A wardrobe comprises both the garments worn regularly and those that are unused, each piece contributing to an individual’s visual identity. Although clothes that are physically unwearable should not necessarily be discarded, there may be other compelling reasons to retain them. Historically, sustainability efforts in the apparel sector have focused on using eco-friendly materials and enhancing production efficiency. However, as both production and consumption levels have risen, the benefits of these technological advances have been offset. To truly achieve sustainability in the sector, it is essential to reduce the flow of materials and address both sustainable manufacturing and consumption.

Human bodies naturally fluctuate. Whether due to aging, pregnancy, physical health conditions, mental health challenges, or significant life changes, everyone experiences changes in body shape and size. Consequently, clothing sizes also frequently change. While retaining garments for as long as possible is the pinnacle of the slow fashion philosophy, this is not always feasible given our changing bodies. Yet, this should not be a source of guilt.

The rise of fast fashion can be traced back to various social factors, including peer pressure, economic considerations, cultural shifts, and societal norms. Fast fashion is characterised by inexpensive, trendy clothing produced swiftly to keep up with the latest styles, yet it has a significant environmental impact. However, a growing solution to this issue is adjustable sizing, which adapts to body changes and promotes garment longevity.

Understanding the Problem of Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is predicated on mass production, which often results in excess inventory and overproduction. This surplus frequently leads to textiles being discarded or sold at significantly reduced prices, contributing to waste. Moreover, the rapid shifts in fashion trends encourage consumers to discard items after just a few uses, exacerbating waste generation.

The term ‘fast fashion’ derives from the rapid pace at which garments are designed, produced, distributed, and marketed. This model allows retailers to offer a vast array of products, providing consumers with more choices and variety in fashion at lower costs.

Additionally, the conventional sizing system used in the fashion industry lacks inclusivity. It fails to accommodate the diverse range of consumer body types and sizes, leading to the production of ill-fitting garments that are often discarded or relegated to the back of the closet.

According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion sector is not only the world’s second-largest water consumer, but is also responsible for 2-8 per cent of all global carbon dioxide emissions. Regrettably, the detrimental impacts of fast fashion on the environment often go unnoticed by consumers. The effects of rapid fashion on the environment are as follows:

1. Water

Fast fashion adversely impacts the environment through its substantial consumption of water and energy, as well as its greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of non-renewable resources. Approximately 700 gallons of water are required to produce a single cotton shirt, while a pair of jeans demands around 2,000 gallons, making the fashion industry the second-largest consumer of water globally. Moreover, textile dyeing often involves the disposal of leftover dyeing water into ditches, streams, or rivers.

2. Energy

The process of transforming plastic fibres into textiles is energy-intensive and involves the use of significant amounts of petroleum. It also releases volatile particulate matter and acids, such as hydrogen chloride. Additionally, cotton, despite being a staple in fast fashion items, is no more considered to be environmentally friendly to produce. Moreover, the use of pesticides, deemed necessary for cotton cultivation, poses risks to farmers’ health too.

More sustainable materials, such as wild silk, linen, hemp, organic cotton, and lyocell, offer environmentally friendlier alternatives for clothing production. Adopting these materials can help reduce the waste generated by fast fashion.

3. Microplastics

Synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyester, and acrylic, commonly used by the fashion industry, take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Additionally, producing leather requires substantial amounts of feed, water, land, and fossil fuels to raise cattle. The tanning process, one of the most toxic stages of the entire fashion supply chain, involves the use of non-biodegradable chemicals that contaminate water sources. These chemicals include formaldehyde, mineral salts, coal tar derivatives, various oils, and dyes.

The Benefits of Adjustable Sizing

Clothes with adjustable sizing can adapt to variations in body shape and size, offering a practical solution to common sizing issues. These garments, featuring adjustable straps, ties, or waistbands, enhance durability and adaptability while reducing the need for frequent replacements.

1.  Longevity: Clothing with adjustable features can be worn for extended periods as they can be tailored to fit various body shapes and sizes. This not only prolongs the life of the garments but also reduces the need for replacements, ultimately decreasing textile waste.

2.  Inclusivity: Adjustable sizing promotes diversity, unlike traditional sizing systems that often exclude individuals whose bodies do not conform to standard dimensions. It ensures that more people can find clothing that fits well and feels comfortable, accommodating a broader range of body types.

3. Versatility: Adjustable clothing is inherently versatile. A single garment with adaptable elements can be styled for different occasions and seasons. This versatility encourages consumers to use their clothes for longer periods, reducing the need to purchase new items frequently.

4. Economic Benefits: While eco-friendly clothing often comes at a higher initial cost, adjustable sizing offers long-term financial benefits. Investing in well-made, adaptable garments can minimise spending on disposable items and frequent replacements, resulting in savings over time.

5. Functionality: Adjustable sizing enhances safety, aesthetics, and functionality. Just as a device with an adjustable speed setting is more versatile than one with a fixed speed, clothing that can be adjusted serves multiple purposes and adapts to various needs.

The Environmental Impact of Adjustable Sizing

According to an analysis, 85 per cent of all textiles end up in landfills each year, which not only depletes water sources but also pollutes rivers and streams. Furthermore, the simple act of washing garments annually releases 500,000 tonnes of microfibres into the ocean, equivalent to the plastic content of 50 billion plastic bottles.

Adjustable sizing offers environmental benefits that extend beyond reducing textile waste. It diminishes the demand for new apparel production by encouraging consumers to buy fewer, higher-quality items. This, in turn, reduces the consumption of energy, water, and natural resources in the manufacturing process.

Moreover, adjustable sizing promotes a shift towards a more circular fashion industry. The lifecycle of an adaptable garment can be extended, and its environmental impact reduced, by passing it on, reselling it, or repurposing it. This approach contrasts sharply with the traditional linear model of clothing production, consumption, and disposal.

Embracing Change

Embracing adaptable sizing requires a mental shift for both consumers and the fashion industry. Consumers need to be willing to invest in clothing that is both durable and versatile, prioritising quality over quantity. Meanwhile, fashion companies must rethink their design and production processes to incorporate adjustable features into their garment lines.

Fortunately, the trend towards sustainable fashion is gaining momentum. Adjustable sizing is becoming increasingly significant, and many brands are incorporating it into their collections. Additionally, as consumer demand for more inclusive and sustainable options grows, the industry is bound to undergo significant transformations.

How Can a Consumer Make a Difference?

As a consumer, one can take various actions to promote the transition to adaptable sizing and create a more environmentally friendly wardrobe:

1.   Choose Quality Over Quantity: Invest in durable apparel that features adjustable elements. Look for garments that can adapt as and when needed.

2.  Support Sustainable Brands: Seek out clothing brands that prioritise sustainability and inclusivity in their design and production processes. Support brands that demonstrate a commitment to the environment.

3.  Educate Yourself: Understand the impact of fast fashion on society and the environment before making impulsive purchases. Be informed about the broader consequences of your fashion choices.

4.  Extend the Lifespan of Clothing: Care for your garments by adhering to the manufacturer’s care instructions, making necessary repairs, and exploring creative styling or repurposing ideas. Maintain and rejuvenate your wardrobe by repairing items when they wear and finding new ways to wear them.

5.  Advocate for Change: Voice your support for industry-wide reforms and demand that fashion companies offer more inclusive and sustainable solutions. Engage in dialogues that push for better practices within the fashion industry.

How Can a Company Make a Difference?

At a company level, there are several steps one can take to encourage the transition to adaptable sizing and foster a more environmentally friendly wardrobe:

1.  Use Better Materials: Opt for sustainable materials that are beneficial for the planet and prioritise the well-being of the people involved in their production. Choosing eco-friendly materials ensures a positive impact on both the environment and human welfare.

2.  Make Clothes that Fit Everyone: Create inclusive designs that cater to diverse body shapes, ensuring that everyone can find garments that fit comfortably and enhance their individual styles. By focusing on inclusivity in clothing design, companies empower customers to embrace their unique identities and feel confident in their fashion choices.

3. Cut Down on Waste: Implement methods to reduce excess material during the garment production process and increase the use of recycled materials. By adopting waste-reducing practices and incorporating more recycled content, companies can significantly contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.

4. Be Open About It: Embrace transparency by openly sharing your efforts to become more environmentally conscious and socially responsible. Being candid about your eco-friendly and fair practices builds trust and fosters a sense of accountability within the community.

5. Listen to Customers: Respond to customer feedback by attentively considering their desires and striving to provide clothing that aligns with their ethical principles and preferences. By actively engaging with customers and tailoring clothing offerings to their values, companies strengthen their connection with their audience and enhance customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

In a world dominated by fast fashion, adaptable sizing emerges as a practical solution to foster sustainability in our wardrobes. With its ability to conserve resources, reduce textile waste, and promote longevity, inclusivity, and versatility, adjustable clothing plays a crucial role in shaping a more circular fashion economy. Companies and manufacturers have the power to drive positive change by embracing adaptable sizing and making mindful choices that prioritise sustainability in their overall processes. Through collective effort, we can pave the way for a fairer and more sustainable future in the fashion industry, benefiting generations to come.