Fashioning Fiber Futures

In less than 100 years, the fashion and textile industry has transformed from local to global supply chains. Today, the industry is dominated by synthetic fiber production which produces garments that contribute to a variety of environmental and social issues such as microplastic pollution, increased carbon emissions, and abundant waste. In recent years, a response led by Fibershed has emerged which embraces a return to local fiber systems with a sincere focus on sustainable practices. Using qualitative thematic analysis, this study evaluates Fibershed’s approach to establishing regional fiber networks and offers possibilities for future expansion of Fibershed’s practices through policy and the inclusion of Indigenous and Black American knowledge and experience in order to create a more sustainable fashion future.