There has been a lot of talk in the previous years about fast fashion and its impact on the world we live in. It impacts the nature of this planet when the materials are not gathered in a renewable way, and more importantly – it’s hurting the people who are making the clothes with next-to-nothing pay and in terrible conditions. One of the ways to combat this is “nomad fashion”, a term used to describe clothing that is responsibly sourced and made, often by hand and without using any harmful chemicals. So here’s how to recognize nomad fashion, and how to style it.
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Research the company
Unfortunately, many of our favorite cheap, fast-fashion, trendy companies aren’t all that responsible and exploit both people and resources from poorer countries. A certain tell that the company is cutting corners is the price tag. Nomad fashion, if good quality, will always be more expensive than the average fast fashion store, but you can get over that with the thought that the money you pay is actually going to the people who made the clothing. If the company is covering up its tracks and not being transparent about where the clothing is made – you can rest assured that they aren’t the best option, especially because the companies that are 100% nomad will definitely let you know and shout it from the rooftops.
Embrace the loose tops
Nomad fashion mostly consists of natural materials, which inherently means the items don’t have that much stretch, introducing the need for them to be baggy so that you have a wide range of movement. This is the real reason why so many “hippy” clothing is loose – it’s not all about the style, it’s because of the practicality of natural materials. But you can still not only wear the loose tops, but make them look very professional and presentable. You can find some great women’s shirts in natural colors that you can pair with a classic, professional pant and be office-ready. Remember that natural materials have great thermo-regulation, so you’ll be able to wear long-sleeved shirts even during summer, since the material is so light.
Futuristic look
Nomad fashion, as it is made today, can often look like it came from the future, since a lot of the clothing is made to be worn in various weather, particularly for travelers. This includes a lot of wider pants, high collars and practical layers. This can be translated into amazing urban looks for the modern fashionistas, as futuristic styles are very much in at the moment. Pair some of the wide pants with a basic white T-shirt and a cross-body bag and you have a look fit for the runway. Keep in mind that nomad fashion is pretty unisex, so androgynous looks are very much welcome.
Stay minimal
Nomad fashion is not about blinging it up – it’s about showcasing the fabrics and colors that nature gives us. This means that the best way to wear jewelry – is not to wear it. Keep everything plain, simple and – above all – practical. If you do want to put on an accessory, you should make sure that it’s made from a natural material, like a wooden necklace or raw metal bracelets. But jewelry can serve as a great bridge between nomad and everyday style, because pairing a nomad dress with an elegant piece of jewelry will create an in-between look that could be just what you’re after.
Buy second-hand
If you can’t really afford the whole nomad experience because of the steeper price tags, you can still have the look by going into second-hand stores and picking up some amazing pieces for half the price. It’s not only in the nomad mindset to reuse clothes instead of buying new ones, but you’ll also be able to snag pieces that have been discontinued or that come from a different era altogether.
Dressing in the nomad style isn’t for everyone, but we can all embrace the principles that come with the slow fashion and natural materials. So next time you’re shopping, instead of going to a fast fashion retailer, visit a nomad shop and pay a bit extra for a good cause and a piece of clothing that will last you for a long time.