Introducing: The best shops for sustainable fashion and eco-friendly clothing

Sustainable clothing - what do we mean by that?

Sure, fashion is fun – but unfortunately, clothing is also a real climate killer. According to statistics from the European Parliament , 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the production of clothing and shoes alone. But more and more brands and consumers are advocating for an alternative: sustainable fashion that has little or no impact on our environment and is still high-quality and stylish.

The current fair fashion movement has thankfully shed the eco-flavor of past decades and instead focuses on premium quality and transparency in the production of sustainable clothing. Each brand pursues a different approach, but those looking for these qualities will find manufacturers who are serious about climate protection.

• Use of materials that are organically grown or recycled
• CO2 and waste reduction as well as resource-efficient production
• Fair working conditions and fair wages

Special labels are a helpful tool for identifying fashion that doesn't just claim to be sustainable. The Green Button is a government-backed label that certifies companies taking responsibility for their supply chains and production processes. The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) label considers environmental and social criteria in the production and processing of textiles made from organic fibers. The Fair Wear Foundation, on the other hand, examines the working conditions in fair fashion: employment contracts, fair wages, and safe working conditions are just a few of the standards it sets.

Organic cotton & sustainability of other materials

The materials used to make our fashion are unfortunately often anything but sustainable. Many chemicals are used in their production, polluting the environment in the producing countries. Synthetic fibers release microplastics into our water when washed – half a ton every year, to be precise! And other materials like cotton also have their drawbacks in terms of sustainability. For example, producing one kilogram of cotton requires between 10,000 and 17,000 liters of water.

Sustainable shopping: Fair fashion in your city

Sustainable fashion in Munich

For 15 years, the Bella Natura concept store in the heart of Schwabing has been inviting shoppers to browse sustainable fashion across three floors. The selection focuses on high-quality, durable pieces that also appeal to trend-conscious fashion enthusiasts. Further information can be found on the Bella Natura website: https://bella-natura.shop/

DearGoods has four locations in Munich and additional shops in Berlin, Augsburg, and Mühldorf am Inn. They exclusively offer sustainable items that are fairly produced and traded, and that meet animal welfare and environmental protection standards. More information can be found here: https://www.deargoods.com/

Gentlemen looking for sustainable fashion will find what they're looking for at The Second Gerdismann on Barerstraße. Here you'll find second-hand clothing from high-quality labels, just waiting for a new home as a cherished piece. More information at: http://www.thesecond-gerdismann.de/

Fair Fashion in Berlin

format & WESEN represents a brand and its associated store and online shop. Clothing from the in-house label format is produced locally in small collections and can be tried on in-store alongside other brands. Further information can be found here: https://format-favourites.de/

Konk also offers sustainable fashion produced in Berlin, including clothing and accessories from a small, select group of local designers. More information here: http://www.konk-berlin.de/

Is your city not on our list? Greenpeace has created an interactive map with locations and events for sustainable shopping, listing numerous venues: https://reuse-revolution-map.greenpeace.de/index.html#/

Those who prefer to shop online will find an even wider selection here. The Glore online shop – short for globally responsible fashion – offers a variety of brands for men and women, and you can see the sustainability aspects of each garment. Armed Angels offers not only high-quality basics but also a large selection of jeans in its Detoxdenim collection. These trendy styles are GOTS certified and vegan.

But it's not just clothing; shoes are also available in sustainable versions. Veja sneakers are made with rubber from the Amazon, which the brand consciously purchases at four times the market price to guarantee fair wages and good working conditions.

Even better than fair fashion: second-hand

Fashion doesn't always have to be new. Buying secondhand clothes helps extend the lifespan of garments and maximizes the use of resources. The best thing about secondhand shopping is finding new favorite pieces at particularly affordable prices. Since ethical fashion often costs a bit more, combining it with pre-owned clothing is perfect. And you don't have to sacrifice quality either, as there are even secondhand shops and online marketplaces for designer fashion. At the same time, more and more large online retailers like Zalando and Armed Angels are offering dedicated categories for pre-owned clothing.

Sustainable fashion & matching accessories

Shopping for fair fashion is an important first step for anyone who wants to consume more consciously. But even after buying a new sustainable favorite, there's a lot you can do. This includes washing and storing materials gently . A suitable clothes hanger prevents textiles from stretching out or getting damaged, ensuring your sustainable clothing stays perfectly in place for a long time. Hanging your jeans and other trousers on a clothes hanger can also save you a wash or two: creases will simply disappear overnight.

A major problem in the fashion industry remains the overproduction of textiles, which simply end up in enormous mountains of landfill. Only one percent of the world's clothing is recycled into new garments, partly because we lack the necessary technology. At MAWA, we are taking a stand against this kind of waste by processing surplus textile fibers into clothes hangers. In this way, a waste product is transformed into a high-quality everyday item that can itself be recycled.

Discover sustainable clothes hangers from MAWA online here and learn more about MAWA & sustainability .