The rise of sustainable fashion has sparked discussions about its affordability compared to conventional fast fashion. Many consumers wonder whether sustainable fashion is more expensive, questioning whether making eco-conscious choices is financially feasible…

We’re here to explain why in some cases sustainable fashion is more expensive but also why there are some sustainable fashion options that can actually be cheaper (like us)! 🙌🏼

In most cases sustainable fashion does tend to come with a higher price tag than fast fashion, but it is essential to understand the reasons behind this:

Ethical Sourcing and Fair Labor: Sustainable fashion brands prioritise ethical sourcing of materials and ensure fair wages for workers. This commitment to social responsibility inevitably drives up production costs, as brands invest in creating a positive impact on the communities involved in the supply chain.

High-Quality Materials: Sustainable fashion relies on eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, recycled fibers, and sustainable synthetics. While these materials are more expensive to procure, they offer superior quality and durability, resulting in longer-lasting garments that ultimately provide better value for money.

Eco-Friendly Practices: Sustainable fashion brands invest in eco-friendly technologies and practices to minimise their environmental footprint. Adopting sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy and reducing water consumption, incurs additional costs but helps protect the planet in the long run.

Certifications and Transparency: Many sustainable fashion brands obtain certifications from reputable organisations like Fair Trade and GOTS. These certifications involve rigorous audits and traceability efforts, contributing to the overall cost of the final product. Transparent practices also require investments in supply chain management and communication with consumers.

Despite the higher upfront costs, sustainable fashion offers numerous benefits that make it a worthy investment:

Longevity: Sustainable fashion prioritises durable materials and timeless designs, resulting in garments that withstand the test of time. This longevity means fewer replacements and, ultimately, cost savings over the garment's lifespan.

Ethical Impact: By supporting sustainable fashion, consumers contribute to fair labor practices, workers' well-being, and social responsibility in the fashion industry.

Environmental Preservation: Sustainable fashion's eco-friendly practices reduce pollution, waste, and resource consumption, supporting a healthier planet for future generations.

Unfolded - Affordable and Sustainable 

This is the ethos that we take with Unfolded but we’re able to offer sustainable clothing at affordable prices thanks to tackling the biggest problem with fashion - overproduction! 

We design all of our products in collaboration with our customers and then only start production after people start ordering, allowing us to match supply with demand and create some pretty big cost savings in the process - along with ensuring better outcomes for the planet. 

With the money saved we offer our clothes at around 20% cheaper than the traditional brands as we know making it easier to change to sustainable options is what is needed to help consumers switch. The catch? With Unfolded is just takes a couple of weeks to get your clothes. 

In many cases sustainable fashion does come with a higher price tag due to its ethical sourcing, premium materials, limited production, and eco-friendly practices. But it doesn’t have to if you’re willing to try a different approach like the Unfolded way and accept your order taking a little bit longer. 

Shop the newest Unfolded collection here.