Why shop made to order clothing sustainable

THE LOWDOWN | Why Shop Made to Order Clothing

As we round the corner to the end of 2023, our collective society is pretty aware of the habits of overconsumption and its effects on the environment. With the habits of overconsumption, comes overproduction. According to a study from consulting firm McKinsey, the number of garments produced has doubled since the year 2000. Discards are now crowding the landscape of the global south, creating mountains and shorelines of garments no longer needed, but still rapidly consumed. Shoppers now view annual sales as celebrations, as retailers aim to move out all of the eggs they’ve put into their basket, or so to speak. While it’s hard to resist the markdowns of pieces whose popularity was a gamble, at Cadre we’re so much more into celebrating brands creating sure bets. Enter Public Habit’s made-to-order process, proving that good things come to those who wait. Relying on their customer’s direct orders, they are able to gauge the demand and produce accordingly, rather than relying on trend forecasting to make an educated guess on the next hit item. Foregoing traditional production line components (and costs!) like design, storage and store, Public Habit brings high-quality materials, such as organic cotton and cashmere, at a discount straight from the factory to the consumer in a made-to-order model, taking one to three months. With sweater season and holiday gifting quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to make a feel-good commitment to quality with our edit of Public Habit’s classic knits. Not only will you and your lucky recipients have a go-to piece that garners as many compliments as rotations in your everyday wardrobe, the knit will grant peace of mind in creating exactly what is needed. Indeed a win-win right as  fashion needs it most. Discover Public Habit below and meet your new knit match in heaven, or rather, match made-to-order. 

Here is a bit more on the benefits of Made-to-order clothing offers our planet.

  1. Reducing Waste and Overproduction: The fashion industry has long been associated with excessive waste and overproduction. Made-to-order clothing follows a more sustainable model. Each piece is created only when an order is placed, eliminating the need for excessive inventory. By producing garments based on actual demand, we can significantly reduce waste and minimize the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. 
  1. Minimizing Energy and Water Consumption: The production of clothing consumes vast amounts of energy and water, putting a strain on our planet's resources. From growing raw materials to the manufacturing process, traditional fashion practices often involve high energy and water consumption. Conversely, made-to-order clothing reduces the need for large-scale production and its associated resource requirements. When garments are made to order, materials are sourced and used efficiently, reducing waste and minimizing the overall environmental impact. Additionally, the absence of excess inventory means less electricity is used for storing, transporting, and maintaining unsold products. By embracing made-to-order fashion, we can take significant strides towards conserving precious resources and combating climate change. 
  1. Encouraging Ethical and Fair Labor Practices: The fast fashion industry has long been criticized for its exploitative labor practices, including sweatshops and low wages. Made-to-order fashion provides an opportunity to shift towards ethical and fair labor practices. By focusing on smaller-scale production, made-to-order brands can prioritize working conditions, ensuring fair wages and safe environments for their workers. By supporting these brands, we contribute to an industry that values human rights and promotes sustainable livelihoods, fostering a brighter future for workers and the fashion industry as a whole.

As we navigate a world increasingly aware of the environmental and social consequences of our actions, embracing made-to-order clothing emerges as a sustainable solution in the fashion industry. By reducing waste, minimizing resource consumption, and promoting ethical labor practices  this revolutionary approach paves the way for a more responsible and conscious fashion future