What is Circular Fashion and Why its Important for Fashion Sustainability

Dear, My Love,

We live in a fashion economy that prioritizes linear consumption rather than circular consumption. But, what does that mean? Why should you, as a consumer (or a producer), be worried about linear or circular fashion? Whether you are a sustainability fanatic or not, the fashion you choose to consume makes a big impact on our planet and the life within it.

Table of Contents (not linked bc this is Blogger and I have no clue how HTML works)

1. Fashion Industry Statistics
2. Defining Linear and Circular Fashion Economy
3. Why It’s Important 
4. What you Can do
5. Five Circular Fashion Brands (That are cute and not crazy expensive)

Fashion Industry Statistics

You’ve probably have read of the waste the current fashion industry produces per year, and you’re probably tired of hearing the same statistics over and over again. The same “the sky is falling” kind of news, that leaves a pit in your stomach or agitation from reading and hearing the same things over and over again. But not all fashion industry statistics are bad. While being aware of the consequences and the harm the industry has is an important step towards sustainability, it’s also good to celebrate and be aware of wins and progress the industry has made. According to Wunderlabel which released a complied list of 2025 fashion statistics: 

• 36% of Gen-Z buys new clothing at least monthly
• Sustainable fashion market predicted to grow at 8x the speed of the overall fashion market
• 24% of fashion retailers plan to produce half of their garments from recycled materials within the next few years
• Half of all fashion consumers say that they are aware of negative impacts their consumption has
• 59% of these people also say it’s hard to break the habit
• Almost 40% of the influencer marketing in fashion is dominated by nano-influencers

What do these statistics mean for you? Well, the sustainable fashion sub-market is growing exponentially, if you’re looking to start a sustainable fashion boutique right now is a great time to do that! Many of your favorite retailers are also trying to become more sustainable, so you don’t have to leave your favorite brands and stores to settle for more sustainable consumption. 

Many nano-influencers within influencer fashion marketing have a big impact on consumer consumption. It’s important they promote more sustainable and ethical consumption to change the tide and make it easier for individuals to start consuming more sustainably. You might not be aware of how to change your consumption behaviors and even where to begin, influencers are a great place to get that information!

Defining Linear and Circular Fashion Economy

Linear Economy Consumption: This kind of fashion ends up in landfills no matter what you do. Whether you donate it or throw it out after a few years of wear and tear, it all eventually ends up in a big pile of heaping trash. These clothes are not reused or recycled. 

Circular Economy Consumption: This kind of fashion is constantly reused, once it is made it never leaves the cycle—doesn’t reach a landfill. After it has been used and gone through wear and tear, it is deconstructed and the material is reused to make a new garment. And, in a case where these clothes do end up in a landfill they decompose within a few months. 

Why its important

Let’s be real—wanting new clothes every now and then (or every month) isn’t a bad thing. I’m constantly browsing for new pieces to refresh my wardrobe too. The real question isn’t if you’re shopping, it’s how and where you’re shopping.

If you're leaning into the circular fashion space—think secondhand, vintage, or re-sell platforms—you’re already helping shift fashion in a better direction. Brands like Zara and Djerf Avenue have even started their own re-sell pages, which shows just how fast this part of the fashion world is growing.

You don’t have to feel guilty for loving fashion or for wanting cute clothes from brands you adore. What matters is becoming more conscious—choosing pieces that have a longer life, supporting sustainable materials, and, when possible, shopping from brands that are doing better for the planet.

Even if a piece isn’t 100% perfect, giving it a second (or third) life still slows down its journey to the landfill. And that small shift? It matters more than you think. 

What you can do to be more conscious  

I know, words like “education” and “sustainability” can sound a little overwhelming (and maybe not the cutest vibe), but learning about what makes a brand or fabric truly sustainable can actually be the most freeing thing. Once you know what to look for—materials, practices, and values—making better choices becomes so much easier.

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about becoming aware. You start to understand how your habits shape the world around you—and suddenly, the pull toward fast fashion doesn’t feel as strong anymore. You’ll naturally begin drifting away from brands like Shein, Romwe, or Cider, because you’ve outgrown them. They just won’t feel aligned with who you’re becoming.

And yes, sustainable fashion can come with a higher price tag, but that shift also makes you more thoughtful with your purchases. It’s not about buying less fun clothes—it’s about buying from brands that care about the people making them and the planet they’re made on.

Want to know the difference between sustainable and ethical brands? 

List of five circular fashion brands

Here are some brands to get started:

Stella McCartney

Style: Luxury, high-fashion, chic basics & designer pieces
Price Range: $$$$ (Splurge-worthy)

If you’re for some reason reading this article and duper rich this is the brand for you. This is fashion that turns heads and takes a stand—Stella McCartney is your girl. Known for cruelty-free materials and timeless silhouettes, Stella’s pieces are high-end but deeply rooted in sustainability. She’s a pioneer in the circular fashion space—using recycled fabrics, upcycled designs, and pushing innovations like mushroom leather. Total dream closet energy with a conscience.

Outerknown

Style: Coastal cool, casual everyday wear, loungewear, and basics
Price Range: $$–$$$

Outerknown gives beachy, effortless vibes but with a purpose. Think cozy tees, denim, and weekend wear that’s made to last. They’re all about transparency and fair labor and have a take-back program that lets you recycle or resell your pre-loved pieces. It’s comfort meets care for the planet—literally made for slow, intentional living.

RE/DONE

Style: Retro, vintage-inspired denim and elevated basics
Price Range: $$$

This brand is your go-to if you’re into 90s jeans, vintage fits, and classic white tees. RE/DONE gives old denim a glow-up by upcycling vintage Levi’s and other garments into one-of-a-kind, modern pieces. They’re keeping clothing out of landfills and giving it a whole new life, proving that second chances really do look good.

Thousand Fell

Style: Sleek, minimal sneakers (think everyday staples)
Price Range: $$–$$$

Thousand Fell makes sneakers that actually get recycled. Like—legitimately. When your shoes reach the end of their life, you send them back and they break them down into new pairs. The designs are clean, versatile, and made to go with everything. If you want to walk the talk (sustainably), start with your soles.

Tentree

Style: Soft essentials, activewear, outdoorsy-cute loungewear
Price Range: $–$$

If you love soft basics and nature-core vibes, Tentree is a must. Every purchase plants 10 trees (yes, really!), and they use Earth-friendly fabrics like TENCEL™ and organic cotton. Their clothes are perfect for chill mornings, coffee runs, or light hikes—and they even have a resale platform to help clothes stay in rotation longer.