Featuring MUSE for iPhone 16 Pro Max by Coehl
For many of us who love fashion, it wasn’t too long ago that embracing stylish pieces while staying mindful of sustainability felt nearly impossible. That is, unless you were willing to dive headfirst into DIY projects or start your own brand to contribute to the fight against the climate crisis.
Today, more brands than ever are actually listening to both consumers and the planet, incorporating greener practices into their manufacturing. This has made conscious fashion a reality—though some may blur the lines with what is known as greenwashing.
As a mindful consumer, or someone who wants to be, you might have a lot of questions running through your head. From what conscious fashion is, to the ecological cost of fashion, and what makes a brand truly sustainable, there’s a lot to unravel.
Fashion with a conscience is no longer a distant dream—it’s a growing movement. Here’s how to be a part of it.
What Does Conscious Fashion Really Mean?
Conscious fashion is about adopting a mindset that values complete awareness of the products you purchase. It emphasises the importance of exercising intention with each purchase, no matter how big or small, ensuring every product is made and sourced using ethical and sustainable practices. This includes both apparel and accessories, respecting the entire ecological system—humans, animals, and the planet—throughout the product’s lifespan, from production to consumption. The goal is to minimise harm to the environment and society; an antidote to the waste and excess of fast fashion, from the expansive trench coat that drapes over your silhouette to the wristlet that rests delicately upon your wrist.
Environmental Responsibility in Fashion
A fashion trend’s life cycle is often to blame when discussing the environmental impact of fashion. This is because fast fashion is primarily designed to quickly produce and sell products that ride the wave of fleeting trends. A trend typically undergoes five stages: introduction, rise, peak, decline, obsolescence. When a trend runs its course, the once-popular garments born from it are often doomed to be incinerated or discarded, headed to the landfill.
This has a significant environmental cost that far exceeds the initial price tag. Among its most pressing issues, the fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water globally, right behind agriculture. Approximately 20% of the world’s clean water pollution is attributed to textile dyeing and finishing. To make matters worse, the fashion industry accounts for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—that’s more than both aviation and shipping combined. The hunger for inexpensive clothing and other fashion items also means that there are countless in developing countries trapped in harsh and underpaid labour.
What Makes a Sustainable Brand
As consumers become more aware of the environmental and social impacts of their fashion choices, sustainability is slowly and steadily becoming a pivotal factor in their fine process of selection.
Brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices and ethical production earn more trust from the crowd. To avoid falling for greenwashing, here’s how to discern a genuine sustainable brand.
Embracing Slow Fashion Over Fast Fashion
Brands that embrace this philosophy prioritise quality over quantity. As a consumer, you’re making a commitment to thoughtful, intentional purchases that outlive the inevitable passing of trends.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Materials
Green-minded brands make the effort to source and employ materials that have a lower environmental impact, whether it is carbon footprint, water usage or habitat destruction. Organic cotton, recycled fabrics, as well as vegan leather are some planet-friendly materials that promote overall longevity and sustainability. At Coehl, we select vegan leather for our phone cases, infusing the timeless appeal of leather while catering to those seeking ethical luxury.
From Waste to Wear
Reduce, reuse, recycle, and repurpose. From giving new life to old or outdated products to finding new ways to upcycle, innovative brands can do their part in minimising waste and conserving Earth’s limited resources. Find out how we bring new meaning to this at Coehl, where we introduce utility in the most unexpected ways—from our Laurel universal lanyard to our Esme magnetic cardholder. We further this commitment by incorporating vegan leather into our products instead of real leather, and strive to make our packaging as sustainable as possible— that is fully recyclable, and printed with soy-based ink (yes, that exists!).
Supporting Local and Artisan Production
When you shop near you, you’re cutting down on pollution and its environmental cost. Additionally, supporting sustainable brands rooted in local craftsmanship is a powerful investment in fair wages and a meaningful contribution to the community’s social and economic well-being. At Coehl, we believe sustainability goes beyond location—it’s about thoughtful design, durable materials, and reducing waste. Our commitment is to creating pieces that stand the test of time, offering a more mindful way to shop.
Building a Thoughtful and Eco-Conscious Wardrobe
While major apparel names often dominate the conversation about building an eco-conscious wardrobe, sustainability runs deeper—into the seemingly insignificant items we use every day. Whether it’s the iPhone case you barely notice or the cardholder that’s with you day and night, these often-overlooked pieces can also be true markers of an ensemble that considers both style and environmental impact.
Empower Yourself with a Conscious Purchase at Coehl
Featuring Haven for AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by Coehl
As the movement towards conscious fashion grows, every choice to shape a more sustainable future becomes more pronounced. By being mindful about what we buy—from the materials to the brands—we can make a real difference for the planet and its people.
At Coehl, we’re all about providing products that reflect your values, so you can shop comfortably knowing you’re making a positive impact. Let’s embrace the seamless harmony of tech and fashion that not only looks good but feels good for the world, too. Discover which selections align best with your guiding principles by browsing our catalogue today.
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