You love streetwear, you’re all about the latest shoe drop and you love experimenting with your street style, but at the same time you’re concerned about the impact of fashion on the planet. But at the same time, you worry about the impact fashion has on the planet. Does this inner conflict sound familiar? You’re not alone! The good news is that it’s entirely possible to maintain impeccable style and be more environmentally conscious at the same time. Welcome to the world of Streetwear Sostenible.

 

This movement is growing by leaps and bounds. It is no longer a utopia; it is a reality driven by a new generation looking for alternatives. In fact, according to the ThredUp Resale Report 2024, the global second-hand clothing market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2027, almost double what it is today! And yes, Generation Z is leading this shift, motivated by both economics and sustainability. The rise of the second brother fashion online and the conscious consumption youth fashion are proof of this.

In this guide, we’re going to give you the practical keys to ensure that your passion for streetwear is not at odds with your love of the planet. From discovering vintage treasures and learning how to upcycle clothesuntil we know the sustainable clothing brands spain Get ready to dress brutally responsibly!

The Dark Side of Hype: Why Rethink Our Streetwear Consumption?

Let’s face it: the current fashion model, including some streetwear, has a dark side. Increasingly rapid trend cycles, often imitating the logic of the fast fashionWe are constantly being urged to buy.

Mass production of garments has an environmental cost: the intensive use of water and chemicals in the cultivation of cotton, the dependence on synthetic materials derived from petroleum such as polyester, the CO2 emissions from global transport… And, of course, the enormous amount of textile waste we generate by discarding nearly new clothes. Rethinking our habits is the first step towards a conscious consumption youth fashion.

Keys to a Sustainable and Rollo Streetwear Wardrobe

Transforming your wardrobe doesn’t mean giving up your style – on the contrary! It can be an opportunity to be more creative and unique.

The Power of Secondhand: Vintage and Pre-Loved Treasures

The most sustainable option will always be to use what already exists, and the second-hand world is a universe full of gems waiting to be discovered!

• Where to look: Explore the vintage clothing shops (in Madrid, neighbourhoods such as Malasaña or Lavapiés are a good starting point; in Barcelona, the Raval or Gràcia). Immerse yourself in the world of second brother fashion online through platforms such as Vinted, Depop or Wallapop, whose success demonstrates this change of mentality.
• Qué encontrar: Sweatshirts from classic brands, T-shirts with unique graphics, jeans with a history, vintage bomber jackets… Patience is rewarded!

Creative Upcycling: Dale una Nueva Vida a tu Ropa

Do you have clothes that you no longer wear or that are a bit damaged? Don’t throw them away! The Upcycling is to transform those clothes into something new, different and totally personalised.

• How to upcycle clothes? The possibilities are endless. Customize a denim jacket with patches or textile paint, cut jeans to make shorts, transform old t-shirts into an original top, combine two garments to create a new one… Look for tutorials on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube; the community upcycler is huge and very creative!
• Benefits: You will have unique pieces that no one else is wearing, reduce waste and develop your creativity and manual skills.

Repair is Revolutionary: Long live your favourite garments!

In the throwaway era, repairing clothes is an almost radical act. Learning how to sew on a button, fix a small seam or put on a patch can greatly extend the life of your favourite garments. You can even turn mending into an aesthetic element with techniques such as the visible mending (visible mending) or the sashiko Japanese. It is a fundamental part of the philosophy slow fashion.

Quality over Quantity: Invest in Durable Parts

Instead of buying a lot of cheap, low-quality clothes that break down quickly, try to invest in well-made pieces, with good materials, that you know will last for several seasons. A good pair of jeans, a durable jacket, a quality pair of trainers…. In the long run, you save money and generate less waste. Focus on timeless streetwear basics.

Support Committed Brands (Research!)

More and more brands are talking about sustainability, but watch out for the greenwashing! Do some research before you buy. Look for transparency: do they say what materials they use, where they produce, are they ethical with their workers?

• Global examples: Brands such as Patagonia are a benchmark for their environmental activism and remediation programmes.
• Spanish examples: Ecoalf is a pioneer in the use of recycled materials, especially plastics collected from the ocean.

 

Sustainable Streetwear Brands (with Spanish and Global Label)

Here are some of them sustainable clothing brands spain and international references that combine urban style and commitment:

Sustainable Clothing Brands Spain:

• Ecoalf: As already mentioned, a leader in recycling. They offer everything from technical coats and jackets to basics and trainers.
• Thinking Mu: They use mainly organic cotton, hemp and other low-impact materials. Their designs are colourful and with original prints. They produce under fair trade criteria.
• Brava Fabrics: Based in Barcelona, they are committed to sustainable materials (organic cotton, Tencel, linen) and local production in Spain and Portugal. Their fun prints are their hallmark.

International benchmarks in sustainable fashion:

• Patagonia: A classic. Although its origins are outdoor, its fleeces, T-shirts and caps are streetwear staples. Their environmental commitment is undeniable.
• Veja: The Franco-Brazilian trainer brand that conquered the world with its sustainable materials (Amazonian rubber, organic cotton, fabric made from recycled plastic bottles) and its fair trade ethic.
• Noah NY: Founded by a former creative director of Supreme, it combines classic streetwear aesthetics with a strong discourse on quality, ethics and sustainability.

Beyond Clothes: Habits for Conscious Consumption

Being sustainable goes beyond buying eco clothes. Small daily gestures add up:

• Wash Less and Better: Save water and energy, and reduce the release of microplastics (if you wash synthetics). Wash cold, use eco-friendly detergents and air dry clothes whenever possible.
• Exchange with Friends: Organise a swap party with your group. What you no longer want may be someone else’s treasure.Circular economy in action!
• Be Informed and Be Critical: Follow sustainable fashion activists, read about the impact of materials, question brands’ marketing campaigns. Encourage conscious consumption youth fashion.

 

Adopting an approach of Streetwear Sostenible doesn’t mean sacrificing your style; it means enriching it. It’s about being more creative, more intentional and aligning the way you dress with your values. Prioritising the second brother fashion online and the vintage shops, daring to go with the upcycling ropa and repair, by investing in quality and supporting sustainable clothing brands spain and global who work hard, you can make a difference.

Every choice counts. Your wardrobe can be a style statement and, at the same time, a small step towards a more planet-friendly future.

What’s your favourite trick for more sustainable streetwear? Do you know of any local brands we should add to the list? We’ll read you in the comments!