New Year, New Resolution: Sustainable Clothing in 2026
Sustainability is not new to our ears, and as the years go by, it becomes synonymous with true growth and accomplishment. With consumers' heightened environmental and social awareness, the dawn of 2026 looks greener for the better.
What is Sustainability and Its Greatest Irony
In the Brundtland report of 1987, the term "Sustainability" was coined. It refers to "meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." In our history book, this new word ironically is an old practice. Trough humanities rich, long history, the thought of sustainability has always influenced our practices. Hunting just enough for a meal, farming just to have enough supply for the winter, and taking what we only need from nature. These practices sadly slowly vanished as industralization hits in and the pace started speeding up.
Ironically, the term sustainability was created to address an issue. Our history might be laughing at us for a word coined after it had already been lost. Now, cheaper, faster, and easier is the main option. Artificial fertilizers drain Mellenia's long, nutrient-rich soil for quicker and larger yields. Products are created with faster and cheaper methods, sacrificing the environment and workers. The clothing industry is not an exception to this fact, as fast fashion products have taken over the market.
Coined in 1989 by The New York Times, these products were modeled during the 70s and established their place in the industry in the 90s. Using raw materials produced through poor agricultural practices, poor working environments, and synthetic materials commonly derived from petroleum and chemical processes, which contribute to overall pollution and heating of the planet. The fashion industry contributes to 20% on water pollution around the world. It is the third largest manufacturing industry and the second most polluting industry, second only to the oil industry. To put that into perspective, it was reported that "every second, one garbage truck full of clothing materials is dumped into landfills or burned."
The Path to Sustainable Clothing
In recent years, sustainable clothing has been steadily rising with a compound annual growth rate of 22.9%, contrary to fast fashion's 10.7%. In 2025, it was valued at $10.09 Billion, and if it keeps its growth pace, it's estimated rise to up to $24.99 billion by 2035. This is due to consumers' awareness of the environmental effects and harsh working conditions that fast fashion brings. Social media had a great influence on this, unlike before, when major celebrities drove opinions and trends. In this modern era of connectivity, people are more swayed by independent influencers and content creators creating unfiltered and honest truth, free from brand restrictions and company control.
Whether it be thorough or just a general knowledge of the topic, the rise of sustainable clothing has been evident through the years. The path was already paved; all we need is to keep walking to widen and reach further. It is our responsibility to continue this path for the next generations to have a livable future.
This year, Cottonique loves to help you join this shift. We are a hypoallergenic brand that strives for sustainability. From 100% organic cotton, GOT Certified suppliers, B Corp Certification, innovative hydro pressure wash, Hydro thermal compacting process, and sedo stitch technique, the company creates products that are free of harmful chemicals, lessen water consumption, decrease waste production, safe for your skin, and kind to the environment. Products crafted from nature that safely return to its own soil.
