Tips for dressing ethically

Getting dressed is a daily activity. But behind every garment lies a chain of decisions that affect the environment, working conditions, and even our health. Today, ethical fashion is taking a growing place in the collective consciousness. It opposes a system based on overconsumption and low-cost mass production.

In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at what it means to dress ethically , why it's essential, and most importantly, how to actually do it. You'll discover the criteria that define ethical clothing , the benefits of modal fabric , our top tips for adopting a responsible wardrobe, and the best ways to find eco-friendly clothing that fits your budget.

Ready to transform the way you consume fashion, without sacrificing your style or your values? Follow the guide.

Why choose ethical clothing today?

For a long time, fashion has been synonymous with constant novelty, ephemeral collections, and ever-lower prices. This logic, embodied by fast fashion, has led to an explosion in textile consumption. But at what cost?

Choosing ethical clothing today is a powerful act. It means refusing to support a system where workers are exploited, where waterways are tainted with toxic substances, and where tons of unsold clothing are burned every year.

Choosing ethical fashion means:

• Support decent working conditions, often in local or fair trade certified workshops.
• Reduce your environmental footprint by focusing on natural, recycled or innovative materials such as modal fabric .
• Invest in pieces that last, instead of renewing your wardrobe every month.
• Revalue your personal style, freeing yourself from the dictates of fast fashion.

Ultimately, it's a way to align our values ​​with our consumer habits. Because our clothes shouldn't just dress us—they should also tell a story we're proud to wear.

Understanding what makes a garment ethical or not

Before filling your wardrobe with ethical clothing , you first need to know how to recognize it. Contrary to appearances, clothing labeled "green" or "conscious" isn't necessarily so. A true ethical commitment is based on several key criteria that you need to learn to decipher.

1. Transparency of production:

A responsible brand clearly states where and how its clothing is made. This includes the countries of production, working conditions, and the names of suppliers. If this information is missing, it may be a sign of a lack of clarity.

2. The choice of raw materials:

Eco-friendly clothing is made from natural materials (such as organic cotton or modal fabric ), recycled materials, or materials certified free of harmful substances. Where the clothing is grown and how it is processed are equally important.

3. The durability of the garment:

An ethical product is about more than just its origin. It must be designed to last. Reinforced seams, sturdy fabric, timeless style—these are all signs of a garment designed to stand the test of time.

Beware, however, of greenwashing, a marketing strategy that involves appearing "green" without any real basis. Communication that is too vague or too good to be true should always raise doubts.

Focus on sustainable materials: why choose modal fabric?

Among the eco-friendly materials gaining popularity, modal fabric stands out for its many benefits. But what exactly is it?

Modal is a textile fiber made from wood pulp (often beech), transformed through an environmentally friendly process into a soft, supple, and breathable fabric. It is one of the “regenerated cellulosic fibers,” just like lyocell or TENCEL™.

Here's why modal fabric deserves a place in your ethical wardrobe:

• Natural origin : Coming from renewable resources, the wood used is often grown in FSC-certified forests, guaranteeing sustainable management.
• Cleaner manufacturing process : Compared to traditional viscose, modal uses fewer chemicals and water, and generates less pollution.
• Comfort and durability : Modal is more durable than cotton, retains its softness wash after wash, and does not lose its shape.
• Less environmental impact : Its production consumes on average 10 to 20 times less water than conventional cotton.

Incorporating modal fabric into your clothing choices means adopting a material that's high-performance, comfortable to wear, and respectful of the planet. A real alternative to synthetic fibers and resource-intensive cotton.

Our top tips for dressing ethically every day

Adopting a responsible wardrobe doesn't mean transforming your entire closet overnight. Ethical fashion starts with simple actions that are within everyone's reach. Here are our top tips for moving toward more conscious shopping habits:

1. Buy less, but better

Impulsive buying is one of the pillars of fast fashion. Replace it with a logic of real need and sustainability. Before buying, ask yourself: "Will I wear this item at least 30 times?"

2. Read labels carefully

Make a habit of reading the composition and origin of clothing. Choose ethical clothing made locally or under fair conditions, from natural materials such as organic cotton, hemp or modal fabric .

3. Promote sustainable materials

Synthetic fibers, such as polyester or acrylic, are highly polluting and are not biodegradable. Choose sustainable textiles: linen, hemp, recycled wool, lyocell, or modal.

4. Buy second-hand

Thrifting is the number one ally of sustainable dressing. By purchasing existing clothing, you avoid the production of new pieces and give a second life to resources that have already been extracted.

5. Repair and maintain your clothes

Extending the life of your clothes is an environmentally friendly and economical way to do it. Learn how to sew, mend, and replace buttons. And most importantly, follow the washing instructions to preserve the fibers.

6. Build a capsule wardrobe

Fewer pieces, but well-chosen ones. A minimalist wardrobe composed of versatile essentials reduces the need for constant renewal while maintaining style.

These habits, once integrated, become natural reflexes. They connect us to our values ​​and remind us that our clothing choices are never neutral.

Where can I find affordable eco-friendly clothing?

One of the most common barriers to ethical fashion is the idea that it's reserved for an elite few. However, there are many ways to dress responsibly without breaking the bank. Here are some concrete ideas:

1. Physical and online thrift stores

The second-hand market is booming. Vinted, Etsy, charity shops, local thrift stores—there are so many ways to dress stylishly, affordably, while limiting your environmental impact.

2. Local and committed brands

More and more brands are offering eco-friendly clothing made from sustainable materials, such as modal fabric , with a slow production approach. Choose those that manufacture locally, limit their collections, and clearly share their commitments.

3. Barter or repair events

Find community workshops or events in your area: these allow you to swap your clothes or give them a second life. It's also a great way to strengthen social bonds around shared values.

4. Clothing rental platforms

For special occasions, there's no need to buy. Rental services allow you to wear ethical clothing for an evening out without unnecessary consumption.

5. Private sales or designer samples

Some ethical designers offer sample or end-of-line sales at discounted prices. This is an opportunity to discover sustainable fashion without breaking the bank.

The accessibility of ethical fashion depends above all on the willingness to make the right choices. And today, the options are more numerous, creative, and inclusive than ever before.

What we create at Dérive ecobrand

At Dérive ecobrand , we believe it's possible to combine aesthetics, comfort, and ethics. That's why we design ethical clothing that's built to last, meaningful, and respectful of both humans and the planet.

We use exclusively natural, organic, or recycled materials, carefully selected for their low environmental impact. Modal fabric occupies a special place among these: soft, breathable, and durable, it stands out as an ideal alternative to conventional fibers.

Our collections are made in Quebec, using a slow and transparent production process. We favor short supply chains and limited quantities to avoid textile waste. Each piece is designed as a manifesto for more humane and inspired ethical fashion .

Dressing with Dérive means embracing a committed lifestyle, without compromising on style or quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is modal fabric really more eco-friendly than cotton?

Yes, modal fabric is generally considered more eco-friendly than conventional cotton. It's made from wood pulp—often beech—a renewable resource grown in sustainably managed, FSC-certified forests. Its production uses a closed-loop system, which allows for the reuse of nearly 95% of solvents, thus limiting pollution. Unlike cotton, which requires massive water consumption and intensive use of pesticides, modal is much more sober and environmentally friendly. It's also more durable: it retains its softness, color, and shape even after numerous washes. Lightweight, breathable, and biodegradable, it's an ideal choice for eco-friendly clothing .

2. How to recognize real ethical clothing in stores?

Recognizing truly ethical clothing requires a careful and informed eye. Start by reading the labels: they should clearly indicate the garment's origin, the materials used, and, ideally, the certifications obtained. Labels like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Fair Wear Foundation, or PETA Approved Vegan guarantee real commitments. Also check the composition: natural materials (organic cotton, linen, modal fabric ) or recycled materials are good indicators. Another tip is to visit the brand's website. Ethical brands are generally transparent: they share their manufacturing process, their partners, and their values. Beware of vague labels like "green" or "eco-friendly" without tangible proof: these are often greenwashing.

3. Why are eco-friendly clothes more sustainable?

Eco-friendly clothing is designed to last, both in its design and quality. Committed brands use more robust materials, such as organic cotton, linen, or modal fabric , which offer greater resistance to wear. Modal, for example, remains soft and fluid even after multiple washes. These garments are also made with greater care: reinforced seams, neat finishes, timeless cuts. Unlike fast fashion, which focuses on rapid obsolescence, sustainable fashion promotes longevity. This reduces the frequency of purchases, limits textile waste, and therefore saves money in the long term while reducing its environmental footprint.

4. Is there a difference between ethical fashion and local fashion?

Yes, there is a difference between ethical fashion and local fashion , although they can complement each other harmoniously. Ethical fashion refers to production that respects human rights, working conditions, and the environment, regardless of the manufacturing location. It often involves sustainable material choices like modal fabric , transparency about processes, and a strong social commitment. Local fashion, on the other hand, concerns geographical proximity: manufacturing in one's region or country helps reduce the carbon footprint linked to transport, supports the local economy, and preserves artisanal know-how. The ideal is to combine the two: consuming ethically, locally, and responsibly.

Conclusion

Dressing ethically isn't a passing trend—it's a lasting commitment to yourself, others, and the planet. By choosing eco-conscious clothing made from materials like modal fabric , you're refusing to participate in a destructive system and supporting ethical fashion based on transparency, quality, and respect.

The actions can be simple: buy less but better, opt for second-hand goods, repair rather than throw away, or discover committed local brands. It's these repeated choices that change the situation, slowly but surely.

At Dérive ecobrand, we believe that clothing can be beautiful, comfortable, and meaningful. And we're here to help you transition to a more conscious wardrobe.