Say no to sequins and find other ways to shine, this holiday season
At a launch event for a large, high street brand earlier this season, I was appalled by the sheer volume of party clothing made from plastic. So many sequins! An over-abundance of polyester and shiny metallic PVC – or is that called pleather now? Whatever. It’s hot and sweaty and I wouldn’t have worn it in my 20s, let alone the menopausal years. There appeared to be a complete disconnect between the company’s sustainability policy and its merchandise. OK, it was M&S… Clearly, the festive season is the time for mulled wine, mince pies and Peak Greenwashing.
‘ We’ve never done sequins. Because every piece of plastic ever produced is still on this planet,’ Jo Hooper founder and CEO of NRBY tells me over the phone. Commendable. Perhaps it’s easier for small, independent companies to keep an eye on fabric content and sustainability policy? I’ve worked for a number of high street brands over the years (writing content for websites; admittedly not recently) and there is a ‘turning the (oil) tanker-feel’ to the amount of bureaucracy involved in even the smallest task or decision. But, Boden went glitter and sequin-free in 2021 – let’s hope that Johnnie ditches the polyester, next – citing research into the high level of microplastic particles in our oceans.
So, it is greenwashing and pure greed that keep plastic clothes in a big, fashion brand’s collection.
The Jo dress in damson from NRBY.
According to the Draper’s feature (on Boden’s sequin-free stance):
‘A study from Anglia Ruskin University, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials in 2020, found that glitter affected the growth of pond plants and microscopic algae.
Sequins are made from petroleum-based plastics that break down into microfibres and wash into our waterways, adding to the trillions of particles of microplastics in our oceans.’
Every party season, I bring out one of my old Lurex knits or a vintage party piece from my wardrobe; I’m not virtue-signalling, I like to wear what I already own. A few years ago, I stopped buying sequins and I know a lot of TNMA readers have taken a similar approach. That’s not to say I’m perfect, I like clothes and it is lovely to have something new. But these days, I always check the label and try to go for natural fibres as much as possible. Which is why I’ll choose silk velvet, not sequins this holiday season. As Jo Hooper wisely concludes, ‘ It is possible to glitter without sequins. We use silk, satin and velvet – these natural fabrics reflect the light and have luminosity.’
Say no to sequins and shine on, in sumptuous velvet and silk. PS Subscribers, keep your eyes on your inbox for a NRBY giveaway, coming soon!
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STYLE NOTES
I’m wearing the Liana wool and cashmere jumper from Wyse London. Thea side stripe, silk-blend trousers from NRBY and satin slippers from Ancient Greek Sandals. All items loaned for the shoot and returned.
Discussion (36 Comments)
Krysia says:
The problem is, silks and velvets are very expensive whereas sequins are cheap. Not everybody is in the position to spend on velvet, silk and cashmere
Vancouver Barbara says:
I LOVE you in that stunning outfit and colour. The Wise London link goes to the NRBY link.
Caroline Spearing says:
Great piece, Alyson – I’ve been in despair this Christmas about the unthinking promotion of sequins by fashion journalists who really ought to know better.
Christine Donne says:
SAY NO TO SEQUINS! – What a brilliant; attention grabbing headline, Alison – Absolutely Brilliant ! – I totally agree with your comments. I was laid up for a few weeks after a fall in September. When able to go out again I decided to pop into the only largish department store remaining in my city; M&S…..
I was horrified to see the amount of women’s clothes completely covered in sequins & plastic beads. Rack upon rack of them.
At the back of my wardrobe I regret o admit that I do own a very smart sequinned blazer bought about 8 years ago; but for the past few years I haven’t had the nerve to wear it. Nor shall I. Any ideas how to dispose of it now please? Donating it to a charity shop feels like passing the responsibility onto some one else.Thanks Christine. I have a very old sequinned maxi skirt (from M&S coincidentally!) that I keep and don’t wear very often. Let me see if I can find out any information on disposing of unwanted sequins…
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
M&S in The Kings road (London) is awash with sequins and sparkles, you need sunglasses to shop in there…
never liked them prefer velvet and silks for my festive wear.
Yes agree about Boden, also if they could ‘slowly’ cut down on clothes made in China with polyesters and Acrylic.PS Alison. The green outfit you’re wearing looks great on you & I especially love those velvet trousers. Being a little on the short side myself; (5ft 3 and a half inches!!) the half inch being very important ! – they are not very flattering unless I wear a highish heel, which I no longer wear so I end up having to shorten them. Petite sizes are too short and regular sizes too long – can’t win all the time I suppose.
Thanking everyone at TNMA for all the articles, suggestions & advice this year & wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas & Very Happy New Year.
Nicola says:
I’m pleased to say I’ve never liked sequins ( you either get it or you don’t and I just don’t) so swearing off them hasn’t been a problem but agree it’s disappointing to see stores such as M&S still stocking them. I saw a very popular influencer wearing their ‘mermaid ‘ skirt and despite her followers usually loving everything she wears, many pointed out how environmentally terrible it was. We also need to take a hard line on synthetic fibres – like fur, it needs to be so uncool no one would be seen dead in it.
Thanks Alison – I tried to send a PS to my last email about 10 minutes after my first one but when I pressed the send button, a message came up saying “Please confirm you are human” beneath it ‘go back> – I certainly think I’m human but couldn’t find any button or way to prove I am……!! I tried 3 times & had the same message. All I just want to say is:-
Thank you to all contributors to the TNMA page for their advise and suggestions over the past 12 months and to wish you’ll
A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A FABULOUS NEW YEAR!
Rosemary B says:
I couldn’t agree more about sequins and plastic and thank you Alyson for highlighting this issue. In my view, nothing competes with silk velvet in the depths of winter and yes, I do own a couple of NRBY items. The silk velvet is beautiful quality and will last for many years.
Veronica Dunn says:
I have a very old cream sequin skirt that I do still wear on the basis that it’s better in my wardrobe rather than landfill! It would be great to have some guidance on how best to do get riddance! Also on some of the other fabrics around eg recycled polyester is held up as being green but surely only perpetuates the problem? And as for China, it’s everywhere. Your help on this would be very welcome Alison! The outfit looks fab on you, great inspiration.
Pru says:
I have never been interested in buying anything with sequins as I like natural fabrics. So many people commenting about silk velvet…… my question is what percentage of silk in velvet can determine the description of silk velvet? Does anyone know?
Laura says:
Great article and I agree! I have to very young granddaughters. We all know little girls love to sparkle! I will try to educate them along the way. My point ladies – it is not just what we choose to wear. The bigger problem is little kids that change sizes sometimes multiple times a year! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Every little bit helps. Thank you and wishing you all a Merry Christmas.
Cindy from Canada says:
I don’t buy anything that has sequins or glitter – the materials I look for are cotton and /or bamboo. Let our kindness and generosity shine instead of the clothes we wear. Happy holidays to all.
kate says:
Love the green outfit! Am also saddened by the M&S tidal wave of nastiness. So much for their “because there is no Plan B” statement.
caroline says:
That green ensemble is gorgeous on you, Alyson! Sequins are not only bad for the environment, they completely lack the tactile appeal of the natural fabrics you’re wearing. And who wants to appear untouchable?
I do have a question similar to Christine’s: If the whole point is keeping synthetics out of the landfill, isn’t it better for those of us who already have pieces made out of harmful fabrics to hold on to them until (one fine day) there are environmentally friendly ways of disposing of them?
Thank you, Caroline. Ooh that is a very good point about being untouchable! And yes, agree – I am holding onto things for that very same reason.
Mrs Tonia says:
Hi Alyson. Like others here I agree you look splendid in this green outfit. I’d happily wear it all. I’ve got my eye on the velvet blazers and these soft velvet trousers by NRBY as seen in John Lewis. I looked. I didn’t buy. But may try on. For now I’ve got silk velvet Monsoon clothing if it still fits. Black dress without frills and wine red trousers. Plus Cos black velvet t-shirt. Hope to use these
So glad you raised the problem of sequins & synthetics. I work hard not to buy synthetic anything, even wallpaper has plastic in it these days. I’m appalled at the amount of polyester that even expensive brands are using, puts me right off. Even cotton has a high environmental cost but it’s better than petrochemical products in my eyes.
Yvonne says:
Thank you for such an important topic. No sequins or glitter for me. On a blog that I used to follow under the ‘Buy Now’ featuring sequin dresses and tops I sent a reply stating how terrible sequins and glitter were bad for the environment but I didn’t get a reply. Let’s do our share by not buying that rubbish.
Trish says:
I’ll add my voice to those praising the green out on you Alyson. The style says festive but not trying too hard! I have put together a similar look for a party this week, black shiny black velvet slacks and a grey cashmere sweater.
Sequins have always seemed to costumey to me, something for stage and as we now know, not good for the planet. Thank you for this piece.
TrishThanks for highlighting the major problems with sequins and micro plastic particles in the water supply. I like sparkle as much as the next person at this dreary end of year time. However I use the lurex knits I have, the two sequinned scarves from Whistles long bought and kept. And add diamanté brooches to thick pullovers and lapels plus other sparkly necklaces and such from the jewellery box. Plus silver handbags and shoes/sandals I have had in stock for a long time. I shall not be buying any more of these items. Add some slightly more disco eye shadow and a red lipstick and you are all set for celebrations at home or out out.
Most fabrics called silk velvet are 82% polyester with 18% silk. All garments I own are made of this. Velvet can also be cotton and a higher proportion of silk which makes it more expensive.
Hi Mrs Tonia, The items we’ve included have a high proportion of silk, and are often a silk-viscose blend. Both natural fabrics. Though a lot of the velvet available does include polyester, which is not as tactile and looks a bit shiny!
Elizabeth SCOTT says:
Not just sequins, I’ve noticed that M&S (previously an old favourite of mine) have recently been using a lot of polyester in many of their clothes. Even recycled polyester releases microplastics when washed, so it’s a complete no-no for me. Love your columns Alyson, I hope you have a wonderful plastic-free Christmas!
Dayna says:
I’ve made a conscious effort to buy second hand and if I do buy new I only buy natural fabrics. Love the green satin slippers, I’d seen them in a vogue article, gorgeous colour.
Jane says:
A great article Alyson. I’ve never had anything sequinned as they always look so uncomfortable to wear & I have no wish to add to the world’s plastic problems. I do applaud Boden for their refusal to use them & do agree about all the ‘recycled’ polyester which is so prevalent everywhere. I treated myself to an Aspiga cord velvet dress last year which is now my winter/Christmas smart dress for the foreseeable future. They are a Corp B company that uses natural fibres.
I love that outfit on you.Jennie says:
Going away for Christmas with my 95 yo mother to a smart hotel and black tie dinners (and no shopping or cooking!!) but haven’t bought anything new and can’t wait to wear vintage max Mara shiny dress and very old sequin mini dress (M&S about 20 years ago…) which comes out once a year! No guilt wearing second hand / vintage or old purchases but nothing new! And evening wear only gets worn once a year…so I’ll always have something glamorous to wear!
carole b says:
Love the top of the article pic of you, thoughtful, but also warrior like! Dark green is the most amazing colour in winter – see it emerge in mid-winter landscapes, evergreens, and ivy climbing the leafless branches as we did driving through north wales today.
A happy solstice to all –
CarolePatrish says:
‘Camera Ready’ in every sense of the words. The color suits you and your hair and makeup looks fabulous. I can tell how comfortable you are in that outfit too. Bravo.
Thank you for writing about this, it is shocking that plastic clothing is still a think.
I have never liked sequines for that reason, and I would also be concerned about who had to sew them onto the garments. It must be very labour intensive, so I suspect sweatshops maybe? Sequins and glitter are my pet peeves….
Like you, I got rid of my black sequin midi skirt. Thank you for caring and coming up with creative holiday solutions!
Adele Geras 
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Like you, I said no to sequins a few years ago. While shopping recently for something to wear to a Christmas event, I was disappointed to see the stores (here in Canada, at least) still full of sparkly sequinned garments for the season. Instead of buying anything, I went home and shopped my closet.