by Robyn Lawlor and Aoife Hughes.
Sustainable fashion is becoming a bigger and more important conversation, especially among students more conscious of their environmental impact. At Dublin City University, many are trying to move away from fast fashion and looking for ways to make their wardrobes more eco-friendly. We asked many DCU students different questions on the topic of sustainable fashion to get their opinions on shopping sustainably, their tips and tricks and how to do it in an affordable and fun way.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
For students, sustainable fashion means buying second-hand, sourcing clothes as
ethically as possible and making choices that are good for the environment. Others see
sustainability as anything that benefits the planet, whether it’s reusing clothes, upcycling
old pieces, or simply making the most of what they already own. By embracing second-
hand shopping and DIY fashion hacks, students are proving that style and sustainability
can go hand in hand.
Can you name any brands that are leading the way into sustainability?
Students pointed to resale platforms like Vinted and other second-hand apps that make it easier to shop
more sustainably. One student also mentioned H&M’s conscious collection, which aims
to use more eco-friendly materials. However, fast fashion brands still have a long way to go,
these initiatives show that there’s a growing demand for more ethical and sustainable
options.
How important is it to you to have a fashion brand that is transparent about
its supply chain?
Transparency is another key issue, students agreed that it’s extremely important
for brands to be honest about their sustainability practices. One student pointed out that
many brands advertise themselves as sustainable without making meaningful
changes—a practice known as greenwashing. This makes it even harder for consumers
to make informed choices.
Is sustainability a factor you consider when you go to buy clothing?
Some students said it previously was not. Though, with age and more education on the subject, it is becoming more
of a factor, not only for its affordability but also because it is better for the environment, to borrowing
other friend’s clothing to not shopping on websites like Amazon and Shein it is
something they take into consideration. However, there were a few students that
stated due to financial situations it is too difficult to do, so it is not their main
factor.
Where do you shop sustainably is it apps or vintage shops or initiatives
like clothing swaps?
Many said Depop and vinted is amazing since it is easy to find particular items
you like and are looking for due to the search engine. One student in particular
mentioned a website called Grailed which he believes is underrated. It
was shared by some that travelling into town and going to different
vintage/charity shops and clothing swaps is a fun activity even if you end up not
purchasing anything so it is a great way to try and shop sustainably as you can
make a day out of it with your friends and a cute cup of coffee.
Do you find shopping sustainably financial realistic as a student In Ireland
with the cost of living?
Some students find sustainable shopping difficult due to the high cost of ethical brands.
However, alternatives like second-hand platforms such as Vinted offer more affordable
options, with items costing as little as two euros. Some agree that sustainable
shopping can be expensive; they note that if you are spending 10-20 euros weekly on
fast fashion like Primark, it may balance out. Others suggest that having a smaller,
curated wardrobe and avoiding overconsumption can make it more manageable.
However, buying new sustainable clothing remains financially challenging for students.
Some also point out that charity shops in Ireland offer a more affordable option.
In conclusion, students at Dublin City University are increasingly aware of the impact of
fast fashion and are exploring sustainable alternatives. However, the cost of ethical brands
can be a barrier, many find second-hand shopping platforms like Vinted and Depop, as
well as local vintage and charity shops, to be more affordable and practical options. The
shift towards sustainable fashion is growing, with students valuing transparency in
brands and embracing eco-friendly practices. Though financial challenges remain, many
DCU students are finding creative and fun ways to shop sustainably while staying
mindful of their environmental impact.