It almost feels like the term ‘sustainable’ is attached to everything we see nowadays, especially in the fashion industry, but what does it really mean? In this article, we’re exploring exactly that - what sustainable bridesmaid dresses are, why you might want to get them, and myths that usually deter people from trying them out.
If you’re considering sustainable dresses for your bridesmaids, keep reading to learn everything you need to know before pulling the trigger.
On the surface, you’ll read that a sustainable bridesmaid dress considers the environmental and ethical impact throughout its lifecycle, but what exactly does that mean? Here’s how you can know if your bridesmaid dress is sustainable - firstly, the fabric should be eco-friendly.
This means natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, or Tencel, which are grown with minimal pesticides and chemicals. Recycled materials like polyester made from plastic bottles are also a good option. Look for dresses that are made from deadstock fabrics, leftover materials diverted from landfills, and given a new life.
Actual sustainability also goes beyond just the material. Consider a dress designed to last - it needs to have good quality construction so it doesn’t fall apart after one wear, because if it’s a well fitting dress, your bridesmaids will probably want to wear them to other events.
In the same light, the way the dress is made also matters. Choose a sustainable dress made by brands that not only claim but actually incorporate fair labor practices and ethical manufacturing into their processes. If this part is absent, the bridesmaid dress can’t really be labeled as truly sustainable.
There are a bunch of reasons why sustainable dresses are the way to go, and the best one is that it's a win-win for both the environment and your bridesmaids' wallets! Truly sustainable dresses are often made from eco-friendly materials that use less water and harmful chemicals in production, so the environment stays that much safer.
Plus, by choosing a classic style or convertible dress, you're giving your bridesmaids a dress they can wear again, which means less textile waste and an outfit that doesn’t have to go to waste after one wear.
Also, there’s a common misconception that sustainable products, in general, are somehow subpar compared to regular ones. The fact is that a sustainable bridesmaid dress can be just as stunning and stylish as a traditional one. With the popularity of the demand for sustainable products, most brands have a wide variety of beautiful fabrics, flattering cuts, and on-trend designs made sustainably. You won't have to sacrifice style to make an eco-conscious choice.
Absolutely not. The misconception that sustainable bridesmaid dresses are of lower quality is a myth. Sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and Tencel are naturally strong and durable, and any brand worth its salt will invest in well-made construction techniques that use these materials. The result is a dress that will last for years to come, letting your bridesmaid reuse it as much as they want and minimize wastage.
There’s also just the simple fact that a well-made dress that you’re likely to re-wear is a sustainable dress. If quality materials and construction are both present, as they are in dresses like those made by Sherri Hill, they’ll automatically lead to the creation of garments that are meant to be cherished, not discarded. It’s this focus on quality which translates to a beautiful dress that looks and, yes, feels luxurious. Sustainability and style can and absolutely do go hand in hand.
Sustainable ways to make dresses will usually mean higher quality materials and ethical production, which can also lead to a slightly higher price tag compared to some conventionally made dresses. Then again, this higher cost comes with a number of benefits - a long-lasting dress that your bridesmaids can wear again and have the peace of mind that they’re doing their part for the environment.
The price is also highly dependent on where and which type of dress you get - you might be surprised to find that there are a lot of brands with affordable yet sustainable dresses on offer. If you’re on the fence about getting sustainable dresses for your bridesmaids, consider this a sign from the universe to take the leap!
