Bodysuit: c/o Boody | Skirt: thrifted Banana Republic | Sandals: TOMS | Necklace: c/o Mejuri

photography by Kathryn McSherry

This post is sponsored by Boody. All opinions are my own.

When I started my sustainable fashion journey three years ago, I was almost entirely fixated with brands who used deadstock fabrics to make sustainable clothing that looked like ‘normal’ — read: trend-based fast fashion — clothing. Throughout the past few semesters of environmental studies classes and countless hours of research about the polluting practices of creating textiles, I have shifted my focus to wearing more natural materials made from renewable resources (like linen), and focusing on basic and versatile items. Over the past few years of shopping consciously I have worn out my fast fashion basics, like my white tee, black bodysuit, and classic black leggings. Though these fast fashion pieces served me well for a number of years, when upgrading my basics I wanted to buy something sustainably and ethically made that didn’t sacrifice the comfort of the soft materials that fast fashion brands often use. Before hearing about Boody in USC’s bookstore, I had no idea bamboo fibers could be turned into a textile. Bamboo plants grow 1-4 inches EVERY DAY and quickly regrow after being cut down. The health of the bamboo plant is improved after being cut, and can be re-harvested every three years without creating any harmful impacts on the environment. According to Climate Central, bamboo is the number 1 renewable resource. Better yet, textiles made with bamboo fibers are INCREDIBLY soft. There are even companies that use it to make bed sheets!!!Boody uses viscose derived from bamboo for all of their basics — everything from leggings to tee shirts to socks and underwear. My favorite piece from Boody’s line of basics is this long sleeved bodysuit. It is so soft that I whenever I get compliments on it I stick out my arm and say “it’s made from bamboo, feel how soft it is”. Over the past few months this bodysuit has gotten quite the workout, but it still looks brand new every time I put it on because Bamboo fibers maintain shape incredibly well. When diving into creating a more sustainable wardrobe (new years resolution??) basics are a great place to start. Some of my other favorite basics from Boody include these 3/4 length leggings, white v-neck tee, and their shaper bras. 

Boody is a perfect place to begin your sustainable fashion journey (or continue your journey) because they are committed to sustainability and ethics throughout their entire supply chain. As a supply chain masters student, I understand just how complicated it can be to have full control over your supply chain and to be able to confidently say something like this:

“We strongly believe that our customers have the right to know what it takes to produce what they wear daily. By changing our habits as consumers and educating ourselves and our communities we can all “be the change” needed to reduce the social impact on our planet.From the initial bamboo crops that yield our exceptional viscose fabric to the delivery of Boody into your hands, we’re committed to maintaining a responsible and transparent process every step of the way. Our objective: maximizing positive outputs and minimising negative ones throughout the entire supply chain.”

P.S. an exciting side note for USC students: Boody has a USC collection that is only available in the bookstore! If you’ve ever felt guilty (like me) for buying unsustainable school gear to prove you do, in fact, love your school, Boody has a great collection of sustainable and ethical gameday gear on the third floor of the bookstore. You can also stock up on some of their basic items like underwear and leggings! I got these trojan leggings from the bookstore, as well as another tee, and will definitely be wearing them to next years gamedays.