The Future of Sustainable Fashion is "Made in Los Angeles"
Los Angeles has the largest clothing manufacturing center in the United States, and millions associate it with Hollywood red carpet glamour.
Yes, the entertainment industry has played a role in shaping the city's glamorous style, but there's so much more to the story.
In recent years, Los Angeles has become the absolute powerhouse of ethical clothing production, accounting for over 97% of the industry.
Consumers are increasingly demanding low-waste manufacturing, organic cotton, natural fibers, small-batch production, transparent supply chains, fair wages, and ethical labor.
Why? Because people aren't just buying fashion - they're buying value.
Fast Fashion’s Sustainability Problem
The fashion industry likes to do things quickly and cheaply to maximize profit.
They think the lowest price for the latest styles can fool buyers into thinking they’re getting more value, but these “savings” come at high environmental and social costs.
The industry is a major offender in the depletion of natural resources and accounts for 20% of global water pollution.
According to UN reports, the Fast Fashion Industry dries up water resources and pollutes rivers and streams. Your favorite pair of jeans requires over 2,000 gallons to manufacture.
Even washing clothes releases 500,000 tons of microfiber into the ocean each year. That is the equivalent of 500,000 plastic water bottles.
Most likely, your jeans will end up in a landfill.
Consumers are sobering up to these statistics and are demanding that brands do better by seeking out clear sustainability missions.
Shaping the Future of American Fashion
People are starting to recognize that "LA Made" products have:
- Environmental Responsibility
- Ethical Labor Practices: No sweatshop labor
- Safety Standards from OSHA
- Strict Quality Control
- Community Support: Strengthen the local community
As a sustainable clothing brand, People of Leisure has always valued a slow fashion model that benefits the planet and its people.
People of Leisure is leading the way from overseas mass production towards locally sourced craftsmanship.
Launched in 2015 by purchasing deadstock fabrics headed for the landfill, the company has grown and introduced new sustainable fabrics, such as hemp and organic cotton, into its product line.
According to People of Leisure CEO Bobby Banafsheian, "By repurposing discarded fabric and sourcing sustainable materials, we are creating clothing in small batches that help to reduce our carbon footprint and allow us to offer unique pieces."
Consumers Are Making Empowered Choices
In a city like Los Angeles, where film, art, and design collide, Fashion becomes more than a product; it becomes a culture that aligns style with values.
Made in LA is a statement of who you are, not what you wear. It looks great, but it also feel great, too.
Slow down and consciously select pieces.
Join the Slow Fashion Movement
Fast-fashion retailers, driven to meet growing sales goals and investor expectations, give little recognition to labor or climate change. The slow fashion movement asks companies to stop excessive production and unethical practices and invites consumers to rethink their relationship with clothes.
Through educational content creation, events, research, collaborations, or just reading our newsletter, you can help encourage others to slow down, shop less, rewear more often, and share more.
