Most sustainable fashion trends of 2020

The world changed for better in 2020. Everything that we took for granted became important in this eventful year. People went back to home cooked food and old friends, and another thing that all of us did was giving in to minimalism, from beauty to fashion. All the important aspects of our lives saw us taking the simple route, and sustainable fashion has to be the most followed trend of 2020. We got in touch with Tanvi Bikhchandani, Co-founder, Tamarind Chutney- a sustainable clothing brand, to look back at the best sustainable fashion trends that ruled the year.

In fact it’s not just okay - it’s recommended! Being sustainable is all about making the most of what you have, reusing your existing wardrobe. If you’re reading this and having an OMG no way reaction - blame it on fast fashion companies that just want you to buy-buy-buy so that they can increase profits! Remember, the most sustainable outfit is the one you already have. Don’t want to listen to us - it’s okay, the celebrities are doing it too. From Deepika and Kareena to Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, repeating outfits is no more a faux pas.

To continue in the vein of making the most of existing wardrobe - layering is another practice that is sustainable but also allows you to experiment with different looks. Pair your summery linen dress with a turtleneck and tights to stay cost in winter. Cardigans are also useful for layering during that ‘in-between’ weather and change of season.

Whether it was a chic striped top for your Zoom meeting, a pair of comfortable palazzo pants to lounge about the house or a little black dress for that rare masked outing — 2020 was the year of wardrobe essentials. These staple garments focus on comfort and functionality along with designs. They can be paired with many other items and worn across diverse occasions. Stylish and sustainable.

The COVID pandemic led to an increase in support for small businesses through the Vocal for Local campaign. On the fashion side, small businesses are often more in line with sustainable fashion principles - producing small batches, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly raw materials. Small businesses that work with artisans and traditional Indian crafts were also popular - many crafts are inherently sustainable and resource efficient.

Perhaps the most important trend of the year is the realization that fast fashion and overdependence on trends represents a culture of consumerism that is unsustainable and based on exploitation of garment workers. In the past year, many customers have begun questioning the default habit to purchase garments purely on the basis of trends. It’s time to stop and think - do we really need that garment? How can we best use our current wardrobe and shop for clothes keeping in mind longevity and zero waste. Here’s to carrying that attitude over to 2021