The fashion industry is in the crosshairs of the environmental and social crisis we are currently experiencing. Increased access to affordable clothing has led to overconsumption that is no longer sustainable.

We are abusing natural resources, such as water and energy, and cheap labor. Workers are subjected to precarious conditions in developing countries, where this industry operates without proper labor regulations.

All this in a global context where clothing is the least needed. Between 100 and 150 billion items of clothing are manufactured every year, which is fifteen times the number of humans on Earth.

The conclusion is clear: we need to promote the circular economy, focusing on reuse initiatives and the manufacture of garments without programmed obsolescence that have a timeless design.

There are already many fashion brands that are taking the implementation of sustainable practices seriously and openly detailing how their products are manufactured. That's why, in this article, we're suggesting four clothing brands to help you pack a more sustainable travel suitcase. And no, they are not the big brands you may have heard of. Today we bring you local Barcelona businesses involved with their sustainability, to bring their good practices and their products to everyone. Let's start!

Make your travel suitcase more sustainable with these four clothing brands.

1) Ecometas underwear

Located in a loft of a female empowerment bookstore, this Catalan store is a paradise for any woman looking for underwear designed and made under the criteria and principles of sustainability.

At Ecometas, all the brands you'll find, in addition to meeting sustainability criteria, are women's empowerment brands: founded by women and with designs designed for women's bodies. They only serve by appointment and the store is known by word of mouth. They promote "slow" shopping, inclusivity and diversity, with a variety of sizes and pieces designed for the changes that the body undergoes, such as surgeries or breastfeeding.

2) FlorKanela shawls and scarves

From traditional craftsmanship to current innovation, FlorKanela is a brand of unique pieces that is nourished day by day with the desire to preserve and recover the traditional methods of craftsmanship of its fabrics.

Its creations are characterized by experimenting with materials and their possibilities, with the aim of creating contemporary pieces made by hand and with the heart. This business, recognized as a Point of Artisan Interest of the Generalitat de Catalunya, fuses tradition and fashion, giving life to each design as an artistic and cultural expression.

3) Minimal Life Shop

As its name suggests, this is a brand that aims to make it easy to make more sustainable lifestyles a reality, with local products that respect the environment and the community. In a quest for the triple positive impact of its products and activity, Minimal Life Shop sells all kinds of products for a more sustainable life, from reusable cloth pads to backpack-like accessories. With so much variety, you don't have to worry about your head or your wallet!

Buuuut... as their products are handcrafted, you won't find two alike! And, as the process is as sustainable as possible, many of them are made with seasonal resources. That's seasonality and local craftsmanship: until the same conditions are not met again, the same pieces are not made.

4) Handcrafted footwear Toni Pons

Handcrafted product made in Spain for more than 75 years and with a clear commitment; to keep alive the centenary craft of handmade footwear and all that surrounds it: leather masters, weavers, jute manufacturers and a long etc. in which we can also find the combination of new technologies with the most traditional techniques of hand sewing, and the use of natural products.

The collections of braided esparto sandals by Toni Pons are timeless; a product with more than 6,000 years of history, which has evolved into what we know today as espadrilles or espardilles; an icon of Spanish culture and with a designation of origin.

You can take a look at some of their stores like Toni Pons Argenteria, Toni Pons Boters and Toni Pons Ferran, although if you prefer, you can also order online.