’t wear it. The cruelty-free movement takes it one step further, ensuring that no animals were harmed or tested on during production. But remember: not all cruelty-free items are vegan (some may still use animal products like beeswax), so check the labels if you want to be 100% in the clear.

Carbon Neutral/Carbon Offsetting

If a brand claims to be carbon neutral, it’s promising to cancel out the greenhouse gases it produces by either reducing its emissions or investing in projects like reforestation to offset them. Carbon offsetting can be tricky, though—sometimes, it’s just a fancy way of making pollution sound okay. The key here is balance. Carbon neutral brands should focus on lowering their emissions, not just writing checks to plant trees. After all, wouldn’t it be better if those emissions didn’t exist in the first place?

Living Wage

A living wage is the minimum amount a worker needs to afford basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. Sadly, many garment workers—especially in fast fashion—are paid well below this threshold, leaving them stuck in a cycle of poverty. As a conscious consumer, look for brands that proudly commit to paying their workers fairly. After all, no one should suffer so we can have more clothes in our closets.

Microplastics/Microfibres

These tiny invaders are the result of synthetic fibres (like polyester) shedding during washing. Every time you throw that fast fashion hoodie in the wash, microplastics sneak into our water systems and eventually into the ocean. Once there, they’re nearly impossible to remove and can harm marine life. The solution? Opt for natural fibres whenever possible and consider using a washing bag designed to catch microplastics. Your clothes—and the fish—will thank you.

Slow Fashion

Finally, we have slow fashion, the antidote to fast fashion’s frenzied pace. This movement emphasises quality over quantity, encouraging consumers to buy fewer items that are made to last. Slow fashion advocates for thoughtful consumption, promoting a deeper connection between the wearer and their wardrobe. It’s about taking the time to appreciate craftsmanship and the stories behind each garment, ensuring that fashion is both sustainable and meaningful.

As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” By understanding these key sustainable fashion terms, you’re better equipped to make informed, ethical choices. Whether you’re buying from a local thrift shop or investing in a high-quality organic cotton tee, each purchase can be a step toward a more sustainable, thoughtful wardrobe. It’s important to remember that the fashion industry is estimated to be responsible for a staggering 10% of global carbon emissions—more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. 

Fashion is unfortunately much more complicated than it appears on the surface, and we all share the responsibility to make ethical decisions that benefit not just our wardrobes, but the planet as well. So next time you hit the shops, remember: fashion isn’t just about looking good—it’s about doing good too.

FEATURED IMAGE by Kübra Arslaner