Sustainability in Canadian Fashion: Why It Matters and What We Can Do About It

Sustainability in Canadian Fashion: Why It Matters and What We Can Do About It

In recent years, conversations around sustainability in fashion have moved from niche to necessary. As consumers become more aware of where their clothes come from, how they’re made, and what happens to them after they’re worn, the demand for change is growing.

But what does sustainability actually look like in the Canadian clothing industry—and how do small businesses like ours fit into that picture?

The Environmental Cost of Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is built on volume—producing as much as possible, as cheaply as possible. Globally, the industry is responsible for around 10% of carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of water. In Canada alone, over 500 million kilograms of textiles are discarded each year, much of it barely worn.

These clothes often contain synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon, which don’t break down easily and can shed microplastics into waterways every time they’re washed.

And let’s not forget the human cost: outsourced production to factories with little oversight often leads to underpaid, unsafe, and exploitative labour.

What Sustainability Can Look Like

Sustainable fashion isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. At its core, it’s about slowing down and being more thoughtful about what we buy, how it's made, and how long we keep it.

Core practices include:

  • Ethical production with fair wages and safe working conditions
  • Low-impact or recycled materials
  • Waste-conscious production (like made-to-order)
  • A focus on long-term wear over short-term trends

Our Approach at Custom🍁ISH

As a small Canadian brand, our goal is to create meaningfully—not mindlessly.

  • We use Canadian-made garments from ethical suppliers.
  • We repurpose deadstock and unused fabric to reduce waste.
  • Everything is made-to-order, with no overproduction or unnecessary stock.

It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.

How You Can Contribute

  • Choose quality over quantity
  • Support brands that value transparency
  • Extend the life of your clothing with proper care and repairs

Every mindful purchase helps steer the industry in the right direction.

Sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a shift. One that centres people, the planet, and the future of fashion. And we’re proud to be part of that change.

Want to learn more? Visit our Sustainability Page or Contact Us to chat with our team.

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