Why You Won't Find Sequins in Our Clothing

Let’s face it. When we think of dressing up for the holiday parties, glitzy sequin embellished dresses come to mind. Sequins, also known as paillettes or spangles, are small, shiny discs or beads typically made from plastic and used to decorate clothing, accessories, and other items. They have been a popular choice in fashion for centuries and are often used to add a touch of glamor or sparkle to an outfit.

The origins of sequins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people used them to decorate clothing, jewelry, and other objects. In recent times, sequins have been associated with the glamor and glitz of Hollywood and the entertainment industry and have been featured prominently in stage costumes and red-carpet looks.

Sequins are a popular choice in fashion today. They are used in clothing and accessories, from evening gowns and cocktail dresses to tops, skirts, and even sneakers. They are often used to make a statement or add a touch of shine to an outfit and are particularly popular for special occasions and events.

Despite their popularity, it is important to consider sequins' environmental impact and make informed choices about their use in fashion. The topic of sequins in clothing is multifaceted and touches on issues of fashion, sustainability, and environmental impact. In this blog post, we will explore sequins in dresses and why we, as a clothing company, have chosen not to use them in our products.

Why Sequins are Banned at Transcend

Environmental Impact:

We do not use sequins in our clothing due to several sustainability issues. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Material:

   Sequins are often made from plastic, a non-renewable resource that can take centuries to decompose. This can contribute to pollution and other environmental problems.

   
   
   

2. Production: 

   The production of sequins can also negatively impact the environment. For example, the chemicals used in the manufacturing process can release harmful emissions into the air and water, and the production of sequins can add to greenhouse gas emissions.

   
   
   

3. End of life: 

   When clothing with sequins is discarded, the sequins can end up in landfills, which can take a long time to break down. They can also enter the environment through litter, harming wildlife and ecosystems.

   
   

   The production of non-sustainable clothing often involves using materials and processes harmful to the environment, such as synthetic fibers, chemicals, and energy-intensive manufacturing. These practices can contribute to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental problems.

   
   

   In contrast, sustainable clothing is made with materials and processes with lower environmental impact. For example, sustainable clothing might be made from natural fibers or recycled materials. It might also be produced using more environmentally friendly methods, such as organic farming or closed-loop manufacturing. 

   
   
   

Alternatives to a Sequin Dress:

When shopping for a special occasion dress, always check the garment labels inside and understand what materials were used to make the dress. 60% of all manufactured clothing is made using polyester, a fabric that is derived from plastic. Look for plastic-free materials in your clothing: 

1. Lace dress: A lace dress can be a romantic and elegant alternative to a sequin dress.
2. Velvet dress: A velvet dress can be a luxurious and sophisticated alternative to a sequin dress.
3. Satin dress: A satin dress derived from plastic-free materials such as viscose or silk can be a smooth and shiny alternative to a sequin dress.
4. Chiffon dress: A chiffon dress can be a lightweight and flowing alternative to a sequin dress.
5. Beaded dress: A beaded dress using natural materials like wood can be a beautiful  and decorative alternative to a sequin dress.

What happens when you stop shopping for sequin dresses?

1. Reducing pollution and waste: 

   Sequins can contribute to smog and waste due to the resources and energy required to produce them and their potential to break down into microplastics. By reducing or eliminating their use of clothing, we can help reduce these negative impacts.

   
   
   

2. Conserving resources: 

   The production of sequins requires non-renewable resources, such as oil and natural gas. By reducing or eliminating their use of clothing, we can help conserve these limited resources and reduce our reliance on them.

   
   
   

3. Mitigating climate change: 

   The production and disposal of sequins can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. By reducing or eliminating their use of clothing, we can help mitigate these emissions and reduce their environmental impact.

   
   
   

4. Supporting more sustainable fashion practices:

   By choosing clothing that does not contain sequins, we can support fashion companies working to reduce their environmental impact and adopt more sustainable practices.

   
   
   

Overall, reducing or eliminating sequins in clothing can have several environmental and societal benefits.

Sustainable Dresses for the Holiday Season

Transcend offers a wide range of dresses for the holiday season made from sustainable materials such as 100% Silk Twill, 100% organic cotton, 100% plant-based viscose velvet, and so much more. Our marble dress uses wooden beads for embellishment. Feel beautiful, guilt-free, confident, and comfortable wearing our range of clothing. Check out our range of best-selling clothing here.

How Do You Play An Important Role?  

Consumer choices play a significant role in driving sustainable fashion practices. When consumers choose to purchase clothing made using sustainable materials and production methods, they are helping to support companies that are working to reduce their environmental impact and adopt more sustainable practices. By considering the environmental impact of their clothing purchases, consumers can make a positive difference in the fashion industry and contribute to the transition to a more sustainable future. Some ways to consider the environmental impact of clothing purchases include:

1. Choosing clothes made from sustainable materials: Look for natural, renewable materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo, which have a lower environmental impact than synthetic materials like polyester and nylon.
2. Supporting companies that are committed to sustainability: Look for companies that are transparent about their supply chain and sustainability practices and that have demonstrated a commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
3. Choosing quality over quantity: Rather than buying cheap, fast fashion items likely to wear out quickly, consider investing in higher quality, longer-lasting clothing. 
4. Reusing and repurposing clothing: Consider buying second-hand clothing or repurposing old clothing into new items rather than buying new clothing. This can help extend the lifespan of clothing and reduce the resources and energy required to produce new things.

By making conscious clothing choices, consumers can help drive the transition to a more sustainable fashion industry and reduce the environmental impact of their purchases.

Key Takeaways

The fashion industry has a large environmental footprint overall, and sequins in clothing can contribute to this impact. The production, transportation, and disposal of clothing all have environmental costs, and sequins can add to these costs. Given the sustainability issues mentioned above, Transcend uses natural and sustainable fabrics and sustainable packaging. We are constantly exploring new ways to add visual interest to our clothing without using materials that have negative environmental impacts. We hope that by making this choice, we can do our part to protect the planet and create a more sustainable fashion industry. We hope our customers will join us in this effort by choosing beautiful and comfortable holiday dresses that are made with sustainability in mind. Together, we can move towards a brighter future for all of us.