The Price of Progress
Consumers today are more conscious than ever. They want fashion that feels good, looks beautiful and aligns with their values. Yet the moment they try to shop sustainably, many face a harsh reality: eco-friendly options often come with higher price tags. Sustainable fabrics can be difficult to access, regulations remain minimal, and greenwashing has become its own marketing category.
This gap between intention and affordability is one of fashion’s biggest dilemmas, and it is reshaping the future of responsible design.
At For the Dreamers, we understood early on that sustainability could not rely on price alone. Instead, it had to live in versatility, thoughtful craftsmanship, premium materials and timeless style. Our founder built this brand around the principle that consumers shouldn’t have to buy more to live sustainably. They should be able to buy better.
Below, we break down the barriers that make sustainable fashion challenging and how we have chosen to design a different path.
1. The Truth About Why Sustainable Materials Cost More
Sourcing sustainable materials is not as simple as ordering fabric off a shelf.
Eco-friendly textiles often require more complex production processes, limited land availability, certified labour practices and third-party audits. This makes them more expensive and harder for brands to access. According to Common Objective, sustainable fabrics cost significantly more than their conventional counterparts because they follow strict environmental and social standards.
Similarly, the Council of Fashion Designers of America outlines how organic materials often involve smaller scale production, higher certification fees and slower harvesting cycles, all of which increase overall cost.
Premium recycled materials such as ECONYL regenerated nylon add yet another layer of complexity through their waste-recovery and regeneration processes. These are sophisticated systems with real environmental benefits, but they do not come cheap.
This is the reality: sustainable materials cost more because they do more.
2. People Want to Buy Sustainably, but Cost Is the Barrier
Surveys consistently show that consumers care deeply about sustainability but cannot always afford the price difference. A study published by the International Journal of Consumer Studies found that while consumers are increasingly motivated to buy sustainable fashion, high cost remains one of the biggest obstacles.
McKinsey similarly reports that over two-thirds of global consumers believe sustainability is important, yet affordability stands in the way of their choices.
People want to buy better. They simply need brands to make that journey feel accessible, practical and worthwhile.
3. Minimal Laws and Regulations Leave Too Much Up to Brands
Another challenge is the lack of clear global regulations around ethical and environmental practices in fashion. Without strong laws, many brands operate without accountability around materials, labour or environmental impact.
Vogue Business highlights that fashion still lacks consistent global standards on sustainability and that most brands self-report with minimal oversight.
The European Environment Agency also notes that the fashion sector remains largely unregulated despite being one of the most polluting global industries.
This regulatory vacuum allows greenwashing to flourish and makes genuine sustainability efforts more costly for brands choosing to do the right thing.
Which is why brands that take responsibility into their own hands are essential.
4. How For the Dreamers Creates True Value Through Design, Not Overconsumption
At For the Dreamers, sustainability isn’t a buzzword. It is a design philosophy.
Our founder built this brand on the belief that conscious fashion should feel effortless, desirable and long-lasting. Instead of encouraging customers to buy new styles every season, she focused on creating swimwear that delivers maximum versatility and longevity through thoughtful, intentional design.
Versatility Designed With Purpose
Every piece is designed to be styled multiple ways, worn beyond the beach and adapted to different seasons and settings. A single swimsuit can become a bodysuit under a linen skirt, or a top layered with denim for a summer evening. This is not just multi-functionality. It is a deliberate effort to extend the life and value of each garment.
By designing with purpose, we help customers invest once and wear forever.
Premium, Long-Lasting Fabrics
Sustainable materials are an investment, but they offer an extraordinary return. Our fabrics are chosen for their resilience, shape retention, UV resistance and reduced environmental impact. They are made to withstand saltwater, sun, chlorine and movement while maintaining their elasticity and colour for years. Longevity is one of the most powerful forms of sustainability.
Small Collections, High Impact
Instead of mass-producing endless styles, we keep our collections tight, intentional and timeless. This reduces waste, prevents overconsumption and ensures that every piece we release is truly special.
A Brand Built to Reduce the Need for More
By merging versatility, craftsmanship and premium sustainable materials, we create value that transcends trends. When swimwear lasts longer, fits beautifully and adapts to your life, you need fewer pieces. And buying fewer, better pieces is one of the most meaningful ways to reduce fashion’s environmental impact.
Sustainability Isn’t About Buying More. It’s About Choosing Wisely.
The world doesn’t need more clothing. It needs better clothing. Pieces that honour the people who make them, respect the planet and make the wearer feel extraordinary.
At For the Dreamers, we have committed ourselves to creating that kind of swimwear. Pieces that prioritise quality over quantity, value over volume and intention over trend.
Explore our collection and discover swimwear designed to be loved, cherished and worn again and again.
Sustainable. Versatile. Beautiful. Created for dreamers who choose with purpose.
