The fashion industry is increasingly reckoning with its environmental impact, and sequin lovers are asking important questions: Can I enjoy sparkle while being environmentally conscious? What are my options for more sustainable sequin fashion? The good news is that innovation in this space is accelerating, and there are more eco-friendly options available than ever before.
From biodegradable sequins made from plant-based materials to the growing secondhand market for embellished garments, this guide explores how you can embrace sustainable sparkle without sacrificing the glamour you love.
The Environmental Challenge of Traditional Sequins
Understanding why sustainable alternatives matter requires looking at the environmental issues with conventional sequins. Traditional sequins are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—essentially, they're tiny pieces of plastic. Like all plastics, these materials don't biodegrade; they break down into smaller and smaller pieces that persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
Consider that a single sequin dress can contain thousands of individual sequins. Multiply that by the millions of sequined garments produced globally each year, and the scale of the issue becomes clear. When these garments are washed, microplastics shed into waterways. When they're eventually discarded, the sequins add to growing landfill problems.
It's estimated that a single sequined garment can shed hundreds of microplastic particles in a single wash. These particles are too small to be filtered by most wastewater treatment systems and end up in oceans and waterways.
Biodegradable Sequin Innovations
The most exciting development in sustainable sequin fashion is the emergence of truly biodegradable alternatives. Several companies are now producing sequins from materials that break down naturally, offering sparkle without the long-term environmental impact.
Plant-Based Cellulose Sequins
Leading the charge are sequins made from plant-based cellulose, derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp or other plant materials. These sequins look and behave much like traditional plastic versions but are designed to biodegrade within months when composted, rather than persisting for centuries. They're particularly popular in the festival and events industry, where short-term sparkle is desired without long-term consequences.
Seaweed and Algae-Based Options
Innovative companies are developing sequins and glitters from seaweed and algae-based materials. These marine-derived alternatives are not only biodegradable but can actually be beneficial to soil ecosystems when they break down. While still relatively new to the market, these options represent exciting potential for truly sustainable sparkle.
Recycled Plastic Sequins
While not biodegradable, sequins made from recycled plastics—particularly ocean plastic—offer an environmental improvement over virgin plastic production. These sequins give new life to plastic waste while reducing demand for new plastic manufacturing. Some brands combine recycled materials with more durable construction to extend garment life.
When shopping for sustainable sequins, look for terms like "biodegradable," "plant-based," "cellulose," or "recycled materials." Ask brands directly about their sequin sourcing if information isn't readily available.
Buying Secondhand and Vintage
Perhaps the most immediately accessible sustainable option is embracing pre-loved sequin fashion. Every vintage or secondhand sequin dress you purchase is one less new garment produced and one less existing garment heading to landfill. Australia has a thriving secondhand fashion market that's particularly rich in occasion wear.
Where to Find Secondhand Sequin Dresses
Vintage stores and op shops are obvious starting points, though you may need to invest time in searching for quality pieces. Online marketplaces have made secondhand shopping much more accessible—platforms dedicated to pre-owned fashion often have extensive evening wear sections. Social media marketplace groups focused on formal wear and occasion dressing are another excellent resource.
Don't overlook dress hire and rental services, which extend the life of garments significantly by allowing multiple people to enjoy them. For one-off occasions, hiring rather than buying is both economically and environmentally sensible.
- Op shops and charity stores (particularly in affluent areas)
- Vintage boutiques specialising in evening wear
- Online resale platforms and marketplaces
- Formal wear rental services
- Clothing swap events and communities
- Estate sales and auctions
Making Your Sequin Wardrobe More Sustainable
Beyond buying choices, how you use and care for sequin dresses significantly impacts their environmental footprint. A well-maintained dress worn many times over many years is far more sustainable than multiple cheap dresses worn once and discarded.
Buy Quality, Buy Less
Investing in well-made sequin dresses that will last for years reduces your overall consumption. Look for quality construction, secure sequin attachment, and durable base fabrics. A single quality dress worn to twenty events is more sustainable than twenty cheap dresses worn once each.
Care Properly
Proper care extends garment life dramatically. Follow care instructions carefully, store dresses correctly, and address repairs promptly before small issues become unfixable problems. When washing is necessary, use a garment bag to reduce sequin loss and microfibre shedding, and wash on gentle cycles with cold water.
Pass It On
When you're done with a sequin dress, don't throw it away. Sell it, donate it, give it to a friend, or pass it to a dress hire service. Even damaged dresses may have value to someone who can repair them or repurpose the materials.
Never throw sequin dresses in general waste destined for landfill. At minimum, donate to textile recycling programs. The sequins and fabric can often be separated and repurposed even if the garment itself isn't wearable.
Sustainable Brands and Designers
A growing number of fashion brands are prioritising sustainability in their sequin offerings. While truly sustainable sequin fashion is still an emerging space, several approaches are being adopted by forward-thinking designers.
What to Look For
When evaluating brands' sustainability claims, look for specifics rather than vague terms. Legitimate sustainable brands typically provide detailed information about their materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chains. Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or B Corp status indicate third-party verification of environmental and ethical practices.
Be wary of greenwashing—vague claims about being "eco-friendly" or "conscious" without specific evidence. Ask questions about what makes their sequins sustainable, where they're made, and what happens at end of garment life.
The Future of Sustainable Sparkle
The sustainable sequin space is evolving rapidly. Research into new biodegradable materials continues, with promising developments in lab-grown alternatives and advanced plant-based materials. Major fashion houses are beginning to adopt sustainable sequin options for their collections, which typically signals broader industry change to come.
Consumer demand is driving much of this innovation. As more people ask for sustainable alternatives, brands respond with new options. By choosing sustainable sequins when possible and asking for them when they're not available, you're contributing to market demand that drives further development.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today
Making your sequin fashion more sustainable doesn't require perfection—every positive choice helps. Here are practical steps you can take immediately:
- Assess what you have: Before buying new, consider whether existing pieces in your wardrobe could work
- Research before purchasing: Look for brands with genuine sustainability credentials
- Consider secondhand first: Check resale options before buying new
- Invest in quality: Choose well-made pieces that will last
- Care properly: Extend garment life through proper maintenance
- Reduce washing: Only wash when truly necessary to reduce microplastic shedding
- Rent for one-off occasions: Consider hire services for events you won't repeat
- Sell or donate when done: Keep sequin dresses in circulation rather than landfill
The journey toward sustainable sequin fashion is ongoing, and perfect solutions don't yet exist for every situation. But by making conscious choices where possible and supporting innovation in this space, sequin lovers can enjoy sparkle while working toward a more sustainable fashion future.