When we talk about sustainable fashion, the conversation often turns to Gen Z. We picture young activists leading the charge with thrift store hauls and a passion for upcycling. While their enthusiasm is undeniable, the data tells a slightly different story. Millennials are quietly making a significant impact on the secondhand market. In fact, nearly 40% of secondhand fashion buyers are millennials, while Gen Z makes up about 31%.
This trend highlights a broader shift in how we think about our clothes.

It’s not just about what we buy, but what we do with our garments when we’re done with them. This is the core idea behind the circular fashion economy, a system designed to reduce waste and give our clothes a longer life. This post will explain what a circular fashion economy is, why it matters, and how you can get involved—no matter your generation.

What is a Circular Fashion Economy?

To understand the circular fashion economy, it helps to first look at the system most of us are familiar with: the linear fashion economy. In a linear model, we follow a simple path: take, make, use, and dispose. Resources are taken from the earth to make clothes, we wear them for a while, and then we throw them away. This process creates a massive amount of waste. The average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing each year, and most of it ends up in landfills.

The circular fashion economy offers a different approach. Instead of a straight line leading to a landfill, it creates a loop. The goal is to design products that can be used for as long as possible and then, at the end of their life, be reused, repaired, or recycled into something new. It’s a system built on sustainability, aiming to keep materials in use and out of the trash.

This model encourages us to think of clothing not as disposable items but as valuable resources. It involves everything from designing durable garments to creating systems for resale, repair, and recycling.

Why is a Circular Economy Important?

The fashion industry has a significant environmental footprint. It’s responsible for a large portion of global carbon emissions and water pollution. The linear “fast fashion” model, with its emphasis on cheap, trendy clothes that are quickly discarded, has only made these problems worse. Adopting a circular model is crucial for several reasons.

Reducing Waste

The most immediate benefit of a circular economy is the reduction of waste. When we extend the life of our clothes through resale or repair, we keep them out of landfills. Recycling materials at the end of their lifespan further minimizes what gets thrown away. This not only saves landfill space but also reduces the pollution associated with waste decomposition.

Conserving Resources

Making new clothes requires a lot of resources. Growing cotton, for example, uses vast amounts of water and pesticides. Producing synthetic fibers like polyester is an energy-intensive process that relies on fossil fuels. A circular economy lessens the demand for new materials by keeping existing ones in circulation. When we buy secondhand or wear clothes made from recycled fibers, we reduce the strain on the planet’s resources.

Lowering Carbon Emissions

The fashion industry’s production processes, from manufacturing textiles to transporting finished garments, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing the need for new production, a circular economy helps lower this carbon footprint. Extending the life of a garment by just nine months can reduce its environmental impact by 20-30%.

Promoting Ethical Practices

The push for a circular economy also sheds light on the human side of the fashion industry. The pressure to produce cheap clothing quickly often leads to poor working conditions and low wages for garment workers. A circular model, which values durability and quality over speed and low cost, encourages more thoughtful and ethical production practices.

Key Components of a Circular Fashion Economy

Creating a fully circular system is complex and involves changes at every stage of a garment’s life. Here are the main pillars that support it.

Design for Durability and Recyclability

Circularity starts on the drawing board. Designers and brands have a responsibility to create clothing that is built to last. This means using high-quality materials and construction techniques. It also involves designing for disassembly, making it easier to separate different materials for recycling at the end of the garment’s life. For example, a shirt made from a single material is much easier to recycle than one made from a blend of fibers.

Resale and Secondhand Markets

The secondhand market is one of the most visible and accessible parts of the circular economy. Platforms like ThredUp, Poshmark, and Depop, as well as traditional thrift and consignment stores, allow clothes to find new owners. As mentioned earlier, millennials are major participants in this market, showing that the desire for sustainable and affordable fashion crosses generational lines. Buying secondhand is a simple way for consumers to participate in the circular economy.

Repair and Maintenance

In a throwaway culture, a missing button or a small tear can be enough to send a garment to the trash. A circular economy encourages a culture of repair. Many brands are now offering repair services for their products, and there’s a growing movement of people learning basic sewing skills to mend their own clothes. Caring for our clothes properly—by washing them correctly and storing them well—also extends their life.

Rental and Subscription Services

Fashion rental services offer another way to access new styles without the need for ownership. Companies like Rent the Runway allow customers to borrow clothing for a specific period, which is particularly useful for special occasions. This model reduces the demand for single-use outfits and ensures that garments are worn multiple times by different people.

Recycling and Upcycling

When a garment can no longer be worn, resold, or repaired, the next step is recycling or upcycling. Upcycling transforms old clothing into new items of higher value—for example, turning old jeans into a stylish bag. Recycling breaks down the textile fibers so they can be spun into new yarn and used to create new fabrics. While textile recycling technology is still developing, it holds great promise for closing the loop in the fashion industry.

How You Can Participate in the Circular Fashion Economy

While brands and policymakers have a big role to play, individual consumers have a lot of power to drive change. Here are some practical steps you can take to support a circular fashion economy.

1. Think Before You Buy

The most sustainable garment is the one you already own. Before buying something new, ask yourself if you really need it and if you’ll wear it often. A good rule of thumb is the “30 wears” test: Will you wear this item at least 30 times? This simple question can help you avoid impulse purchases and build a more thoughtful wardrobe.

2. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Invest in well-made pieces that will last for years, rather than trendy items that will fall apart after a few washes. Look for durable materials and strong construction. While quality clothing may have a higher price tag, it’s often more cost-effective in the long run because you won’t need to replace it as frequently.

3. Embrace Secondhand Shopping

Explore your local thrift stores or browse online resale platforms. You can find unique, high-quality items at a fraction of their original price. Buying secondhand is a direct way to keep clothes in circulation and out of landfills.

4. Care for and Repair Your Clothes

Learn some basic mending skills, like how to sew on a button or patch a hole. Proper care can also make a big difference. Follow the washing instructions on the label, wash your clothes less frequently, and air-dry them when possible to reduce wear and tear.

5. Dispose of Clothing Responsibly

When you’re ready to part with an item, don’t just toss it in the trash. If it’s still in good condition, sell it or donate it. If it’s too worn out, look for textile recycling programs in your area. Some brands and retailers have take-back programs that will recycle old clothes for you.

The Path to a More Sustainable Future

The transition to a circular fashion economy won’t happen overnight. It requires a collective effort from designers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. However, the growing popularity of the secondhand market, driven by savvy consumers like millennials, shows that change is already underway. By making more conscious choices about how we buy, use, and dispose of our clothes, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and less wasteful fashion industry.

Building a circular system is about more than just reducing our environmental impact. It’s about fostering a new relationship with our belongings, one that values quality, longevity, and resourcefulness. It’s a practical approach that helps both the planet and our wallets. By embracing the principles of the circular economy, we can create a future where fashion is not only stylish but also sustainable.