So, you want a career in fashion and have decided it must be sustainable fashion. Not only is this industry thriving, but also its ethos and morals are drastically better for the environment and your conscience. Whether you’re interested in the human rights side of sustainable fashion, or carbon emissions and pollution, you’ve chosen a career that will be rewarding, fulfilling, and has a positive impact on the planet.
This blog will share with you exactly what to do to start a career in the sustainable fashion industry.
Choose your Area of Interest
Firstly, choose what area of sustainability you want your career to be in, the main three areas are environmental, social, and innovation. Environmental sustainability focuses on how to lessen the impact of fashion on the planet and social sustainability is all about human rights and ethics. Innovation sustainability is more about how a product can be performance-wise at its best, think sportswear, but also using materials that are better for the planet.
Research and Experience
Secondly, further research and educate yourself, broadening your knowledge; you can never know too much! You should know and thoroughly understand everything you want your career to be addressed in terms of sustainability, you need to ignite that passion!
You should also try and do some relevant work experience. Nothing beats real-life, hands-on experience in the field. You will learn directly from people currently in industry, the best people to learn from. This experience will look great on your CV and will really help to launch your career in sustainable fashion in the future.
Have Passion and Beliefs
Also, ensure your expectations are fair. Sustainability can be an emotive and passionate subject for many, especially for those working in industry. You should always stand up for yourself and your beliefs, but sometimes at the end of the day, results and reports can become a priority. Just remember that big changes take time and you should be patient.
Likewise, ensure you prioritise change over recognition. Yes, it’s great being recognised for all of the great work you’re doing, such as in news stories, however, the most important thing is the change you’re making in the first place. Be patient, take your time, and the recognition will come in its own time.
Along with this, make a promise to yourself to only work with companies that care. For example, only use fabric from suppliers that source them sustainably, or only use businesses that share the same ethics and morals as your brand.
Finally, be curious and ask questions, it's the easiest way to find out the truth; something that is very important in this type of industry.
We hope these tips have been useful in giving you help and inspiration on starting a career in the fashion industry. If you’ve liked reading this blog, you can read our other blogs here, and to check out our job vacancies, click here.
