By Taylor Trotta...
If you are like me, you’ve been searching for glimmers of positivity amid the political and societal turmoil that we, as citizens of the United States, face regularly. While this headline had the potential to be buried among countless others designed for shock value, a monumental development broke this week in California—one that has climate activists and human rights advocates celebrating. And yes, it’s fantastic news for the slow fashion movement and vintage lovers who care about our planet.
BREAKDOWN OF THE BILL
Now, stick with me on this one. These legislative measures can be complicated, and my breakdown might get a little wordy, but it’s worth it.
The bill in question, introduced by California Assembly Member Dawn Addis, is titled the Fashion Environmental Accountability Act of 2025 (California AB405). It is set to be reviewed in committee this month. If passed, this legislation will require fashion brands operating out of California that generate $1 billion or more in revenue to publicly disclose their environmental impact. This includes carbon emissions, water usage, and textile waste, starting in 2026.
By July 2027, these companies must submit an Environmental Due Diligence Report detailing their efforts to mitigate the environmental damage caused by their operations. By 2028, they will be required to implement structural changes to reduce their ecological footprint, reflected in another due diligence report.
Additionally, the legislation expands the requirement for Environmental Due Diligence Reports to private fashion retailers making $100 million or more in revenue. Companies failing to comply with California’s environmental emissions and waste standards could face fines equivalent to 2% of their annual revenue.
Photo of Los Angeles River, California which feeds directly into the Pacific Ocean
Photo by Adam Shaham
FUTURE OF CALIFORNIA’S FASHION JUGGERNAUTS
We all know that a 2% fine might not significantly impact ten-digit-figure fashion corporations. However, the bigger concern is whether these new regulations will push major brands to relocate their manufacturing and distribution centers overseas to avoid compliance costs. While this is a possibility, California has a unique opportunity to instigate change within sustainable fashion reform. By holding fashion giants accountable, the state could set a precedent that other regions and countries may eventually follow.
Moreover, California is no stranger to the devastating effects of climate change, from wildfires to water shortages. These regulations represent a step toward counteracting the severe environmental damage the state has been experiencing firsthand. If successful, this law could pressure international fashion brands to adopt similar sustainability practices, making a global impact beyond California's borders.
FURTHER SOLIDIFYING THE VINTAGE COMEBACK
California has long been a trailblazer in modern American fashion, often setting trends that spread across the nation. In 2024, the state passed the Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707), the first law of its kind, requiring apparel makers to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their textiles.
With AB405 on the horizon, California is doubling down on its commitment to sustainable fashion, further reinforcing the shift towards secondhand, upcycled, and vintage clothing. This bill could boost the already-growing thrift and vintage fashion markets, encouraging consumers to shop more consciously and reduce textile waste. As more people embrace secondhand fashion, it might not just be a trend—it could become a lasting movement.
While fast fashion has long dominated the industry, California's new legislative moves suggest that its reign may soon be challenged. Whether or not this will be the fall of the state's fast fashion empire remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the push for sustainability in fashion is stronger than ever. And for vintage enthusiasts and eco-conscious shoppers, this is a win worth celebrating.
Sources:
BILL TRACKER - https://trackbill.com/bill/california-assembly-bill-405-fashion-environmental-accountability-act-of-2025/
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