The Historical Origins of Sustainable Sourcing and Manufacturing

Fashion has always been a field shaped by creativity and constant reinvention. In recent years, there has been a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, slow production, and locally made pieces. This shift stands in clear contrast to the fast, machine-driven mass manufacturing that dominated the last century. But to understand where fashion is moving today, it helps to revisit the long history of clothing itself.

Researchers still debate the exact moment humans began wearing garments, but they agree that clothing has existed for an extremely long time. Some studies suggest that early humans may have adopted clothing during their migration out of Africa, possibly tens of thousands—if not hundreds of thousands—of years ago. What we do know is that the earliest garments were created from materials like leather, leaves, and natural fibers. These pieces were wrapped or tied around the body and offered simple but essential protection.

As time passed, early sewing, weaving, and knotting techniques emerged, allowing people to create more structured and diverse forms of dress. Clothing eventually became more than a barrier against the environment; it evolved into a cultural symbol. Throughout history, garments have communicated social status, occupation, gender roles, religious identity, and personal style.

Hand-making clothing, however, was an incredibly labor-intensive process—from preparing fibers to spinning thread and weaving fabric. Everything changed with the Industrial Revolution. New inventions dramatically accelerated textile production: spinning machines, water-powered frames, mechanical looms, and, eventually, the sewing machine. These breakthroughs shifted manufacturing from homes and small workshops into large factories. By the 20th century, clothing was cheaper to produce and widely accessible, contributing to the rise of major fashion capitals and department stores that displayed vast quantities of goods.

But as demand grew, production gradually moved away from Western countries. By the late 20th century, much of the textile and apparel industry had shifted to regions where labor was significantly cheaper and regulations looser. Countries such as China and Bangladesh became global manufacturing hubs—an evolution that lowered costs but also created serious concerns about worker rights, environmental impact, and transparency.

Today, the fashion system faces major questions about sustainability and ethics. It’s increasingly clear that the current supply chain—heavily dependent on long shipping routes, high energy consumption, and rapid turnover—is not viable in the long term. So what alternatives exist?

One option is reshoring, or moving production back to local manufacturers. Decades ago, a large percentage of clothing sold in countries like the United States or France was made domestically; today, that number is extremely small. Bringing production closer to home reduces shipping emissions, strengthens local economies, and improves oversight of working conditions.

Another approach involves better textile choices. While sustainable mills and fiber suppliers are still limited—especially for small brands—designers can educate themselves about the environmental and social impact of different materials. For example, understanding the difference between organic and conventional cotton can guide more responsible sourcing. Certification organizations are slowly helping the industry build greater transparency, which will allow consumers to make more informed decisions.

In the earliest eras, clothing was made by hand and produced close to where people lived. The Industrial Revolution introduced efficiency, mass production, and global trade—shaping the system we know today. Now, the challenge is to find a balance between accessibility and responsibility. Large companies have the resources to demand better materials but often struggle with supply-chain accountability; smaller brands face sourcing limitations but can maintain closer relationships with their manufacturers.

With awareness and intention, sustainability can become a meaningful part of a brand’s identity and a message shared with consumers.

Source: The New School Parsons