https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:07:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1/page/2#post-2239213 Wed, 17 Nov 2021 13:17:32 +0000 Anonymous 2239213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you'd make up for it by wearing them for a long time, and of course being vegetarian saves a c-ton of water. But I definitely get it in the spirit of choosing to spend intentionally. Another option would be to buy white/white-ish cords from a maker you want to support and then dye them to that color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2239195 Wed, 17 Nov 2021 08:49:24 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2239195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Minaminu! I’m going to hold off on these pants &amp; see if something similar and ethically made comes up. I want to support small sustainable makers and big companies’ moves towards sustainability, but need to tie myself to the mast when I look at the sites that mix sustainable and unsustainably-produced clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2239189 Wed, 17 Nov 2021 08:20:26 +0000 Minaminu 2239189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peopletree has some light purple cotton trousers... <a href="https://www.peopletree.co.uk/women/trousers/osha-trousers" rel="nofollow">https://www.peopletree.co.uk/w.....a-trousers</a></p> <p>The other alternative is to sit and wait for a similar item to come up in ebay or similar websites. I got some of my favourite pieces by waiting a couple of seasons and I find this to be a solution from buying brand new pieces from a brand who does not have great ethics.</p> <p>Having said that, I think Jenn gave a very wise suggestion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2239148 Wed, 17 Nov 2021 01:45:53 +0000 CarolS 2239148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No interest in the philosophies of gift giving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2239114 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 23:31:06 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2239114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CarolS, you mean the sweater request?<br /> This is segueing into philosophies about gift-giving now, but I feel the hunt is part of the gift. If I knew a specific sweater, I’d ask for it, but all I have at this point is someone on ylf saying recently that she’s seen a ton of white fisherman sweaters in the US like her green one from the UK. I did send them a little article on different certifications to give them an idea. If they come up with a sweater like I want, awesome. If not, I’m in the same spot I’m in now, nbd. I did specify several other things I’d like (including the watch plaid pants) so they aren’t entirely out in the woods </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2239113 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 23:20:15 +0000 CarolS 2239113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stag, given the specificity of your request, do you think it would help to point your family to a couple of options that would tick your boxes and tickle your fancy?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2239105 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 22:43:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2239105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just heard these might be under the tree for me. They go in a different direction than the purple cords, but do fit the “fancy pants” descriptor, so I’m going to stand down on these purple pants—for now anyway. </p> <p><a href="https://www.pendleton-usa.com/product/womens-black-watch-straight-leg-pants/10460.html?dwvar_10460_color=7086" rel="nofollow">https://www.pendleton-usa.com/.....color=7086</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238990 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 12:28:58 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>kkards, I am nowhere near a specialist in this kind of thing. From what I've read, cotton uses more water in all its stages than any other fabric, including wool. I'd be interested to hear what your mom says about the comparison between them. I think the link I posted above references cotton initiatives that focus on the processing as well as initiatives that focus on the growing (but I just plucked it from a search result and skimmed, so might be wrong--for some reason I read your question as a very naive one, which made me wonder, because I thought you knew more, but then I shrugged and incorrectly assumed naivete. Sorry). I don't think there is one label that encapsulates all the issues entirely. BCI doesn't trace the entire chain for each item. Oeko-tex is focused more on the consumer than on the production. Cotton made in Africa doesn't have as stringent of controls as other programs. There are others, each with their own benefits and drawbacks too. I don't think I can find the perfect solution, but I do know that cotton as it is typically produced for our consumption, even though I love the feel of that fiber better than any other, with the possible exception of silk, isn't something I want to support. Doing a thing, even if it's not all the things, is better than nothing. </p> <p></p> <p>BTW, for Christmas from family, I've requested a big white fisherman's sweater of organic cotton. They have no idea what I'm talking about, so I'm trying to explain it to them clearly and gently. If any of you have ever done this successfully and have tips, I'm all ears. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238987 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 12:04:39 +0000 kkards 2238987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Got it, i did not realize that you were solely focused on organic cotton for water use, thats why i asked. Yes cotton growing does use a lot of water, as does dyeing, pre washing etc. i was thinking of the end to end manufacturing, which was why i was asking. For example, Levi Straus, which I don’t think uses organics, has done a lot of R&amp;D on using and reusing water in the development of its clothing.&nbsp;<br />There’s a lot to consider, and I’m reminded of what my mother, trained as a textile chemist said to me recently. “Think of all the chemicals that had to be used to make that wool item washable”</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238975 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 10:04:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Bijou. </p> <p>I have one more pair of winter pants than I mentioned above—the off-white ones with the fabric pull in the leg. But I have more skirts than you can shake a stick at, and probably half a dozen winter dresses. So I’m trying to decide if I have more skirts and dresses because that’s what I wear, or if I wear them more because that’s what I have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238956 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:12:52 +0000 Bijou 2238956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is tricky... I do think you could buy these pants with a clear conscience if you wear them into the ground (which you will)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238919 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 23:21:06 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scotland? Rachylou, you are funny, but I have no idea what you’re talking about.</p> <p>Wait, you mean *that* conference—the one that’s going to make us say “Glasgow” instead of “Paris”. </p> <p>You’re probably right that my one pair of pants won’t make that much difference, but this is an industry made up of 1+1+1+…. In some things, an individual’s effort doesn’t mean much vs a company’s, but these companies make what gets purchased. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238918 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 23:19:52 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, you have such incisive comments. It occurred to me as I typed that to Jenn that I sounded pretty impulsive, but actually I’ve had “fancy pants” (ie patterned or bright colored) for winter on my list for quite a while. I have red flares and brown skinnies in the size I’d get these in, and my pinstriped jeans or black baby boot cuts might fit too. The black, green, and blue pants I got when we moved here are all at the very tippy-top of my size range now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238913 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 23:02:23 +0000 rachylou 2238913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you been following Scotland? I’m like buy now so you’ll have them for the apocalypse in 2045… ahem(!)</p> <p>Sorry. Peanut Gallery :p </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238910 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 22:49:03 +0000 SarahD8 2238910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So frustrating! In the spirit of commiseration, I often feel frustrated that sustainable fashion brands tend to feature a very narrow aesthetic...that is not mine. And also a color palette that makes me look like death warmed over.</p> <p>I had the same thought as Irina about the potential for water use in a home dye job. My professional opinion as a climate journalist is that life cycle analysis is complicated! (And LCA of cotton in particular can be rife with questionable assumptions.)</p> <p>My other professional opinion as a climate journalist is that the most sustainable pair of pants to buy is the one that will prevent you from buying another pair of pants. (Like...I would rather buy ONE pair of jeans that I know will work even if they're from Old Navy than four almost-right ones from "sustainable" brands.)</p> <p>But, lest you think I am merely enabling, your response to Jenn makes me wonder if these purple pants are, if not a need, then an authentic want rather than a marketing-manufactured want. You know? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238909 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 22:43:18 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Style Fan, I like to keep clothes for a long time, but cords wear out. Since posting this I’ve realized (with a laugh at myself) that in the 80s I had a pair of cords almost this exact color, and a pair that was peachy salmon, both the same size, wide wale with high waists and carrot legs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238907 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 22:36:35 +0000 Style Fan 2238907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They are a gorgeous colour!&nbsp; You seem to keep your clothes for a long time.&nbsp; :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238901 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 21:50:30 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, that’s smart of you. I was accosted by a random ad from Hess—nice, sustainably made clothing, pants in an orchid color I like, but it isn’t what I need right now. And then I googled. That’s where things went awry. And it's complicated--this company, like many others, is beginning to offer more sustainable clothing. I don't want to make the same mistake here that I made when I became a vegetarian--I want to support moves towards more sustainability.</p> <p>Irina, good to hear a voice of experience. </p> <p>Lozz_oz, I don’t know if I would harbor bad feelings against them. It’s goofy, I know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238893 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 20:47:24 +0000 Jenn 2238893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is why I have been trying to not even browse those sites that likely won't meet my personal ethical standards. It can be way too tempting, so I'd rather not even know their products exist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238892 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 20:41:25 +0000 lozz_oz 2238892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like others have said - swings and roundabouts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238890 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 20:25:16 +0000 Irina 2238890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I dyed two sweaters last year and was uneasy about amount of water I had to use to wash off dye from them. If you don’t use enough, dye might transfer to other clothes. In my case it was an experiment with my own sweaters to understand the process, results and if it would be a viable option to buy something and dye into a different color. My answer is no to buying anything with a purpose to dye it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238884 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 20:10:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Et tu, Angie? ;)</p> <p>LaPed, a donation is an interesting idea. Not something I’d want to make a regular habit, because I do want to see the sustainable side growing, so it needs people buying it, but maybe every once in a while…. Hmmmm </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238872 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:17:49 +0000 Angie 2238872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What<b> Synne</b> said! </p> <p>In my experience, it's impossible to tick off all the boxes. And you're already very diligent about ticking them off in the sustainable and ethical department!&nbsp;</p> <p>What you lose on the swings, you gain on the roundabouts. So maybe don't rule out the pants yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238861 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:37:00 +0000 LaPed 2238861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since the less sustainable version is presumably cheaper than a low-water/organic cotton version would be, maybe donate the difference to an organization that advances sustainable farming or workers’ rights?</p> <p>Dying a white pair could work, but you have to ask yourself if you’re okay with some variation/unevenness in the color and with the chance that the threads might not take dye the way the fabric does (they’re often synthetic even if the garment is otherwise cotton). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238855 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:10:39 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's not just about me and my closet though. It's also about wanting to nudge the industry in the right direction. I'm starting to think about getting white pants in the cut I want and trying to dye them that saturated purple. Because white might be easier to find. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238852 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:04:39 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You enablers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238851 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:02:35 +0000 Synne 2238851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You don't drive a car, right? You bike everywhere and I imagine you are very environmentally conscious in a lot of ways. You can buy these pants with the best of conciousness! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238849 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:01:37 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kkards, this gives a bit of an explanation of how much water standard cotton processing methods use, and of organic methods using less <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.theworldcounts.com/challenges/consumption/clothing/cotton-farming-water-consumption/story">https://www.theworldcounts.com.....ption/stor</a> Organic cotton is becoming more widely available--the maker of those pants has some products that are organic cotton--but not fast enough for me. It's been 12 years since I was a university prof, and we taught about hte impacts of cotton processing then. University teaching is not the cutting edge of research. </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238848 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:57:03 +0000 kkards 2238848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe this will help —they are a part of the&nbsp;Inditex group, and so are a part of many of the industry environment initiatives&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://wikicarbon.org/wiki/Company:Stradivarius">https://wikicarbon.org/wiki/Company:Stradivarius</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/arg-1#post-2238845 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:37:10 +0000 kkards 2238845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just curious- how do you know how much water was used to process this cotton? And what are you comparing it to?&nbsp; </p>