In recent years, the term “sustainable fashion” has become increasingly visible, appearing in marketing campaigns, on clothing labels, and in conversations about ethics and the environment. Yet despite its frequency, the meaning sometimes feels diluted or unclear.
For us, sustainability is a long-term responsibility. It reflects a commitment to making and wearing clothes in ways that respect both people and the planet.
In the sections below, we explore what sustainable fashion truly involves, why the fast-fashion model is unsustainable, and how we can move towards garments made with care, pieces designed to be worn often, valued over time, and, ideally, passed on.
What does it mean for a fashion brand to be sustainable?
Sustainability in fashion is a multi-faceted commitment. It touches everything from fibre selection and design to production methods, social responsibility, and end-of-life considerations.
For us, it begins with materials. Afar garments are made from natural fibres, French flax linen, silk, hemp, wool, and cashmere, each chosen for its low environmental impact, durability, and timeless appeal. These fibres are biodegradable, breathable, and age beautifully with wear.
Construction is equally considered. Our garments are sewn using 100% cotton thread and feature natural buttons made from corozo, shell, or green ivory, biodegradable alternatives to plastic. Every piece is cut and assembled in small runs by skilled makers in Perth and finished by hand in our Dunsborough studio. This local production model ensures transparency, reduces emissions and supports artisan craftsmanship.
Being a sustainable Australian brand also means treating people fairly
We maintain close relationships with our suppliers, ensuring that everyone in our supply chain works in safe conditions and is paid fairly. For us, sustainability is as much about human well-being as it is about environmental care.
What questions should we be asking about sustainable fashion?
At its core, sustainable fashion refers to clothing that is made with care, minimising harm to the environment, supporting ethical labour, and encouraging longevity in wear.
It asks questions that conventional fashion often overlooks:
Where do the materials come from? Who made this? How long will it last?
Sustainable fashion discourages overproduction and instead supports a slower, more intentional pace. It values garments not as seasonal trends, but as lasting components of a personal wardrobe. These are clothes designed to transition between settings and across years, made not to be replaced, but to be worn again and again.
This approach also shifts our relationship with clothing. A thoughtfully made linen shirt or a wool jumper becomes familiar, softened by time, mended if needed, and appreciated for its function and form. These pieces become part of daily life, not fleeting additions.
Sustainable garments
A garment is only as sustainable as the thought behind it. Materials, design, construction, and care all play a part in how long an item lasts and how lightly it treads on the environment.
At Afar, we work exclusively with high-quality natural fibres. French flax linen is known for its strength and ease; silk provides natural sheen and fluidity; hemp is durable and requires minimal water to grow; wool and cashmere offer warmth, breathability, and resilience. Each fabric is chosen not just for comfort, but for its capacity to endure.
Our trims reflect the same principles. Buttons made from Corozo/Tagua nut (also known as Green Ivory), and shell are all compostable and strong. We avoid synthetic fastenings and fibres wherever possible, not only for environmental reasons but because natural materials wear and breathe better over time.
The longevity of a garment also depends on how it’s treated. We encourage gentle washing, air drying, and seasonal storage practices to extend a piece’s lifespan. When needed, simple repairs, like resewing a button or mending a seam, can keep a garment in use for years.
The state of the current fast fashion model, and why it’s not sustainable
Fast fashion prioritises speed, scale, and low cost, often at the expense of people and the planet. New collections arrive weekly, produced in high volumes with minimal transparency. Garments are designed to follow trends rather than to last, contributing to short lifespans and growing textile waste.
This model places significant strain on natural resources. It relies heavily on synthetic fibres, which are petroleum-based and contribute to microplastic pollution. Dyeing and finishing processes can be chemically intensive, and global production chains generate high levels of emissions and waste through transport and overproduction.
Social impact is another major concern. Many fast-fashion factories operate under poor working conditions, with long hours and low wages. The human cost is often hidden behind low price points.
Beyond environmental and ethical concerns, fast fashion shapes how we think about clothing, normalising disposability and encouraging overconsumption. Items are bought quickly and discarded just as fast.
In contrast, sustainable fashion focuses on fewer, better pieces. It considers every stage of a garment’s life, from fibre to finish to eventual reuse or composting.
Sustainable fashion as a practical, long-term alternative
Sustainable fashion offers a thoughtful way to engage with what we wear. It’s not about strict rules or giving things up, it’s about shifting habits: buying selectively, caring for garments, and choosing brands whose values align with our own.
This approach doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or aesthetics. Rather, it leads to wardrobes built from garments that feel right to wear, hold their shape and meaning over time, and are made from materials that support regenerative practices.
We see sustainability not as a single solution, but as an evolving process. It informs how we design, source, and collaborate to create garments that balance function, beauty, and responsibility.
For those seeking to align their wardrobes with their values, sustainable fashion offers a clear and grounded path. One that favours intention over impulse, and purpose over excess.