As part of our series on sustainability for Earth Day, we would be remiss if we didn’t discuss sustainable fashion. What exactly is sustainable fashion? First of all, it’s nearly impossible to have a 100% sustainable wedding gown, according to Sustainable Fashion Matterz, and that’s because washing clothes affects the environment (through the use of water, electricity, and most laundry detergents that aren’t eco-friendly). But, there are ways you can choose a sustainable wedding gown, and we want to bring you some of those chic options.
Consider Slow Fashion
The opposite of fast fashion, slow fashion is environmentally friendly, by producing fewer items. Reformation offers sustainable women’s fashion, with really pretty bridal options; here are just two examples:
An eco-friendly store focusing solely on the bridal market is The Cotton Bride. Offering bridal styles in 100% cotton, linen, and silk, as it says on their website “like the brides whom we dress, we do not follow trends.”
Sustainable Wedding Gown: Go Vintage
One way to support sustainable fashion is to purchase your gown at a vintage shop. If you’ve ever heard the expression, “they just don’t make things the way they used to” then you can appreciate a vintage gown. One such local option is Andrea’s Vintage Bridal.
Sustainable Wedding Gown: Second Hand
These days there are so many second-hand options in fashion, and many ways you can find a very stylish bridal option, through it. Don’t consider your gown used, consider it “previously loved.” Check out Poshmark and Etsy for tons of options. Of course, if you have the option of re-working your mom or other family member’s gown, this is also a great way to re-use a pre-loved dress (and quite a sentimental option, as well).
Another way to get a previously owned gown is to rent one. Let’s face it, you’re probably not going to wear your wedding gown again, so why take up space with it in your closet? Rent The Runway offers tons of fashionable pieces that you can rent and then return, for both brides and guests.
Vera Wang 
Oscar de la Renta
Once Wed is another option for used and sample dresses. They also carry new, never been worn styles. Once Wed even has a feature where you can search by location, not just designer or style. So if you want a previously-owned gown that’s from our local area, you can find that there too.
And TheRealReal has bridal gowns that may or may not have been previously worn (you would know of course before purchasing) but have been vetted so you know they are in excellent condition.
For more ways to make your wedding events sustainable, check out how to make your bridal shower more eco-friendly!
