Sustainable Fashion In the UAE: a Growing Trend

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by Ashas Bukhari

Sustainable Fashion In the UAE: a Growing Trend

5 Feb 2024

When twelve-year-old Licypriya Kangujam burst onto the stage at the COP28 Summit to protest fossil fuel and climate change, she was met with applause, spurred on by none other than COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi.

If anything, this incident shows how younger people in the UAE are fearless in stepping up and making their voices heard in the global fight against climate change. For its part, the UAE has always welcomed peaceful assemblies in the spirit of inclusivity. This was echoed in the words of Director-General Majid Al Suwaidi, who noted that he admired the enthusiasm of young people at COP28.

For young people living in the Emirates, sustainability is not just a buzzword but a way of life that permeates every aspect of their lifestyle, and fashion is no exception. This growing awareness to reduce individual carbon footprints has driven young people to consider what they can do to cut carbon emissions across the board. As a result, sustainable fashion is becoming the new trend in the UAE fashion industry.

Instagram: @naturehedonist

The UAE is more than just about luxury brands and glitzy malls. Sure, that may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the UAE and Dubai, but there is far more to it than that, and people who have lived here long enough know it.

A new movement is taking shape behind the glamour of the latest trends. Driven by young women and men, sustainable fashion is catching on quietly in the UAE. This trend is driven by youngsters expressing more through fashion than just their sense of style.

Fashion choices now align with values, including respect for the environment. Wearing your principles, so to speak, is going a long way in impacting the environment. This is how Dubai's young generation makes a statement — by literally wearing it on their sleeves. Sustainable homegrown brands include Nature Hedonist, Kaleidoscope by Mimi and The Giving Movement, all of which create modern silhouettes from sustainable materials.

Let's dive deeper into the chic side of sustainability and see what the Emirates has to offer.

Why the UAE needs sustainable fashion

The essence of eco-friendly fashion goes well beyond simple aesthetic choices and into the realm of global environmental conservation. It is about making mindful choices that help improve the lives of the people and animals inhabiting the planet.

Thanks to its multicultural and diverse population, the UAE is home to some of the sharpest minds and fastest-growing industries. It is only natural that the nation finds itself at the forefront of the war on climate change.

UAE citizens and residents are increasingly aware of their role in helping create a sustainable environment that will benefit their country, the entire region, and the world in the long run.

Instagram: @kaleidoscopebymimi

Sustainable Fashion in the UAE encompasses three main principles.

Ethical manufacturing

Sustainable brands need to ensure that their products are manufactured ethically. The UAE's youth want to avoid wearing clothing that was manufactured in a sweatshop by forced labour. They want to ensure that the clothes they wear are made by people earning a fair wage and in safe working conditions.

Eco-friendly fashion

Sustainable fashion in the UAE prioritises using safe and environmentally friendly materials. The new generation is more conscious about their footprint on the environment and eager to do their part to protect the planet and country they call home.

Modern fashion must use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fabrics, reducing the fashion industry's environmental footprint. Local designers and brands also promote sustainability in the UAE's fashion industry. It is great to see this growing trend in the UAE.

Increased awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and the growing availability of sustainable fashion options in the market drive this shift in mindset. Seeing how individuals actively seek eco-friendly fashion and ethical alternatives is inspiring.

Saying “no” to fast fashion

Fast fashion and its disposable mentality are not for this generation. They are not interested in buying and discarding with no thought for waste. Instead, the UAE fashion industry is shifting towards investing in timeless pieces that last longer, reduce waste, and stay in style for long periods.

Companies like Tryano and Sauce are moving towards sustainability in the UAE fashion industry. Their lineups include purely organic clothing that is made from recyclable materials. These and other brands are paving the way for sustainable fashion in the UAE and are proof that younger residents of the Emirates do indeed care about the future of the country they call home.

In the 1990s, The New York Times used the term fast fashion to describe the fashion industry's one business model that dressed up in a new garment after only fifteen days of design.

The convenience of online shopping and the fast-paced nature of fashion trends have led to the rise of fast fashion. However, it is essential to recognise that fast fashion has significant environmental and social consequences.

Instagram: @thegivingmovement

Fashion rental and second-hand markets

Fashion rental and second-hand markets are gaining popularity in the UAE. Fashion rental allows you to borrow clothes and accessories for a specific period to enjoy different styles without the commitment of buying. It is a great way to reduce waste and embrace sustainable fashion. This helps sustain resources and minimise the fashion industry's environmental impact.

Furthermore, the second-hand market offers pre-loved clothing and accessories at affordable prices. You can find unique pieces and give them a new life. Online platforms and physical stores in the UAE offer these services. It is a sustainable and stylish way to contribute to an eco-friendlier future. It is a win-win for fashion lovers and the environment.

Instagram: @thegivingmovement

Sustainable fashion in the UAE is gaining immense popularity and positively impacting the environment. People are becoming more sensitive to fast fashion's environmental impact and actively seeking sustainable alternatives.

The growing demand for eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and the rise of fashion rental and second-hand markets contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry in the UAE. This shift towards sustainability reduces clothing waste, converses resources, and promotes a circular economy.

Seeing the UAE embrace sustainable fashion and making a difference for our planet is heartwarming. Let's make fashion a force for good!

by Ashas Bukhari