15 Ways to Be a Sustainable Fashion Brand (Without Stifling Creativity)

[@zoehongteaches]

I've already thought of some more ideas, but please use this video to get started! Please LIKE this video if it gave you some food for thought!

[@meenakashyap6113]

Zoe Hong That was very informative. Thanks!

[@kimjay425]

Zoe Hong thanks for the video 😘😘😘

[@noavy]

Hi Zoe , Few Days ago i found your channel and I became totally addicted to it, I can't stop watching it (I have you as a background while I do my things : D ) May I ask you something ? I am already 39 yrs old and I am thinking to go back to the University for Fashion Design , I am really bad at drawing , but I love making Clothes (I buy patterns and modified them) until now has been a Hobby , scares me to think about it, maybe is too much for me , I just want to make Nice Clothes BUT with discarded textiles, using Natural Dyes and Botanical Prints. Do you recommend to go back to the University for that or there is another path that I am missing out ? ( This is what I do : instagram.com/upcyclingbremerproject/ ) (Sorry to ask you this, I just don't know to whom I can ask this. I am a Chilean woman living in Germany , re-discovering my life again after spending the last 12 years being "Just a Mom" and I have no one around to ask something like this, I really spend my days sewing and dyeing... I just love it ) Thank you in Advance!!! Veronica.-

[@indupalliblessi8176]

You r the best🖤

[@gnar-ninja]

@Zoe Hong thanks for the valuable info. Do you have any info on sustainability certifications? Such as GRS, oeko-tex, etc and your views on them?

[@TheBlueBride]

I just order my first sewing machine this morning and I'm 100% into sustainable fashion. This video is just perfect even if I don't have a brand and I just want to find sustainable fabrics!! THANKS SO SO MUCH

[@singhasensation9026]

Hi, An Inspiration for an Sustainable Ethical Tradition - HandWoven|Ethical|FairTrade|Slow Fashion|Culture|Craft With a work relation of upto 30+ years, we're involved in working closely with 300+ weavers in rural Bengal, India, we are a textile manufacturer specialising in ethical, sustainable and beautiful handwoven textiles using indigenous weaves & techniques of Bengal i.e. Cotton, Khadi, handloom Silk. Jamdani, Handprinted Fabrics / Accessories etc. Please look at our digital portfolio - anuprerna.in/a-homepage-section/products-2/all-products/ & our page - www.etsy.com/shop/Anuprerna for details on our business and textiles to get more clarity.

[@ivanadzidic4012]

Zero Waste Cutting sounds like an amazing concepts. I had no idea that traditional kimonos were made that way. Vintage fabric sounds like a great way to produce eco-friendly fashion. I absolutely agree with your leather philosophy, as long as animals are not being killed for it, we are actually contributing to reducing the waste (the meat industry kills millions of animals a year, if their skin is not used for making things, it will be thrown away and that will ultimately mean more waste and more damage to the environment) . Upclying is a movement I love, there are so many ways to approach it, from individual to something on a larger scale. I love your idea of big companies donating clothes they would otherwise destroy. I would also love to add that I think that taking care of our clothes is important. I take good care of my things. Sometimes I will stumble across photographs that are ten years old and realize that I'm still wearing the same clothes- and loving them.

[@zoehongteaches]

Cultures that have a history of making their own fabric typically have traditional costumes that involve very little fabric waste. Indian saris are basically long pieces of fabric wrapped artfully around the body. Kimono fabric is woven to specific widths and lengths to cut exactly 1 kimono and the only waste is a tiny bit of cutting around the neck for fit. And yes, taking good care of your things is important!

[@susieyang6122]

This mushroom leather thing is so cool. When I heard about it I thought "how do I get in on this 'shroom action?" If it weren't for not knowing exactly where animal leather comes from, it would've been such a perfect material. Thank goodness technology can nearly replicate it with plants! *end tree-hugging rant*

[@nauxsi]

Leather has been used for 000 years and is better than plastic.

[@BobbyReed]

EEEEWWWWWWWWW Dry Clean ONLY labels that don't belong there! I just hand-washed a silk/linen shirt and a cashmere sweater with PERFECT results, and they both had DRY CLEAN ONLY labeling. No no no. Hand washing for organic fabrics is the name of the game. Thanks for your vids, I'm a new Los Angeles fan.

[@YouTube]

sustainable fashion has definitely changed over the years! love how you gave suggestions on how to be a sustainable brand 💚

[@zoehongteaches]

And it continues to change! I'm actually scripting a new video on sustainable fashion for next month right now.

[@mzwt]

Oh wow. KZbin.

[@mariamadepoju]

@@mzwt I’m super impressed too!

[@randalgilstrap4753]

Zoe: Thank you for your sustainable information. I cringe at the waste experienced when I make a garment. Hearing you speak about zero waste patterns has piqued my interest in finding more ways to employ this practice. As much as I like fashion, I realize that the industry is wasteful to the environment, especially the burning/destruction of unsold, high end goods, the pollution of water by manufacturing industries in third world countries, and the landfills containing Forever 21 disposable fashion. Keep up the good work of spreading the word about how your audience can make better decisions. You rock!

[@rosebannaros6356]

I've watched your videos for fashion designing process and think you are so great at teaching. I was going to leave a comment request for a video about sustainable fashion, but I saw this video first. I personally think that this issue should be addressed more in the fashion industry. So thank you for doing this. It's great to see your favorite teacher caring about environmental and human impact of the industry. I see that you may make a series on this topic. I'm looking forward to more videos going more in depth about this. I'm curious to see more ways to marry human creativity to global awareness.

[@zoehongteaches]

I'm very much looking forward to turning this into a series. I'm a little disappointed this video got so few hits because this topic is near and dear to me and I do agree it's so important. Hopefully I can entice people to get more excited about this.

[@summerbyt1028]

I took some online classes on sustainable fashion this year and the part that influenced me the most was to learn that ''...more than 40% of annual cereal production is used to feed livestock, and almost one third of the 14 billion hectares of arable land avaliable throughout the world is used to obtain food to be given as feed to animals.'' So for me, even if leather is a co-product of meat industry we still should not forget the fact that with these amount of source we can help disadvantageous people on earth instead of using them to make leather. Also, I really think that we must develop some kind of awareness on sustainablity for all parts of our lifes. Even if fashion designers choose quality over quantity, as consumers we should also choose quality over quantity. As we see in today's fast fashion world, we are buying more and more but we are also wearing the same clothe for less amount of time and throwing it right away. As consumers we should be conscious about our shopping habits :) Thank you for this video Zoe:)

[@melaniar.6088]

Hi Zoe! Although I don't usually comment on videos (I'm more of a "Like" person :)), I have been watching you for some time now and you've been a great help. I am an aspiring fashion designer, working on my first collection and I've been reading a lot about sustainability in fashion. So I love the fact that you decided to approach this subject. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries and we all, both people working in the industry and the regular customers, should do our best in making sustainable choices. So thank you .. and keep it up!

[@manonlescaut569]

Idk why this video was suggested to me, I have no background in fashion design, but I feel so fascinated and engaged :) Thank you for this.

[@emmakelly5528]

Anyone interested in zero waste cutting check out Holly McQuillan and her talks, she explains different methods and techniques and makes it a lot more understandable

[@zoehongteaches]

I just got her book and I'm so excited to read it!!!

[@reecebuttercup]

I go to the thrift stores, and on thursday you get the leather jackets for 1.00 ( whichever the tag color is you get for 1.00) so I am recycling this items.in fact that is what I do with the boro or sashiko stitch.( of course I always wash or home dry clean them) I love love live your idea about the dead stock getting recycled. You are soooooooo smart. I sure wish you could get with some of the designers for this and make your own designs that are recycled and go out.maybe you should approach these companies and then show them a recycled outfit so they could even do it but with your design so you get money.

[@cherryjc7822]

Glad u made a video about sustainability as it is so important!

[@meomiragrace4450]

At first I thought I was in over my head by getting my ein so early but it has pushed me to focus on how I want to present my future business to the world. Thankyou for such a helpful video.

[@zoehongteaches]

You’re welcome!

[@auliafauzi5135]

I'm planning to start my own sustainable fashion brand and this help me a whole lot! You are so great at explaining things, simple and to the point, I love this! I'm still new to this whole sustainability things and I was surprised at how much I get from this one video! It honestly surprised that there are sustainable alternative for leather! Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@NilushiRJ]

Love your ideas as always. I have incorporated fabric packaging & use scraps from my cutting process to make fabric bags & cleaning processes. 😊 will research on zero waste pattern making as well..

[@tropikelle]

Love the little repair kit idea!

[@Snow__]

Girl when you said cutting edge.... hilarious! This is truly helpful!

[@lolaclemens3581]

this is the first video ive seen of this woman and i love her already

[@kavontataylor]

my girl Zoe is famous now I love it!!!!!!!!! keep it up

[@leewalker9153]

KZbinr Coolirpa (April) would be a great person to run these ideas off on, Zoe.

[@zoehongteaches]

We met last year at a conference. We might do a video together.

[@leewalker9153]

Zoe Hong. DO IT! 2 great personalities and creative brains it's sure to be worth watching.

[@priyasingh8612]

Yes she is very good upcycler . But upcyclers should upcyle for real instead of buying oversized dress and doing it the upcycling should be for real . For that real people must give orders to upcyclers so that they can make video as well as get their dress upcycled everytime . :)

[@sapnaswaraj32]

@@priyasingh8612 hey

[@dindog22]

I air dry all of my clothes. mostly because I'm cheap and don't want to pay for the dryer at the laundromat but it also saves electricity

[@corderosaamada9280]

Your idea about buying deadstock is GENIUS! I was asking people at Gap about this earlier this year. They weren’t totally against it, someone downright told me how they get rid of their overstock, I’m just not that savvy fashionwise to know how to further the conversation. Also...Indigo Wild out of Kansas City MO, all natural detergents. They are AMAZING. They come in a bunch of different smells.

[@priyasingh8612]

Great video . I would like to add . due to this recent trend few companies are fooling us . They sell mixed stuff in name of bamboo , organic cotton but in reality they hide that spandex or other material is mixed in that clothing which makes it thick and strechy the real cotton and bamboo fabrics are very soft smooth antibacterial .

[@keralynnlittle2893]

I am a fashion designer and student. I am trying to get the sewing studio at my university to be more sustainable. We keep all the larger scraps but I was wondering what you suggest for all the tiny scraps that are 5" or less? My idea was to find a company that can recycle the scraps and turn them into fiberfill or makes something else, but I have had no luck! I loved this video btw you give a lot of great information and tips!

[@zoehongteaches]

>>recycle the scraps and turn them into fiberfill That's a great idea. Fill pillows, cushions, quilts, make shoulder pads...

[@namelessgirl6394]

A company called FabScrap does that. It’s in NYC.

[@gkalu6176]

LOVE IT...all the way from Africa.

[@mrmocisse]

Absolutely Loved this! You got me hooked onto your channel lol... I'm learning so much and can't wait to incorporate many of these ideas within my clothing line. I'm very grateful to have found your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@momocisse3823]

OH LOOK WHAT I FOUND HERE A CISSE FINALLY LIKE ME LOL WELCOME

[@mrmocisse]

Oh wow! What a nice coincidence. I'm originally from Guinea, West Africa. Where are you from?

[@momocisse3823]

mrmocisse woow great im from senegal Dakar im a fashion designer and we gotta know each other im so excited i found someone near to my country an plus same familly so great do u hav any facebook mine is momo cisse or i can also giv my number too for watsapp

[@mrmocisse]

momo cisse that’s wonderful! I’ve never connected with people like this before on here lol.. If you google my name Mo Cisse, you’ll find all of my social media info then we can add each other and exchange contacts. Talk to you soon

[@momocisse3823]

mrmocisse ooh yeah u right i didnt know how to ask so i just said it like dat thanks mo

[@IconicPatterns]

Thank you for the video! I have number 16: reduce sampling waste by using 3D technology for prototyping.

[@hnshlm789hh8]

Thank you so much!! Recently I started really paying attention to sustainable design (it was required for my high school's senior year design project). My ambition is to create a sustainable fashion and I can't stress how useful this video was for me. Thank you ^^ Actually, I used some biomimicry principles in my project because it's all about sustainability. I highly recommend it.

[@jasmineraquel9335]

Do you mind making a video about fashion secrets/tips? It would be a lot of help. Your videos are extremely helpful, thank you.

[@noavy]

I am addicted to your videos xD Point 12: Upcycling , This is my thing ! Do I need to go to Fashion School To Upcycle ? after watching many of your videos i can answer that myself xD . Tomorrow I have an Interview with the Düsseldorf Fashion Institut (Germany) Crossing fingers!

[@zoehongteaches]

>>Do I need to go to Fashion School To Upcycle ? Upcycling involves garment making skills like draping, cutting, sewing, etc so if you don't know them, you have to learn them somewhere.

[@OrrieInBetween]

You de best. Hands down. Thank you for encouraging awareness!!!

[@mishmime]

Wow. I'm only a few minutes into this video and already checked out tonle.com, which has blown my mind! I learn something new from watching Every Single one of your videos, Zoe!! Thank you and keep it up! Especially on sustainability. :)

[@weartheedit]

This was great!!! I took several specific pieces of info away that I wasn't aware of, and will watch again and again. Thanks Zoe!

[@codebrker24]

My Mom used hair dye to dye her fur coat. She couldn't send it to the furrier. Her thought was that it was a hair fiber that could be dyed. When I went to Fashion School, my teacher was totally into using what was available and not what you could buy. Vintage sheets, dead stock fabric, vintage fur coats, then sell as Couture Designs. I have seen shower curtains in stores and thought, that would make a great coat or skirt.

[@zoehongteaches]

Cool! I happen to think restrictions force us to be more creative, not limitless resources.

[@suhani8331]

You're really smart. I love all your ideas and they way you explain everything. I'm thanking and appreciating the universe right now, that I could stumble upon your channel. I'm a fan🙏🏻 Please keep this up, we need you.

[@dicksonfabiawari5067]

Thanks I really found it helpful

[@eeVviiMusic]

Zoe big question: I've been really trying to stay away from polyester thread in my sewing, but I don't want to use cotton thread either because cotton requires so much water and because some cotton comes from inhumane labor like from Uzbekistan. I've been trying to find hemp sewing thread that would work for a sewing machine but no luck. Maybe you can point me to the right direction? Thank you so much! I love all your videos! Much love from California! -Eva

[@bexg2902]

Hi Zoe! I don't know how I came across your channel nor when I subscribed but, I'm glad I'm here. You are such a wealth of information. I am currently a fashion student and eventually I would love to become a costume designer for TV and Film. Your videos are helping me make sense of a lot of the information I'm receiving in school. Thank you Rebecca G.

[@zoehongteaches]

Hi! Make sure you watch my interview with costume designer video in my Interviews with Industry Professionals playlist!

[@ThePopcorngirl123]

These are all amazing, can you do an updated version? anything new on the sustainability scene 😊

[@SlapHappyRetirement]

Very interesting! Up to now I've used 90% thrifted fabrics, but this is good information when I want to branch out.

[@robkelson3699]

I was wondering if you could do a video on different design software.

[@topuptrends]

This thing I was thinking about to watch videos & earn money And You Guys make it happen so happy

[@AlmuContreras]

I’m so grateful that I came across this video, you are a genius! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I’ll definitely watch your other videos, lots of love 💗

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome and thank you!

[@chloefrew4328]

300th to like the video, Zoe is so amazing and inspiring to me and I wouldn't know half the stuff I know now if it weren't for her

[@PetDKK]

Such good ideas!! Thank you Zoe!

[@mahlina1220]

I’ve been intrigued by 80s fashion lately; such great quality. Also been upcycling- very fun just adding a new fresh breath of color!🌈

[@katievandyck2270]

Fabulously helpful video. Thank you Zoe.

[@sarabaq1960]

This is a great video! I love a lot of these ideas and I will see which will work best for my future business!

[@Nitirajranawat]

Would you please do a tutorial on vintage fabric

[@user-pl4yq1oc1y]

This is amazing! I've found and ordered some secondhand fabrics from a peer-to-peer site, but the problem is that it often doesn't come with the content/care label which obviously makes it harder to work with and figure out care instructions but as far as I'm aware I think you are legally responsible to deliver the fiber composition (in Norway) when you sell an item of clothing. I would love to steal your boro home repair idea if you'd be up to that

[@zoehongteaches]

Yes, many countries require fiber content labeled on clothing. Do the boro thing! It's not my idea at all but a Japanese tradition.

[@user-pl4yq1oc1y]

@@zoehongteaches Thank you for all your replies and videos! You are totally awesome and a real inspiration! Really appreciate it

[@blankapapp351]

I had the exact same idea about swapping between fashion brands and upcycling products so it could be something!

[@crystalgillett5577]

All of your videos are so great! They're educational and fun to watch. Thank you sooooooo much for making these, and I hope you will continue to keep making more!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thank you and you're welcome!

[@ninae.lavelanet-lewnau143]

Love these tips! Thank you Zoe!!

[@dgassilem]

Someone has to make your fantasy a reality! It won't be me though since I'm not a designer. I watch your videos for illustration purposes, but I was attracted to this one for the ecofriendly aspect of the fashion industry. Very good ideas and options to make the industry, and our own wardrobe, more sustainable. As an ecology student, I can tell that environment and sustainability are going to be more and more of an issue in the future. You're definitely one of the best teachers I've personally seen on KZbin (your teaching experience in university really shows). Keep up making awesome and inspiring videos! :)

[@aishaf432]

Thank you so much Zoe for this particular video.. all your videos are so informative.. this helped me a big deal with my startup... :) Love you absolutely..

[@jessgriffith2678]

So helpful!! Thank you, Zoe xxx

[@sabinalajiq9977]

Girl, You are amazing. I learned so much. I’m wonder though, for one who’s dropshipping. How do people dropship sustainable? For instance, I can dropship products with good materials (eco friendly materials) but how do you dropship sustainable when products come from China? Are you aware of other good clothing dropship companies? My brand is selling clothes which style is more like corporate/business ish and whenever I’m looking into other dropshippers, their catalog is not as appealing for the type of items that I want. I don’t have the capital to buy in large amount of clothes and work with one supplier only so dropship is the best options. Also, forgive my lack of knowledge but are there actual good suppliers in China and how do I find them? Is there a certain certificate that I can look for? Thanks for the help.

[@melissamybubbles6139]

In addition to vegetable tanning, look up brain tanning done by Indigenous nations. In regards to regular fabrics, such as quilting cotton, is there a way to determine whether it was produced with modern forms of slavery?

[@ShealleTu]

Wow I think I’ve fallen in love with ur personality 😂😂😭

[@Btan1220]

I aspire to be like you. youre amazing and so helpful as you already know haha thank you

[@parneetkaur540]

More sustainable fashion textile videos please! for startup business

[@mariadawley7734]

Hi Zoe! Do you think you can do a video on working with leathers? Sewing with them, where to purchase hides etc.

[@zoehongteaches]

I have one in my Fabrics playlist.

[@johnbbb]

I love garment make from scrap

[@phyllisharvey878]

I really love your videos Zoe.

[@inspirationandlearning1995]

You’re amazing, so helpful. Would love to get some advice if you offer this service?

[@kikiko1603]

hey hey dear zoe i am from egypt and i am following you for awhile and i can learn so much through your videos even though i am more into sewing and pattern making i know every thing you say is definitly related to my field of interrest i just wanna say i love you soo much you are so cute and hard working so keep up and fighting

[@zoehongteaches]

[@ApexPatternStudio]

well done. thanks

[@ReaperBounce]

I personally give away my dead stock to homeless shelters. You are helping someone with new clothes and in a way recycling. Its better than just throwing it in the trash.

[@Zoe-pp2wj]

Could you talk a little bit about for example how stores like ma cys backstage or burlin gton sells items that have tags of 300 and their price is like, 30? Is there something wrong with those clothes? I never understand the system behind it. PS. I love how you always wear black, i love black too.

[@melissaproulx6955]

Thank you Zoe!! I loved this video! So many amazing ideas 🥰

[@wynn6938]

Thank you so so much. This is the one I was looking for. I did get a lot of knowledge from this video. And I will try to make the sustainable garments happen. 🙏

[@Muhreeyaa]

LMAOOO "CUTTING EDGE" I'M DYINGGGG

[@6MM.95]

Great info. Thanks for sharing!

[@kevinpaz1055]

Hi! I’m looking for beautiful / elegant bamboo hang tags

[@apollofateh324]

Can I request a tutorial on holographic fabrics?

[@zoehongteaches]

sure, just keep in mind that the queue is super long.

[@MsMadness24]

Loved your video!!! especially the zero waste patterns idea!!! I will definitely look into it! If you have any recommendations on this, I would love to hear more Keep up the good work

[@jackiemurton687]

I like and share your up-cycling 'fantasy"!

[@AshantiH]

You are fantastic!

[@amandarodrigues4300]

You're awesome, thankyou💝

[@annalopinski4459]

Very informative! Thank you! :) But where can I go to find this negative waste, recycled, sustainable clothing for my future brand? I'm trying to find a website or something I can order from but I'm not having any luck :/. Any one have any suggestions for who I should contact? Thank you!

[@LiveTree]

Let's act together to spread awareness of sustainable food #Livetree

[@MarkRhoades1]

So interesting! Good job!

[@nooralhaddad381]

Love your videos 💕 I’m learning a lot Keep it up 👍🏽

[@rajashreechakraborty3849]

Awesome 👌information. You deserve a like

[@gaurisingh3691]

Thanku for ideas🙏

[@aliciafigueroa9572]

If only micro silk and mylo-fabric was widely available. What a dream to have access to innovative textiles like these! Great video, learned a lot of useful information, as always. P.S. What's wrong with hippie fabric in all shades of green? LMAO!

[@bettyle1282]

I wish they would hire me to design the Upcycle line ….my dream is to be able to scale an Upcycle business so that they aren’t just one offs. I love your idea!!!! How can we make it reality!?

[@elizabethcesar2763]

Haha I love you! Awesome video. Def gave more information than just sustainability ideas.

[@jeremyschneider360]

Do you have any company recommendations for giving back our fabric waste or scraps?

[@zoehongteaches]

Try fabscrap.org

[@polakaczynska5023]

I’ve heard that some brands even burn their clothes from the end of the collection in order to keep their prices high

[@zoehongteaches]

Yes, they do that.

[@powerpuffableX]

Do you mind explaining this? I don’t understand, it sounds so bad:o

[@crystaldelatorre9464]

Is there any way to recycle clothes consumers don't want anymore? I'm asking as a consumer(I don't know much about fashion industry this helped me be a bit smarter about what I wear). Would it be possible for you to do tips video but instead of it being for people with fashion lines it could.be for consumers. Some of the stuff I have is now unwearable so that cant be given to goodwill(plus I hear goodwill is actually wasteful when it comes to.clothes)

[@bboywillow]

wow! hace mucho no te veía, luces hermosa con ese cabello, muy satisfecho, quedé enamorado

[@saharsamie4729]

Love you Zoe😍😍

[@sapnaswaraj32]

Love from India 😘🥰

[@kimjay425]

I loved this video

[@SarahHafley]

Looks like the Made-By link is no longer active and the company has gone under. :(

[@cheetopuffs2580]

Are twill frabic better in general

[@miyanagomez2052]

waiting for your new video maam