How to Recognize Sustainable Fashion? 10 Criteria for Conscious Consumers
Sustainable fashion is not just a trend – it’s a lifestyle choice. More and more people want to buy clothes and accessories that respect the environment, animal welfare, and fair labor. But how can you know if a brand is truly sustainable – or just engaging in greenwashing?
Here are 10 criteria to help you make conscious choices – with examples of how we apply them at Plant Inside.
1. Materials: vegan, recycled, durable
The journey starts with the right materials. Look for:
- Vegan alternatives: Piñatex® (pineapple), Desserto® (cactus), Viridis® (corn leather from Italy).
- Recycled fibers: PET bottles, recycled cotton.
- Innovative textiles: Washpapa – paper-based, durable, plastic-free.
At Plant Inside we use Viridis® and Washpapa to ensure our bags are both ethical and long-lasting.
2. Production: local and transparent
Shorter supply chains = lower emissions and better oversight.
All Plant Inside products are made in Poland, in a local workshop – giving us full transparency and control.
3. Certifications and labels
Not every eco label is trustworthy. Look for:
- PETA-Approved Vegan – ensures the brand is 100% animal-free,
- GOTS – standard for organic cotton
- Fair Wear Foundation – guarantees fair working conditions.
Plant Inside is fully PETA-Approved Vegan as an entire brand, not just for selected products. As Peta certifies entire company, not single products or cruelty-free fashion lines, it’s not easy to get that certificate for big fashion brands.
4. Price and quality
Cheap often costs twice.
Customers say their Plant Inside bags still look almost new after years of daily use.
5. Supply chain transparency
Responsible brands name their suppliers.
We openly share ours: Viridis® from Italy, Washpapa from Germany.
6. Packaging and shipping
A sustainable product deserves sustainable shipping.
At Plant Inside we use plastic-free packaging: starch-based Skorpak fillers (that dissolve in water) and recycled stone paper made from construction debris.
7. Repairability and care
Products that are easy to maintain last longer.
We provide tips on how to care for vegan leather and Washpapa to extend their lifespan.
8. Functionality and durability
Fashion is sustainable only if it’s used often, not stored away.
Our bags are designed to be versatile and practical – for work, travel, and everyday life.
9. Values and mission
A brand’s values define its credibility.
Plant Inside stands for vegan, cruelty-free, fair, and conscious – these values shape every decision we make.
10. Community and engagement
Sustainability also means giving back.
Every month we donate to the “Jelonki” Animal Rehabilitation Center in Poland, helping injured wildlife return to nature.
Conclusion
Sustainable fashion is more than just a slogan – it’s a commitment that covers materials, production, packaging, and mission.
At Plant Inside we prove that design and responsibility can go hand in hand – with innovative materials, local production, certification, and community support.