Is an outlet wedding dress more sustainable?
Sustainability has become a word printed on almost everything. Wedding dresses too. But what does it actually mean when it comes to a dress you wear for one day? We would rather give you an honest answer than a pretty one.
The truth about the fabric
Most wedding dresses in the world are made from polyester, tulle and satin. That is plastic. Even many dresses called silk have only a little silk in them. Real silk and organic cotton do exist, but they are expensive and rarely used for the big skirts. It is not the fabric that makes the big difference.
What actually makes a difference
The most environmentally friendly dress is the one that isn't made for you. Every time a dress is produced, cut and shipped halfway round the world, it uses resources, whether the fabric is recycled or not. So the best thing you can do is choose a dress that already exists.
That is exactly the idea behind an outlet. Our dresses come from other people's stock and discontinued collections, where they would otherwise have been left unsold or, at worst, thrown away. The dress is new, but it has already been made. It adds no extra burden.
Second-hand, rented or outlet?
The market for second-hand wedding dresses has grown enormously across Europe. Vinted, Facebook groups and specialist sites for pre-loved dresses are used by thousands of brides. Renting has become popular too, especially in the Nordic countries and the UK. All three are better than a dress made from scratch.
The difference between them is small, and the choice might as well come down to fit. A second-hand dress has often been taken in for another bride, and it can be hard to let it out again. An outlet dress still has its original seam allowance.
Shipping and returns
There is one thing that is rarely talked about. When you order a cheap wedding dress online from the other side of the world and the size is wrong, it gets sent back and forth. Sometimes several times. If you buy from a Danish shop, you try the dress on before you pay, and there is no parcel to send back.
If you also have a tailor close by, the dress can be altered instead of being swapped. That is sustainability in practice.
And after the wedding?
Give the dress another life. Sell it on, have it made into a party dress, or keep it for a daughter or niece. The most important thing is that it is cleaned quickly and stored properly, so it lasts.
You will find more honest answers in our FAQ on sustainability. See the dresses on sale or our simple wedding dresses, and book a fitting when you want to see them in real life.