Term

Meaning

Sustainable Fashion Interpretation

Gemutlichkeit Style

German concept emphasizing warmth, friendliness, and social belonging

Encourages clothing that fosters connection and joy, such as well-crafted, soft, and inviting pieces. Supports upcycled or hand-me-down pieces with sentimental value, aligning with community-driven fashion movements, local craftsmanship, and ethical work environments.

Gezelligheid

Dutch concept of warmth, coziness, and conviviality often in a communal setting

Encourages wearing pieces that spark joy and togetherness, such as sentimental clothing or hand-knit items made by loved ones. Supports community fashion movements like clothing swaps, thrifting, and co-ops that bring people together through shared sustainable practices.

Hygge Style

Danish and Norwegian concept of coziness, comfort, warmth, and contentment

Focuses on comfort, longevity, and ethical production with soft, natural fibers like wool and organic cotton. Encourages layered loungewear and timeless essentials that promote well-being over trend-chasing. Aligns with slow fashion by cherishing and caring for garments rather than replacing them.

Ikigai Style

Japanese philosophy of purposeful living and fulfillment

Emphasizes intentional consumption, wardrobe minimalism, and supporting brands aligned with one's values. Encourages investing in well-made garments with longevity and significance, focusing on craftsmanship over mass production.

Kintsugi

Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold to highlight imperfections

Aligns with visible mending, upcycling, and repair culture. Celebrates flaws and wear in garments rather than discarding them. Encourages creative patchwork, embroidered repairs, and reworked vintage pieces, shifting away from fast fashion’s obsession with perfection.

Lagom

Swedish concept of balance, moderation, and having just the right amount

Promotes a practical and balanced wardrobe, choosing versatile, high-quality pieces that work in multiple contexts. Encourages capsule wardrobes, multifunctional designs, and investing in ethically made garments that last for years.

Shodo

Japanese art of calligraphy emphasizing mindfulness, simplicity, and artistic expression

Translates to fashion through artisanal, hand-printed textiles, celebrating craftsmanship. Encourages intentionality in fashion choices, selecting garments with thoughtfulness and appreciation. Supports traditional textile printing methods like Japanese indigo dyeing.

Wabi-sabi

Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfection and transience

Celebrates handmade, one-of-a-kind garments, natural dyes, and visible mending techniques. Encourages upcycling, repairing, and appreciating the history and wear of a garment instead of discarding it. Supports brands that emphasize asymmetry, raw edges, and naturally aging fabrics.

Wu wei

Chinese philosophy of effortless action and harmony with natural flow

Encourages natural, organic materials and zero-waste design. Advocates for allowing clothes to age gracefully rather than replacing them frequently. Supports circular fashion, where garments decompose naturally or are repurposed with minimal effort, and relaxed, flowing silhouettes that move naturally with the body.