Why What You Wear Matters As Much As What You Eat
In recent years, more and more people are paying attention to what they eat, making mindful choices for their health and well-being. However, there’s another crucial part of living a healthy lifestyle that’s often overlooked: what you wear. Just as we’ve learned to check food labels, it’s time to take a closer look at our clothing labels, too.
The Hidden Dangers in Fast Fashion
Recent reports have uncovered alarming levels of toxic chemicals in clothing from major fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu. These products have been found to contain hazardous substances such as formaldehyde, lead, and phthalates—chemicals that can cause significant harm to the body. Our skin, the largest organ we have, is incredibly absorbent, meaning that the fabrics we wear have a direct impact on our health.
“Phthalate-based plasticisers affect reproductive functions such as sperm count reduction, and can cause infertility and even premature birth,” an official from Seoul’s environmental health team told AFP. One such chemical “is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Cancer Institute, so special care should be taken to avoid long-term contact with the human body”, the official added.
Many synthetic fabrics in today’s fashion, including polyester and acrylic, are petroleum-based and often treated with even more harmful chemicals during production. The result? Clothes that are not only bad for the environment but also for our bodies. As people become more health-conscious, they’re starting to realize that a truly healthy lifestyle extends beyond what you eat—it includes what you wear.
Building a Healthy Wardrobe: What to Look For
To create a “healthy wardrobe,” the goal should be to avoid petroleum-based fabrics and instead opt for sustainable, natural, and organic fibers. Natural fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, and hemp are far less likely to be treated with harmful chemicals, and they’re better for the environment, too. These sustainable choices ensure that what you wear on your body is as healthy and safe as what you put into it.
Did you know that at TIZZ & TONIC many of our styles are made using ROICA™ elastane? This is the world’s first Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Material Health Gold Level Certified™ premium stretch yarn that combines performance and sustainability for the next generation of garments. We also strive to only use plant-based fabrics like organic cotton and modal, and future-forward fabrics like recycled and SUPIMA™ cotton.
However, this shift towards healthier, eco-friendly fashion is not without its challenges, especially for small, independent brands. Sourcing high-quality, sustainable materials often comes with a higher price tag. But the benefits—both for your health and the planet—are undeniable.
The Challenge for Small Brands: Quality vs. Cost
For many small brands, integrating sustainable, locally-produced materials into their clothing lines presents a significant challenge. Producing in small batches, using natural fibers, and ensuring ethical labor practices all increase production costs. This often makes it difficult to compete with the lower prices of mass-produced fast fashion brands, even though the quality and sustainability of small-batch products are superior.
We produce our collections locally in Germany and Portugal, countries known for their high-quality craftsmanship. By choosing to manufacture in these regions, we not only support local economies but also ensure that our products meet strict ethical and environmental standards. It’s a choice that reflects our commitment to sustainability, but it also comes at a higher cost—a challenge many small brands face in communicating to their customers.
Why Supporting Local, Sustainable Fashion Is Worth It
Purchasing from small, independent brands that prioritize sustainability and local production has ripple effects far beyond your wardrobe. When you buy a product made with care, from good materials, and with ethical production processes, you’re putting your money back into your community. Supporting local brands helps stimulate local economies, fosters fair wages, and creates a more sustainable fashion industry.
For consumers, the higher price tag on sustainable fashion may seem like a challenge at first, but it’s an investment in quality, health, and a better future. Wearing clothing made from safe, natural materials doesn’t just feel good—it’s a step towards a healthier lifestyle, both for you and for the environment.
Partnering for a Sustainable Future
As a small brand, we know that telling the full story of sustainable fashion isn’t always easy. But we believe in partnering with our customers to align our values. By choosing to shop consciously, you become part of a movement towards a healthier, more ethical fashion industry. We’re here to support that journey, whether by answering your questions, providing transparency into our processes, or simply creating beautiful, sustainable clothes that make you feel great.
