Term

Definition

Blue design

Design approach focusing on water conservation

Buy Less Movement

A sustainability initiative advocating for mindful consumption and reducing overproduction.

Capsule Wardrobe

A collection of essential versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits

Conscious Consumerism

A movement encouraging consumers to make ethical purchasing decisions based on environmental and social impact.

Consumer Activism

Advocacy by consumers to push brands towards more ethical and sustainable practices.

Cultural appropriation

Inappropriate use of traditional designs or techniques

Eco-innovation

Development of sustainable solutions in fashion

Ethical Fashion

Clothing produced with fair wages safe working conditions and environmentally friendly practices. Fashion that prioritizes fair labor practices, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly production processes, ensuring social and environmental responsibility throughout the supply chain.

Fair Trade Fashion

Ensuring fair wages and good working conditions for producers in developing countries

Fashion degrowth

A radical approach advocating a reduction in fashion production and consumption to stay within planetary boundaries. Politically and economically challenging; avoided by industry-led glossaries.

Garment Longevity

The practice of designing clothes to last longer, reducing waste.

Generation Z fashion

Sustainable style preferences of younger consumers

Greenwashing / Greenwashed

Misleading consumers about the environmental benefits of a product.

Indigenous rights

Protecting traditional textile knowledge

Minimalist Wardrobe

A clothing collection focused on essentials and versatility.

Obsolescence engineering (planned, built-in, or unplanned)

Refers to the deliberate design and marketing strategies employed by fashion brands to ensure that clothing and accessories have an artificially limited useful life, thereby compelling consumers to purchase replacements frequently. Types of obsolescence include Physical Obsolescence (Contrived Durability) - Design for poor quality/durability - Psychological/Perceived Obsolescence (Forced Fashion) - Rapidly changing trends.

Slow Fashion

An approach emphasizing quality, sustainability, and reduced consumption. Mindful approach using sustainable processes and resources to produce long-lasting quality garments. A movement that promotes buying fewer higher-quality items of clothing. A movement that encourages mindful consumption and the creation of clothing in small batches with high-quality materials to reduce waste and promote longevity. A movement advocating for sustainable and mindful clothing consumption.

Transitional Design

A design methodology that aims to transition industries toward sustainability by designing for change, resilience, and ecological restoration.

Transparency in Fashion

The practice of brands openly sharing their supply chain and production details to ensure accountability.