Even though the world remains obsessed with trends and in love with seasonal wardrobe changes, the growing population of millennials is using its influence to slowly change our global mindset.

As the generation that lives and earns in the era of world-wide changes, it’s no wonder that their habits are affecting other generations to reconsider their own shopping habits.

From global warming, the changing face of economy in many parts of the world, all the way to the working conditions in many factories, millennials are challenging the way fashion has affected our lives. They now aim for a more Earth-friendly approach that remains creative in its essence, but with a higher purpose to redirect the impact this industry has had for decades before their arrival.

All Things Sustainable

In another attempt to go for greater sustainability, millennials have shown a clear preference for organic, biodegradable, and durable garments over all things fast-fashion. They have noticed that the way things are going, our hectic lifestyles are already affecting our planet’s wellbeing beyond the point of no return. In an attempt to slow down, they are opting for long-lasting, eco-friendly pieces.

However, millennials are true nitpickers, in the most positive way possible, when it comes to redefining fashion. Every step of the manufacturing, selling, delivering, and packaging process should be in the same spirit of protecting our home planet. Green, organic and fair-trade fabrics, humane working conditions and consistency with labor laws are among the key “selling points” every brand should boast to woo a millennial.

Repurposed and Recycled

For those who have claimed that “what’s done is done” in terms of poor fashion practices – millennials have a different view on the situation. Although they can hardly turn back the clock and prevent those awful practices from ever occurring, they sure have found a way to make the most of what has happened thus far. Mass production is no longer approved or ignored, so they would rather keep using those clothes and selling them through thrift stores.

Second-hand has become the first priority for millennials who wish to increase the lifespan of a typical garment. Recycling in terms of using already made clothes to repurpose their fabric in the making of other garments is another activity they support – and brands such as H&M started their own garment collection initiatives in order to keep up with the new pace of the world.

Comfort Comes First

colors and cuts, millennials have also put their foot down in terms of that constant media-driven hype to impress. Sure, dressing up and defining their own elegance is still a great part of their culture, but they also appreciate their comfort to the extent that few other generations have.

For that reason, brands that combine durability and comfort such as the famous Birkenstock shoes are seeing a spurt in popularity ever since millennials have taken over the throne of consumerism. Why put on callous-making heels if you can let your toes bask in the comfort of a sole-supporting sandal? This attitude alone has brought into light many brands that cherish their choice of fabric and material over pure aesthetic appeal – and they have thus struck a chord with this particular buying force.

On the Fast Track to Convenience

Unlike many other generations willing to opt for fast fashion for the sake of greater convenience and the lower price-tag, millennials are more than happy to invest a pretty penny into their fashion ensemble without enjoying any less convenience. In fact, the growth of the digital world has enabled all major and most smaller brands to move their sales online and make their products available globally.

This means that we are now mere clicks away from that dreamy Swellas winter jacket, or any other long-lasting garment of your choice. Another millennial habit is going straight to the source – finding a local designer that can hand-craft beautiful garments, which means supporting local businesses and having your pick at the material.

Making Things Personal

The level of practicality and devotion to various sustainable causes hasn’t prevented millennials from leaving their own personal stamp on all things wearable. Even though they prefer causes and movements over brands and prices, millennials will go for the item that speaks to their personality.

This is the era of self-expression at its best, and fashion has become one of the most alluring ways to do so, especially now that the market has shifted to meet the ethically-driven needs of its customers. After all, they have found a way towards authentic expression without harming the planet – what more could we ask?

.Guest post written by Claire Hastings – Claire is a wanderer and a writer. She writes as long as she can remember, and she is very passionate about fashion, running, other cultures, and her cat.

Guest Post: New Consumerism and the Millennial Approach to Fashion