Why is sustainable fashion so expensive?

It’s no secret that sustainable fashion drives a higher price point. Many consumers want to write this off as the company marking the price up to increase profits or as the company only marketing to certain consumers who shop at higher price points. At Present Iteration, this is not the case. We ensure that each brand and product is sustainable and ethical through multiple verification processes. 

A large aspect in the cost of sustainable companies is in labor. Each worker that participated in the creation of each product on Present Iteration are paid fair wages and guaranteed safe working conditions. You may think this should be a standard in the fashion industry. The sad truth is that it is not, that is why we are working to provide you pieces you love without harming the environment or those in it. 

When a shirt costs $10 to purchase, that price is kept so low because of low quality materials and underpaid workers. Using high quality materials alone drives up the cost of a ‘basic’ t-shirt. It turns out, that article of clothing isn’t so basic at all. At Present Iteration our TWNS t-shirts are printed with vegan ink and made with 100% organic cotton. Organic cotton can be upwards of four times more expensive than non-organic cotton. These sustainable materials are not only better for the planet but better for your wardrobe. The brands at Present Iteration work to bring you investment pieces that will be in your wardrobe for many years to come. The high quality materials allow these pieces to be worn time and time again, and not wear through or fall apart like cheap materials do after only a few wears. 

Being a sustainable company requires more extensive care to properly dispose of waste in the production cycle. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of carbon emissions. These emissions come from poor practices in fast fashion companies. Present Iteration does not directly produce products, however, the brands we bring to the site do. We are ensuring that each brand is doing their part to reduce waste and lower their carbon footprint. 

Every time you purchase from Present Iteration, you are making an investment not only in your wardrobe, but in a cause much larger than yourself. You are helping build a more sustainable world.