What is the difference between eco friendly, ethical and sustainable fashion? Simplifying the jargon.

Everyday, we get up, get dressed and get to work. Fashion is an active part of our daily life. Everyday, we also hear the terms sustainable fabrics, ethical fashion, eco-friendly clothing, and conscious fashion. These terms are used (and overused) individually and together many times.

Is ethical fashion, sustainable fashion and eco-friendly fashion all the same? What is the difference? How does a consumer understand? What term to look for in your favourite clothing brand? 

First and foremost, to understand these terms, you also have to absorb the fact that conventional fashion has a problem! It is highly polluting, relies on unethical labour, contributes carbon emission more than all transportation combined and uses unethical material. That is why terms like ethical fashion, sustainability, slow fashion and eco-friendly clothing exist.

Let me help you simplify the jargon.

What is ethical fashion?

Ethical : involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval, conforming to accepted standards of conduct (as per Merriam Webster)

Ethical fashion as a term started being used to counter the unsafe work conditions and unpaid labour often used by the fashion industries. Simply put, brands that describe themselves as ethically made or ethical fashion or ethical supply chain, signify that they work on a fair and living wage for their workers. 

In a way, ethical fashion is the response to the fast fashion industry that relies on exploiting the hands that make them. Fair trade is also a word used interchangeably with ethical fashion. 

Jiwya’s co-founder, Adhiraj Shinde, learning pit-loom weaving with one of our artisans

How to avoid greenwashing with this term: 

• Do not fall for just the claim of the word ethical in the brand’s description. 

• Check for further transparency around disclosure of people who make the clothes, their wages and acceptance in the brand’s core ethos. 

• Certifications like B Corp, Fair Trade Certification, GOTS Certification, UNFLN are a good indicator too.

Point to Note: 

• Fashion brands need to be at least 3 years into functioning to get accredited to some of these certifications. 

• Certain certifications are unavailable in many countries, especially in the global south. 

• Many smaller, homegrown and newer slow fashion brands rely on their social communications to express their supply chain's integrity. 

What is eco-friendly fashion?

Eco-friendly : not environmentally harmful (as per Merriam Webster)

Eco-friendly fashion as a term signifies use of material, process or practices that are safe to the planet as we know it. Simply put, using safer materials and chemicals, water and electricity conservation, not harming the natural ecosystems fall under eco-friendly fashion. 

Eco-friendly fashion is the response to the fashion industry’s excessive usage of toxic dyes, chemicals and unsafe materials for the planet, to its workers as well as the wearer. 

Jiwya’s co-founder, Aishwarya Lahariya, hand dyeing dry-farm cotton yarns in plant-colours

How to avoid greenwashing with this term: 

• Do not fall for plain usage of the word eco-friendly, green imagery, symbols for leaves and the planet without substantial backing to it. 

• Check for transparency around materials and chemicals used in the clothing. 

• Look for simple natural fibres without blends, certified dyes or natural dyes in product description. 

• Usage of functional costing like water repellent, stain repellent, wrinkle resistant etc. often means usage of harmful PFAS aka forever chemicals, which should be avoided at all costs.

• Certifications like Oeko-Tex, PETA, GOTS Certification, UNFLN are a good indicator too.

Point to Note: 

• Fashion brands need to be at least 2-3 years into functioning to get accredited to some of these certifications. 

• Many smaller, homegrown and newer slow fashion brands rely on their social communications to express their supply chain's integrity. 

What is sustainable fashion?

Sustainable : of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged, of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods (as per Merriam-Webster)

Sustainable fashion as a term is overarching to counter overproduction, usage of harmful chemicals, and a safe work structure to people involved. Simply put, brands that describe themselves as sustainable ethically signify that they work with environmentally friendly materials, ethical labour and a clean supply chain. 

In a way, sustainable fashion is one term to simplify them all. 

Jiwya’s exclusive exhibit: Suvem, edition 1. Our co-founders explained each product’s story.

How to avoid greenwashing with this term: 

• Do not fall for just the claim of the word sustainable in the brand’s description. Check for proof. 

• Material used, who makes the clothes, sourcing transparency, processing details in the brand’s core ethos. 

• Certifications like Oeko-Tex, PETA, B Corp, Fair Trade Certification, GOTS Certification, UNFLN are a good indicator too.

Point to Note:

• Fashion brands need to be at least 3 years into functioning to get accredited to some of these certifications. 

• Certain certifications are unavailable in many countries, especially in the global south. 

• Many smaller, homegrown and newer slow fashion brands rely on their social communications to express their supply chain's integrity

In conclusion:

Sustainable fashion can be a simple term used by brands and manufacturers to showcase their commitment to better fashion and a larger impact. When tackling individual issues, eco-friendly fashion and ethical fashion is used as well. However, it is important to note that green washing is rampant with these terms. As a consumer, one has to check a layer deeper to ensure the brand is doing what it is claiming and not fall for a namesake practice being used as a facade. Thankfully, regulations like EU for sustainable textiles and Fashion Act by NY Senate are ensuring these terms are used with proof to counter greenwashing. 

At Jiwya, we believe in transparency around our materials, processes and post consumer life of our products. Although just 1.5 years old, we actively list our certifications, practices we follow, impact of each product and materials used for each product. We simplify our entire ethos through one term- 100% plant-based. Needless to say, the quality of a garment goes hand-in-hand with following these practices to ensure lifetime of wear.

In my opinion, look for simplicity in a brand’s language. Complicated jargon, twisted words and explanations point towards greenwashing. Simpler the supply chain, higher the chances of better product- for your wallet, the planet and your body. 

Follow us along as we not only create better products but lead the way to redefining simple and true sustainability in fashion.