The fashion world moves quickly; trends are constantly evolving and changing. While some trends may not be to your taste, there is one that appeals to everyone: sustainability. For those of us who feel strongly about sustainability, there is good news on the fashion front: sustainability is finally taking precedence in the fashion world. Fortunately, the sustainable fashion movement shows no signs of stalling anytime soon.

Here’s a closer look at a few exciting sustainability trends we’re seeing from the fashion industry in 2021.

Sustainable Brands Are on the Rise

While sustainable brands were once outliers, they’ve now become much more mainstream. Not only did the global ethical fashion market grow £4 billion in 2020 to 5.84 billion in 2021– at a staggering rate of 25% – but this growth is also predicted to continue. By 2025, experts expect that the global ethical fashion market will reach an astounding £7 billion.

This growth is attributing to people finally demanding more sustainable fashion choices. Approximately 67% of consumers say sustainable materials in manufacturing are an important purchasing factor, while 63% prioritize brands that promote sustainability.

Small and Local Businesses Will Get a Boost

COVID-19 took its toll on small, local businesses, as many brands increased their digital presence and online shopping skyrocketed. As a result, awareness increased about the impact of COVID-19 on small and local businesses, and consumers vowed to support them with a new desire from shoppers to move away from online shopping from big-name brands, and revisit their local, small businesses. Shoppers are showing their loyalty to their local brands through a number of measures: big tips, farm-to-table consumption, intentional spending, and more.

The takeaway? In addition to shopping online, people are also eager to support local and small businesses in 2021 and beyond.

Normalizing Re-Use and Re-Wearing

The “single wear” mindset has long reigned over fashion society. However, the past year has seen a major shift toward normalizing reusing and re-wearing clothes.

In part because the pandemic forced many of us to work from home in our comfy loungewear day after day, the toxic stigma associated with “outfit repeating” is no more. People are also increasingly recognizing that not only is it more environmentally friendly to buy less clothing, but it is also more sustainable to be conservative with washing.

This brings another issue to the forefront: the importance of buying clothes that will last. “Fast fashion” is incredibly detrimental to the environment. Now more than ever, consumers realize the value of investing in high-quality clothing that will stand the test of time.

Cheaply made, poor quality clothing that falls apart after a single-use entraps consumers in the vicious cycle of consumption, single-use, throw away, and repeat. Whereas purchasing consciously and investing in higher-quality products – especially those that are ethically made – allows consumers to escape this environmentally unsustainable cycle.

“Thrifting” Has Become a Buzzword

While reselling was already on the rise before the pandemic, the sustainable trend really took off in 2021. Out of concern for both the environment and their own finances, more and more people are turning to local thrift stores and resale websites to find new-to-them clothes.

Another benefit of buying secondhand? You can find unique and often vintage – usually in perfect condition – items that you will not see anywhere else!

Social Sustainability Is Front and Center

We often think of sustainability in terms of the planet. However, another “p” word is just as important: people.

In addition to supporting businesses with eco-friendly practices, consumers are also seeking out companies that acknowledge social sustainability issues, such as human rights, equity, inclusivity, fair trade, volunteerism, and more.

For Beunica, as a business with sustainability at its center, these trends are music to our ears. We curate the finest clothing, accessories, and shoes from independent brands and artisans who care as much as we do about sustainable business practices and ethical standards. To join us in supporting them — and to discover the joy of sustainable fashion toward a happier, healthier, and more beautiful world — shop Beunica.