How Climate Change is Affecting Clothing and Eyewear Trends

As global temperatures continue to rise, more and more people have become environmentally conscious — and rightly so. Amidst concerns of natural disasters, environmental degradation, and subsequent food insecurity, climate change is a prominent threat to our health and well-being. Insights from the World Economic Forum on the effects of climate change on eye health indicate that the worsening of poverty has resulted in health disparities. As a result, more people cannot achieve adequate health coverage and eye care.

Our eyes are unique organs in that they are exposed directly to the environment and are thus more susceptible to developing diseases caused by environmental factors. Approximately 20% of cataract cases are the direct result of UV radiation overexposure, which has worsened as climate change conditions threaten our daily lives. Research has also increased the likelihood of developing trachoma infection due to high temperatures and low rainfall — both due to climate change.

As such, eyewear and fashion companies have recently shifted towards healthier and more eco-conscious initiatives and practices to help fight the detrimental effects of climate change on health. Below, we'll look at how climate change is affecting clothing and eyewear trends:

Sun protection

Rising temperatures mean increased exposure to sunlight and harmful UV rays. As a result, more fashion and eyewear companies today are investing in sun-protective products that blend style and function to help protect their wearers. Clothing brands have since developed sun-protective clothing with UPF ratings, for one. Sunglasses brands like Oakley prioritize durability, performance, and UV protection — all while sporting distinct and high-concept designs. Case in point, their Leffingwell sunglasses, which use plant-based BiO-Matter frames made of bio-materials with at least 56% bio-based carbon content, help reduce environmental impact. For fashion enthusiasts, these also make excellent products that promise adequate sun protection for the eyes.

Eco-friendly materials

Aside from protecting from increased temperatures, sunlight, and UV radiation, brands and manufacturers invest in greener, eco-friendly materials to distance themselves from unhealthy fast fashion practices. In a previous post on understanding sustainable fashion, we highlighted the harms of high-speed production and consumption models promoted by fast fashion. Fortunately, brands are embracing sustainability to mitigate environmental damage by using materials that are organic, recycled, or biodegradable. Eyewear companies such as SunGod have also shifted towards biodegradable materials for carbon neutral products. Instead of toxic plastic materials, brands are also using bio-based acetate lenses while still releasing unique designs.

Sustainable supply chains

Another eco-conscious practice that many brands and manufacturers focus on is sustainable supply chain management. This integrates sustainable policies throughout supply chain operations and focuses on two key areas: reducing indirect impact created by upstream and downstream activities and reevaluating garment design to improve existing sustainability initiatives. Many clothing brands have adopted transparency policies that disclose the names of suppliers and require timely reports of internal operations and emissions. For eyewear companies, brands may offer recycling initiatives with free delivery or pick-ups for a more sustainable product lifecycle.

Secondhand and vintage

Finally, a fundamental shift in clothing and eyewear trends is the return of the secondhand and vintage thrifting trend. Encouraging secondhand buying and selling ensures that clothes, eyewear, and other materials don't simply go to waste. If more consumers indulge in this practice, brands can adjust to the reduced energy- and emissions-intensive manufacturing demands by allocating funds and resources elsewhere. The products would also benefit from an extended lifespan, promoting a more circular and sustainable approach to fashion. Environmentally, we would also see lower transportation emissions, as vintage and secondhand stores often source their products locally instead of global supply chains.

Ultimately, there are many sustainability initiatives that clothing and eyewear brands have gradually picked up over the years. Some of these benefit our health — and eye health — directly by providing sun protection. Others help promote more ethical practices and reduce environmental damage. Either way, the shift towards sustainability can only be achieved by the combined efforts of brands and consumers.