Teaching Sustainability Through Fashion: A Workshop at the University of Utah
This fall, I was invited by the student leaders of Fashion in Business (FIB) and Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU) at the University of Utah to teach a workshop on fashion and sustainability. It was a meaningful experience that brought together more than 40 students for a hands-on, 3-hour session focused on practical skills and creative exploration.
The Q&A portion of the workshop was one of my favorite parts of the evening. The students from Fashion in Business came prepared with thoughtful and insightful questions about building a sustainable business, navigating challenges in the fashion industry, and the importance of secondhand shopping. Their curiosity and engagement made for a dynamic and inspiring conversation. It was a privilege to share my journey of starting Vintage Drift, from a small Etsy shop to a thriving brick-and-mortar store, and to discuss how we can all play a part in creating a more ethical, sustainable future for fashion. The students' enthusiasm and drive left me feeling incredibly hopeful for the future of the industry!
Learning the Tools for Sustainable Style
Many college students today grew up in an era where fast fashion dominates, and well-made, American-manufactured garments are no longer the standard. Learning how to assess quality and sustainability is a game-changer—not just for their personal style, but for the planet.
During the workshop, we focused on identifying natural fibers like wool, cotton, and silk and spotting well-made garments that stand the test of time. These skills can feel lost in a world where disposable clothing has become the norm, but they’re crucial for anyone looking to build a sustainable wardrobe.
To give students a truly hands-on experience, I brought more than 25 vintage clothing pieces from my store, Vintage Drift, so they could physically feel and see the difference between natural fibers and synthetic ones. This allowed them to learn how to identify materials while also recognizing the craftsmanship that defines well-made garments. We styled pieces I had recently thrifted, keeping the clothing budget under $40 to create more than a dozen well-styled outfits together - with adding wardrobe staples like a white t-shirt or tennis shoes!
The students also learned practical tips for navigating thrift stores and secondhand shops, making it easier to find hidden gems while shopping more intentionally. These tools help reduce waste, support ethical consumer habits, and empower individuals to make choices aligned with their values.
We explored:
How to recognize natural fibers like wool, cotton, and silk.
Key signs of quality craftsmanship, including sturdy stitching, reinforced seams, and timeless design elements.
Styling thrifted pieces with wardrobe basics.
Practical tips for finding and shopping for hidden gems at thrift stores, consignment shops, and vintage markets.
Sustainability Meets Creativity
The workshop wasn’t just about learning skills—it was also about creativity and self-expression. Each student had the opportunity to paint their own reusable tote bag, blending sustainable fashion with personal flair.
Their creativity was inspiring, and seeing them engage with these ideas gave me so much hope for the future of sustainable fashion. It was a powerful reminder that small steps—like rethinking how we shop or embracing reusable alternatives—can make a big impact.
Why This Matters
Sustainability is more than a buzzword; it’s a necessary shift in how we think about fashion. By learning to identify quality materials, support secondhand shopping, and embrace thoughtful consumption, these students are not only transforming their personal wardrobes but also challenging the wasteful cycle of fast fashion.
Workshops like this empower the next generation to see fashion as a force for good, connecting style with responsibility and creativity.
Resources to Explore
If you’d like to dive deeper into the materials I shared during the workshop, you can access them here on my Google Drive. These resources cover everything from identifying natural fibers to tips for shopping secondhand.
Clothes Horse Podcast - Over 200 episodes on Sustainable Shopping, Fashion and Culture. @ClothesHorsePodcast in Instagram
Articles of Interest Podcast - overs a broad range of concepts including the rise of casual wear, the environmental impact of the textile industry and why womenswear doesn’t have pockets.
Fashion Conscious Book by Sarah Klymkiw This practical, positive and empowering book will open eyes to the impact our clothing choices have on people and the planet and empower people to demand answers to questions and take action.
TikTok Creators I Follow
Jade | Sustainable Fashion, Buying and How To’s - @modamensch
Devin | Mid-Size Styling Sustainable Buying Tips - @lildummydev
Heensie | Plus Size-Inclusive Styling Tips & Sustainable Brand recommends @heensie
About The Organizations
Fashion in Business is a student-led organization that empowers its members from any major to explore careers in the fashion industry, all while promoting innovation, creativity, and ethical practices. It’s a vibrant organization that bridges the gap between Fashion and Business, making it the perfect place to spark conversations about sustainability. You can follow their work on Instagram at @fibuofu
The Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU) is the university's student government, representing the interests and welfare of the student body. All enrolled students are automatically members of ASUU, which is structured into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. This organization provides essential resources and services, hosts events and programs, and advocates for students in discussions with university administrators. ASUU plays a pivotal role in enhancing student life by coordinating activities, funding student organizations, and ensuring student voices are heard in university governance.
A huge thank-you to the student leaders for inviting me to share my passion for sustainable fashion. Teaching this workshop was a highlight of my year, and it reinforced why I love what I do—helping people connect with fashion in a way that’s creative, intentional, and kind to the planet.
If you’re working on building a sustainable wardrobe, thrifting smarter, or making ethical fashion choices, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
