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Some of my clothing is organic cotton, and some has some recycled synthetic content, but all of that was incidental to the purchase—it was a bonus if you will.
So why do I, someone who's avowed purpose in life is to spread the virtues of living a greener life, not even think about buying 'green' clothing? (I happen to like green-colored clothing, hence the brackets.)
A T-Shirt & Jeans Does Not a Clothing Line Make
It's pretty straightforward: At least for men, if you're looking to buy anything beyond jeans and a t-shirt, the eco-fashion available is decidedly lacking. There are some notable exceptions when it comes to sportswear, but, more often than not mens eco-clothing is ill-conceived, poorly-cut and frankly about as stylish as a wearing a plastic sack.
Which is all a long way of saying, I am vain enough to want to present myself in nicely styled clothing. And my options that are also green are largely non-existent. And it pisses me off.
Want to Dress Up & Be Green? Good luck
I can use the fingers on one hand to count the number of blazers made from sustainably produced fabrics that are out there—and even those are barely in the same league in terms of styling as their non-eco counterparts. It's like they were made for people who only reluctantly wear them on job interviews.
Ditto fine shirts. You want a t-shirt, you're fine. A casual shirt, you're better covered. But something more dressy and all I can say is good luck. The same with pants. And shoes—even harder if you won't buy leather.
I could go on, but the point in all this actually isn't a critique of fashion per se. It's to ask a greater question. Why can't we shift men's eco-fashion towards something stylish, just like healthy eating has moved well beyond granola and plain brown rice?
Green Food is Hot. Men's Green Fashion, Not So Much
The green movement (thanks in large part to the slow food movement) has managed to make eating seasonal, sustainable food fashionable.
We have moved well beyond the bland fare that characterized 'healthy living' hippy food since the late 60s through the 80s and 90s—and good riddance. Anyone who still thinks eating greener means cobbled together dinners of half-cooked whole grains and bland salad hasn't been paying attention.
But when it comes to men's eco-fashion, you could be forgiven for thinking that being green meant dressing like a shlub all the time.
OK. Rant over. If anyone out there wants to take the mens eco-fashion world by storm, it's high time to do so. Who's with me?
Read more about Eco-Friendly Clothing:
Eco-Tip: Choosing Green Clothing
Nau Eco Clothing Gets the Blues With Their Spring 09 Collection
How to Go Green: Wardrobe
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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