Coast

Introduction

Coast is a brand that traces its roots back to its founders, a group of passionate individuals who envisioned creating stylish yet functional clothing for women. Established with a commitment to offering high-quality garments that encapsulate British elegance, Coast focuses on delivering collections that resonate with contemporary trends while maintaining a classic touch. The founders drew inspiration from the dynamic lifestyles of modern women, aiming to develop pieces that seamlessly transition from day to night.

The philosophy behind Coast revolves around celebrating femininity and empowering women through fashion. The brand believes that clothing should not only enhance one's appearance but also boost confidence and self-expression. With a keen eye for detail, Coast strives to produce garments that feature intricate designs, beautiful fabrics, and flattering silhouettes, allowing wearers to express their unique styles. This approach fosters a sense of authenticity and individuality, making Coast a favored choice for special occasions and everyday wear alike.

What sets Coast apart is its dedication to craftsmanship and quality. The brand aims to blend timeless styles with contemporary aesthetics, ensuring that each piece is not only stylish but also made to last. Additionally, Coast is known for its exquisite attention to fabric and fit, often employing a diverse range of textures and colors to create eye-catching designs. Such commitment to quality and style allows Coast to maintain a loyal customer base, as women find comfort and pleasure in wearing its creations.

Signature Products

Coast offers a range of products that reflect its brand philosophy and attention to detail. Each item is crafted to empower women and enhance their personal style.

• Dresses : Known for their elegant silhouettes, Coast dresses are designed for various occasions, combining comfort with sophisticated aesthetics.
• Tops : Featuring unique designs and flattering fits, Coast tops reflect modern trends while allowing for effortless styling versatility.
• Outerwear : With a focus on quality materials and chic designs, Coast outerwear pieces are perfect for layering and completing any outfit.
• Occasion Wear : Recognized for their stunning evening wear offerings, Coast's occasion pieces embody glamour and grace, ideal for special events and celebrations.
• Accessories : Coast's accessories range complements its clothing line, offering stylish handbags, shoes, and jewelry that add the finishing touches to any look.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Coast

• Polyester : Polyester is a synthetic fabric known for its durability and resistance to shrinking and stretching. It is commonly used in a variety of apparel, including dresses and outerwear, by the brand due to its ability to maintain shape and vibrant colors, making it ideal for modern, functional fashion.
• Cotton : Cotton is a natural fiber that is soft, breathable, and comfortable against the skin. The brand utilizes cotton in its casual wear and basics because of its hypoallergenic properties and versatility, allowing for a range of styles that prioritize comfort and wearability.
• Acetate : Acetate is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from cellulose, often used to create a luxurious feel and drape in clothing. The brand incorporates acetate in their more formal pieces, as it adds an elegant sheen and is lightweight, enhancing the overall aesthetic of their collections.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Coast

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration.

Non-biodegradability:

Polyester, Nylon, and Spandex are all synthetic materials derived primarily from petroleum, leading to significant environmental concerns. These fibers do not decompose easily, potentially persisting in landfills for hundreds of years. This raises substantial ecological concerns, as the disposal of clothing made from these fibers contributes to the growing problem of textile waste. For instance, a vast majority of disposed garments either go to landfills or are incinerated, thereby polluting the environment and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Microfiber Pollution:

Microfiber pollution is a serious consequence of using synthetic materials such as Polyester. Microplastics are small plastic fragments that can pass through water filtration systems and end up in the ocean, significantly affecting marine life. These tiny fibers are shed from synthetic apparel during washing and contribute to this pollution. An estimated 500,000 tons of microfibers are released into the ocean each year, adversely impacting aquatic ecosystems and entering the food chain.

High Water Usage:

Cotton is notorious for its intense water requirements. Growing cotton requires an extraordinarily large amount of water which can exacerbate water scarcity. For example, it takes approximately 2,700 liters of water to produce enough cotton for a single T-shirt. Areas with substantial cotton production might experience immense water stress, negatively affecting both human populations and local ecosystems.

Chemical Processing:

Materials like Acetate, Viscose, and Spandex undergo intensive chemical processes that typically involve toxic solvents. For example, producing Viscose, or rayon, often entails using chemicals like carbon disulfide, which can be harmful to workers and the environment. Such processes can lead to air and water pollution, affecting local communities and biodiversity.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Producing synthetic fibers like Nylon involves energy-intensive processes that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The production of Nylon releases nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that is 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Addressing these emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change effects and promoting a sustainable environment.

Deforestation:

Viscose production involves extracting cellulose from wood pulp, which can lead to deforestation if the wood is unsustainably sourced. Deforestation contributes to the loss of biodiversity and the disruption of global climate systems. Forests act as carbon sinks, so their removal enhances atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, aggravating climate change.

Ethical Concerns:

Leather production raises significant ethical questions regarding animal welfare. Beyond animal rights issues, the leather tanning process often involves hazardous chemicals such as chromium that can contaminate water sources, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Sustainable practices, such as using vegetable tanning methods, can mitigate some of these concerns.

Mining Impact:

The extraction of metals for accessories has profound environmental impacts, including soil erosion, water contamination, and biodiversity loss due to habitat destruction. Mining is often linked to severe social issues, including the exploitation of labor and adverse effects on indigenous communities. Responsible sourcing and recycling initiatives can ameliorate these impacts.

Deforestation for Paper Packaging:

The use of paper for packaging introduces the risk of deforestation if wood pulp is sourced unsustainably. Additionally, the paper production process typically involves chemical treatments that can lead to pollution if not managed properly. Transitioning to recycled or sustainable sources can reduce the environmental footprint of packaging.

---

This analysis aims to outline potential environmental and social issues inherent in the materials associated with Coast's production and packaging processes.