What is Circular Fashion?
And no, it’s not just another fleeting fashion trend dressed up as something revolutionary.
Circular fashion challenges how the traditional fashion industry operates by shifting to a closed-loop system where clothes stay in circulation rather than ending up in landfill.
It’s NOT just: Clothes are made → You wear them → You throw them out
Instead, circular fashion follows this model: Clothes are made → You wear them → You upcycle, donate, or resell them
Imagine a world where every piece of clothing, every shoe, and every accessory is designed and produced with the intention of staying in use for as long as possible. That’s circular fashion.
Where Did Circular Fashion Come From?
Circular fashion stems from circular economy principles, which prioritize extending a product's lifecycle rather than constantly creating new ones.
This approach promotes:
- Mindful production – Encouraging brands to make clothes that last
- Sustainable consumption – Encouraging people to buy less and choose better
- Reduced textile waste – Keeping clothes out of landfill
If more people shop secondhand, the need for brands to constantly churn out new products will decrease, forcing them to focus on quality over quantity.
Is Circular Fashion Just Another Buzzword?
It’s not just marketing fluff (looking at you, greenwashing ). More Australian fashion brands and consumers are embracing circular fashion as the future.
From luxury Louis Vuitton handbags to recycled puffer jackets, circular fashion is proving it’s here to stay. But with so much information out there, how do you know who’s legit and who’s just slapping a “sustainable” sticker on their product?
Legislation & Circular Fashion: The Rules Are Changing
Governments and policymakers are stepping in to define what’s truly sustainable.
For example, the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan pushes brands to:
- Reduce textile waste
- Use sustainable materials
- Make clothing durable and recyclable
So, if European supermodels and the French fashion industry are making the shift, it's only a matter of time before the rest of the world follows.
How to Join the Circular Fashion Movement
If you're ready to say goodbye to fast fashion and hello to a more sustainable wardrobe, here’s how to start:
1. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Buy high-quality fabrics that withstand wash cycles and last for years. Better materials mean better longevity (and fewer wardrobe malfunctions).
2. Shop Preloved Fashion
We might be biased, but shopping preloved fashion (CIRCULAR CLOTHING CO., cough cough) is the easiest way to score one-of-a-kind vintage pieces at lower prices.
Click here to shop curated preloved fashion
3. Repair & Upcycle
Before you throw out an old jacket, repair it or upcycle it into something fresh. A little creativity (or a few stitches) can breathe new life into your wardrobe.
4. Choose Sustainable Materials
Go for clothing made from recycled or natural fibres, like:
- Organic cotton
- Recycled plastic water bottles
- Pineapple leather (yes, it’s a thing!)
Brands like Patagonia and Stella McCartney are leading the charge in using circular textiles.
Why Circular Fashion Matters
The fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. It’s responsible for:
- Water pollution
- High carbon emissions
- Millions of tonnes of textile waste
Circular fashion reduces demand for raw materials, cuts waste, and makes fashion more sustainable.
4 Steps to Achieve a Circular Wardrobe
Want to make the shift? Here’s where to start:
- Assess Your Wardrobe – Take stock of what you have & identify items to resell, donate, or repair.
- Educate Yourself – Follow sustainable fashion influencers and blogs (like this one ).
- Shop Mindfully – Choose quality preloved pieces over fast fashion.
- Engage in the Community – Join groups & resale platforms like CIRCULAR CLOTHING CO. to make an impact.
Ready to Join the Circular Fashion Movement?
Now that you know what circular fashion is and how to get started, it’s time to put your knowledge into action.
Start by shopping preloved Australian and international brands that are waiting for a second chance at love.
