There are plenty of sensitive topics in the fashion industry. One of the biggest no-gos is definitely burning unsold clothing. Time and again, there are reports that big players in the fashion industry simply burn their unsold stock. That way, they save costs and protect their brand from prices that are too low, for example. That's the shocking reality. It gets downright deceptive when these companies give themselves a sustainable, eco-friendly image on top. So what about us at DillySocks? We've made a conscious decision not to burn our socks – and we want to tell you why, and what we do instead.
The problem with burning clothes
You may have heard that big online retailers and fashion chains would rather burn their unsold clothing than donate it or sell it at a reduced price. Why? From a business point of view, burning is often actually the cheapest solution. Storage costs for unsold products can be huge, and burning makes room for new collections. Companies also avoid their clothing coming onto the market at a low price and damaging their brand image.
For DillySocks, that's absolutely not an option. Sure, we have to think economically too, but sustainability comes first for us. In our view, burning clothes is not only a waste of valuable resources but also a slap in the face for everyone working towards a more sustainable future.
We were faced with a choice – and we made our decision
DillySocks isn't immune to the challenges of the fashion industry either. As a sustainable sock label, we sell our products through various channels, including the marketplaces of large e-commerce platforms. At some point, we were asked: "What do you do with socks that don't sell, or sell only very slowly? Take them back to the DillySocks warehouse, keep trying to sell these problem-child socks, or send the goods off to be burned?" The "cheap" option we were offered was to have them burned. Out of sight, out of mind, in other words.
Honestly, the decision was very easy for us: burning is not a solution for us. "We won't burn our socks. Period!" As a sustainable company, we can't justify it. Instead, we chose the more expensive but more sustainable option – taking the socks back and giving them a new chance.
So what happens to the socks now? Our sustainable alternatives
Simply destroying socks that haven't been sold doesn't fit our values at all. Instead, we've come up with some creative and sustainable ways to give these socks a new life after all. Here are our top 3 solutions:
1. Dilly sock outlet – selling at reduced prices
An outlet is a great way to reduce unsold stock while giving our customers an affordable treat. Socks we've taken back from partner warehouses, and our slow sellers in general, are offered at reduced prices in our Dilly sock outlet. Of course, our margins are lower. But what matters more to us than margins is that the socks don't just end up in the bin, but still serve a useful purpose – keeping your feet warm and stylish!
2. Fashion upcycling – sock monkeys from old socks
Why should socks only be worn on your feet? We thought you could make so much more out of old socks – like cool, sustainable cuddly toys. Together with a workshop for people with disabilities, we turn unsold socks into our unique sock monkeys. This upcycling project is not only sustainable but also supports a social institution. That way, every sock becomes a new, lovingly handmade cuddly toy that brings joy to children and adults alike.
3. Donations – doing good with our socks
We believe that people living in poverty should be able to enjoy our products too. That's why we donate some of our unsold socks to charitable organisations such as Caritas Switzerland. These socks find their way to people who need them and, hopefully, bring them joy. We also support various events where our socks are used as giveaways or prizes. That way, our socks serve a meaningful purpose right to the very end.
Why sustainability matters so much to us
We live in a time when sustainability isn't a trend but a necessity. Climate change and the exploitation of natural resources make it essential for companies to take responsibility. For us at DillySocks, that means making sure at every step of our business that we waste as little as possible and protect our environment. Feel free to take a look here at how we live sustainable fashion every day at DillySocks.
It starts with our choice of materials. Our socks are made from organic cotton, and we make sure our supply chains are fair and sustainable. But sustainability doesn't stop at production. We also have a responsibility when it comes to disposing of unsold products. That's why burning our socks is out of the question for us. We want to lead by example and show that there's another way.
What you can do to act more sustainably
You might now be wondering what you can personally do to live more sustainably. Here are a few tips:
- Buy consciously: think carefully about whether you really need a piece of clothing before you buy it. Look for sustainable materials and production conditions. Check whether your clothes are certified, for example by GOTS or Cradle to Cradle. These sustainability labels guarantee high standards.
- Avoid waste: if you have clothes you no longer need, donate them to charitable organisations or sell them on. Upcycling is also a great way to breathe new life into old things.
- Support sustainable brands: companies like DillySocks are committed to a more sustainable fashion industry. By supporting brands like these, you help move the industry in a greener direction.
Conclusion: we don't burn our socks – they get a second, third and fourth chance
At DillySocks, we've chosen to follow a sustainable path. Sustainability is one of our company values. Our goal is to become the most sustainable sock brand. And we think we're well on our way. We don't burn our socks, because we believe every sock deserves at least a second chance. Whether in the outlet, as a sock monkey or in the hands of people in need – our socks always find a way to be put to good use. Because for us, it's not just about profit, but also about the responsibility we bear for our planet and our fellow human beings.
Thank you for supporting us on this journey! Together, we can make the fashion industry a little more sustainable – and make the world a little more colourful and a little better.
