A revolutionary shift has been taking place in the fashion industry: no longer is it focused on setting unrealistic and singular physical standards, but embracing the wonderful variety of body types of humankind. Sustainable fashion and body positivity have come into the spotlight, setting the tone for more inclusivity and equality.
1. Sustainable Style: Choosing a Look for Every Body
Finding clothes that fit your style AND look amazing on your body shape can be tricky. Most of us gravitate towards what we know, and never really think to step outside of that. But one way to give your wardrobe a boost and learn to dress better from top to bottom is to focus on sustainable fashion.
Sustainable fashion isn’t only about the materials used, but also about making informed choices so your style lasts long term.
- It’s about understanding your body type, flattering it with colors and cuts that make you feel great, and owning pieces that will be classic for years.
- It’s about updating your wardrobe seasonally with pieces that are timeless and sustainable, mixing up your look while still being affordable.
Invest in quality basics that will last – they will save you money in the long run. And to update your look each season, search for new pieces made with sustainable and ethically sourced materials. Mix and match your looks to make sure you always make the best choices for your figure. And don’t forget to treat your wardrobe investments with the TLC they deserve so they can last.
Finding a sustainable style that fits well and flatters your body is all about finding a balance. Once you have the items you need, spend time learning how to style them for each occasion. The more intentional you are with the clothes you buy, the more you can look great and have fun with what you wear.
2. Embracing Inclusivity: Celebrating Body Diversity
Body diversity is an essential point of focus for conversations around inclusivity. At its most fundamental level, it means celebrating and accepting all body shapes and sizes – no matter what they may be. Taking the path of respecting and appreciating individual bodies can bring about positive attitudes, inspiring growth and acceptance of beauty in all forms.
- Flip the Narrative – Instead of perpetuating an outdated standard of beauty, embrace the idea that every body type is unique and perfect in its own way. Flip the narrative from one of division and shame, to one of inclusivity and celebration. Start talking about the beauty of different body shapes, from waif-thin to pear-shape, and recognize that everyone has something beautiful and unique to offer.
- Support Empowerment – Lying at the heart of inclusivity and body diversity is empowerment and self-love. Take time to recognize the power of feeling comfortable in your own skin. Acknowledge that change is possible when, rather than focusing on what’s wrong, your focus instead shifts to celebrating the differences in every individual.
- Celebrate What’s Unique – Move beyond the conventional tropes of beauty and recognize that there’s beauty in every shape and size. Stop the weight-shaming comments and judgments and instead use a lens of appreciation to encourage empowerment and inclusivity. By celebrating body diversity and embracing inclusivity, we can encourage body positivity.
Adopting an inclusive approach opens our eyes to the beauty of our interconnectedness and the potential that comes with feeling connected. This isn’t about setting a new standard of beauty, or reinforcing the concept of ‘ideal’ body type. It’s about enabling people to explore their own form of expression and self-love, regardless of what that may look like. An acceptance of body diversity makes space for self-confidence, self-esteem, and individual uniqueness.
3. How Fashion Can Lead the Way For Body Acceptance
Over time, clothing has become increasingly more revealing and daring. It’s time for fashion to take a stand and break down the beauty standard enforced by society. Here are three ways fashion can start to lead the way for body acceptance.
- Include all body shapes & sizes: Unfortunately, fashion only generally caters to the “standard” body size. It’s time to promote inclusivity and show that all body types are beautiful! This can be accomplished by producing clothing in a wider range of sizes.
- Highlight diversity: We all have certain features or traits that make us unique – and that’s something to be celebrated! Highlighting diversity by featuring alternative looks and body types in fashion lookbooks and campaigns can go a long way in encouraging body acceptance.
- Focus on comfort: Stop focusing on clothing that highlights specific body parts. Instead, focus on clothing that is comfortable yet stylish – and can be worn by everyone, regardless of their size or shape. This can put the emphasis back on comfort and confidence while wearing any outfit.
Fashion has always been at the forefront of societal change – it’s time to continue that trend and make a brave and powerful statement when it comes to encouraging body acceptance. We need to push the boundaries and rethink our fashion standards in order to promote the beauty of all body types.
4. Sustainable Fashion: Closing the Gap Between Values and Actions
Sustainable fashion has become more of a buzzword in recent years. However, with actions being harder to follow through on than the values that come along with it, there is a gap between the two. Closing this gap is essential if sustainable fashion is to become a part of a consumer’s daily life.
Start by asking yourself what being sustainable as a consumer means to you. Consider the materials, how the item was produced, the working conditions of the seamstresses, and the company’s environmental policies that must be taken into account in order to make sure the ethical and sustainable goals are met.
Start by investing in quality, well-made items. This is especially important for items like denim, which can be an especially environmentally taxing fabric. Investing in quality pieces also means that they can be kept longer instead of needing to be replaced often, saving you money and helping to reduce over-consumption in the fashion industry.
- Do your researching
- Invest in quality, well-made items
- Look for classic, timeless pieces
By doing research on companies and their products, you can find out what values they prioritize and how they have factored in sustainability. Be mindful of big-name fashion brands, as some often claim to be “green” but do not truly prioritize sustainability beyond their marketing.
Finally, look for classic, timeless pieces in your wardrobe. This way, these garments can stay in your wardrobe for a long time, and they are as easy to integrate into any style. These items will need to be replaced less often, helping to reduce textile waste.
5. Making A Difference Together: Promoting Sustainable and Body Positive Attitudes
People everywhere can make a profound difference in their communities by promoting sustainable and body positive attitudes. With a few simple steps, individuals can help create a safer space for themselves and others to embrace different types of beauty:
- Lead by Example: Actions speak louder than words. It’s important to remember that we are all part of the same journey and that no one is perfect. Showing respect and acceptance for different body types and beauty will help create a lasting impact.
- Take a Stand: It’s so important to stand up against any form of discrimination or judgement that might be based on body type or beauty. No one should be made to feel ashamed or embarrassed about their own body or those of others.
- Challenge Subconscious Beliefs: We often pick up belief systems that aren’t necessarily true, and those beliefs often have a negative impact on our perception of beauty. It’s our job to ensure that the messages we put out in the world are based on respect and kindness.
By making a conscious effort to promote sustainable and body positive attitudes, we can create a better world for ourselves and those around us. We can encourage others to accept and celebrate the beauty in each person, and we can strive to create a society where everyone is celebrated and appreciated for who they are.
We can all be part of the body positivity revolution by investing in sustainable fashion. Let’s come together to embrace the beauty of diverse body types, sizes, and backgrounds—creating a space in which we can all feel confident and accepted. After all, sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about creating an inclusive, empowering lifestyle.
