Sustainable Fashion: A Shift in the Clothing Industry Reading Answers

Bhaskar Das

Aug 18, 2025

Sustainable Fashion: A Shift in the Clothing Industry Reading Answers contain 7 questions and belong to the assessment system of the IELTS General Reading test. Sustainable Fashion: A Shift in the Clothing Industry Reading Answers must be answered within 10 minutes. In this IELTS reading section, question types include: Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Sustainable Fashion: A Shift in the Clothing Industry Reading Answers offers a comprehensive overview of Sustainable fashion promotes eco-friendly and ethical practices in clothing production and consumption, aiming to reduce environmental harm while encouraging responsible consumer behaviour. To practice similar reading tests, candidates can refer to the IELTS Reading Practice Test section.

Check: Get 10 Free Sample Papers
Check:
Register for IELTS Coaching - Join for Free Trial Class Now

Topic:

The fashion industry has long been criticised for its environmental impact. Mass production, fast fashion, and excessive waste have made clothing one of the most polluting sectors globally.

However, a shift is underway as more consumers and brands move toward sustainable fashion.

Sustainable fashion refers to clothing that is produced, marketed, and consumed in environmentally and socially responsible ways. This includes using organic or recycled materials, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for garment workers, and designing products to last longer. Some companies are even introducing "take-back" programs that allow customers to return old clothing for recycling.

Brands like Patagonia, Stella McCartney, and Eileen Fisher have become industry leaders in sustainability. They promote transparency in their supply chains, avoiding harmful chemicals and reducing carbon emissions. Meanwhile, smaller independent labels are also rising, often relying on handmade items and ethical sourcing.

Consumers play a crucial role in this movement. People are encouraged to buy less, choose higher-quality garments, and avoid discarding clothes unnecessarily. Thrift stores, clothing swaps, and rental fashion are also gaining popularity. According to recent studies, extending the life of a garment by just nine months can reduce its environmental footprint by 30%.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Sustainable materials can be expensive, and greenwashing -when companies falsely claim to be eco-friendly-is a growing concern. As awareness spreads, watchdog organisations and third-party certifications are working to hold companies accountable.

Sustainable fashion is not a short-term trend but a necessary transformation. As environmental pressures rise, the fashion industry must adapt to a future where style and responsibility coexist.

Questions 22-28

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Sustainable fashion aims to reduce the 22……………………..

Answer: environmental

Supporting statement: “Sustainable fashion refers to clothing that is produced, marketed, and consumed in environmentally and socially responsible ways.”

Keywords: reduce, environmental, social damage

Keyword Location: Paragraph 2, Line 1

Explanation: The goal of sustainable fashion is to minimize environmental and social harm caused by traditional production.

and social damage caused by traditional clothing production. Brands use 23……………

Answer: organic

Supporting statement: “This includes using organic or recycled materials...”

Keywords: organic, recycled fabrics

Keyword Location: Paragraph 2, Line 2

Explanation: Sustainable brands use environmentally friendly materials like organic fabrics to reduce harm.

or recycled fabrics and avoid using 24…………..

Answer: harmful chemicals

Supporting statement: “...avoiding harmful chemicals and reducing carbon emissions.”

Keywords: avoid, harmful substances

Keyword Location: Paragraph 3, Line 2

Explanation: Brands prevent pollution by eliminating harmful substances during production.

substances. Some also offer programs for customers to return clothes for 25……………..

Answer: recycling

Supporting statement: “Some companies are even introducing ‘take-back’ programs that allow customers to return old clothing for recycling.”

Keywords: return clothes, programs, recycling

Keyword Location: Paragraph 2, Line 3

Explanation: Returned clothes are reused through recycling programs to minimize waste.

Consumers are encouraged to purchase fewer but better-quality items and use 26……………………

Answer: thrift

Supporting statement: “Thrift stores, clothing swaps, and rental fashion are also gaining popularity.”

Keywords: shops, thrift, rental services

Keyword Location: Paragraph 4, Line 3

Explanation: Consumers are urged to use alternative shopping options like thrift shops or renting.

shops or clothing rental services. One report showed that wearing an item longer reduces its 27…………………..

Answer: environmental footprint

Supporting statement: “...extending the life of a garment by just nine months can reduce its environmental footprint by 30%.”

Keywords: reduce, environmental effect

Keyword Location: Paragraph 4, Final sentence

Explanation: Using clothes longer helps cut down their overall environmental impact.

Effect. However, false claims of eco-friendliness also known as 28…………………. are a problem that needs monitoring.

Answer: greenwashing

Supporting statement: “...greenwashing—when companies falsely claim to be eco-friendly—is a growing concern.”

Keywords: false claims, eco-friendliness

Keyword Location: Paragraph 5, Line 2

Explanation: Greenwashing refers to misleading marketing about sustainability.

Check IELTS reading samples:

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

Comments

No comments to show