The State of Sustainable Fashion in the Philippines

Imported Garments has been increasing in the Philippines

The global increase of clothing sales is evident in the country as garment imports from other countries has significantly increased since 2012 while exports are slowly dwindling down.

Sustainable Fashion has Garnered Attention Over The Past Decade

Because of this sudden increase in clothing purchases world wide, its becoming a global topic that even the Filipinos have become more aware of over the past few years.

Current Consumer Behavior does not Reflect the Awareness of Sustainable Fashion in the PH

29% of Filipinos have thrown away their clothing after a single use while millennials are buying more than 50% of the new clothes they own within the year.

The Repercussions of this Buying Habit are Bigger Than Expected

Graphic from Perils of Fast Fashion, GMA News

Given how much Filipinos purchase and dispose of clothing, just imagine the scale of textile waste being produced by these consumer behavior. Since this buying habit is also being tolerated, clothing production will continue to contribute in water pollution and plastics from laundering.

What should we do?

1. Increase reliance on locally made garments instead of exports, and use sustainable materials like Abaca, Pina, and etc.

2. Further advocate responsible consumer behavior when buying garments to reduce textile waste and increase reused clothing.

Credits

Clothing Sales vs Utilization Ellen McArthur Foundation

Philippines Garment Imports and Exports Philippine Statistics Authority

Sustainable Fashion Trend Google Trends

PH Fashion Consumer Behavior YouGov Omnibus Survey

Repercussions of Fast Fashion Perils of Fast Fashion, GMA News

Special thanks to Michael Clarapols, Esme Palaganas, and Jonas Marie Dumdum

Visualization Mago Analytics