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Hello, fashion-forward friends! Are you ready to revolutionize your wardrobe and embark on a journey towards sustainability? In a world dominated by fast fashion and trends that change with the blink of an eye, it’s time to shift our focus toward a more conscious and sustainable approach to dressing.
In this blog post, we’ll explore seven practical and empowering tips that will help you build a wardrobe that not only reflects your personal style but also minimizes your environmental impact.
We all know the allure of the latest trends and the excitement of scoring a great deal. However, it’s essential to recognize the hidden costs of our fashion choices. From the excessive use of natural resources to the exploitation of workers in the supply chain, the fashion industry has a significant impact on both people and the planet.
For example, it takes 2,000 gallons of water to make one regular pair of jeans. Crazy right?!
But fear not! Creating a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t mean sacrificing style or breaking the bank. It’s about making mindful choices, rethinking our approach to fashion, and embracing a more intentional way of dressing.
So, let’s dive into these seven tips that will guide you toward a wardrobe that is both fashion-forward and environmentally friendly.
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1. Embrace Secondhand Shopping
One person’s pre-loved treasure can become your fashion gem! Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms for secondhand clothing.
Secondhand shopping is an adventure that allows you to express your individual style while minimizing your carbon footprint.
Not only will you find unique pieces, but you’ll also give new life to garments that would otherwise end up in landfills. Secondhand shopping is not only sustainable but also budget-friendly.
I also wrote an article on 7 different online thrift stores that you can find here!
2. Invest in Timeless Pieces
Quality over quantity is the key to a sustainable wardrobe. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, focus on investing in timeless, well-made pieces that will stand the test of time.
Look for classic silhouettes, neutral colors, and high-quality materials that won’t go out of style. These versatile pieces can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits, reducing the need for constant purchases to keep up with trends.
By choosing quality over quantity, you’ll not only reduce waste but also save money in the long run.
3. Swap and Borrow
Organizing clothing swaps or participating in them is a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe. Gather your friends, family, or even co-workers and host a swapping event.
Everyone can bring items they no longer wear but are in good condition, and you can exchange them with one another. It’s a win-win situation where you can find new pieces for your wardrobe without spending any money, while also giving your pre-loved items a new home.
Additionally, consider borrowing clothes for special occasions or events instead of purchasing new outfits that might only be worn once or twice.
4. Practice Clothing Care
Caring for your clothes properly is essential for prolonging their lifespan and reducing the need for replacements. Follow the care instructions on the garment labels, which often recommend washing at lower temperatures and air drying.
Machine drying can cause shrinkage and wear out fabrics more quickly. Consider spot cleaning instead of washing items after each wear to conserve water and energy.
By taking care of your clothes, you’ll not only save money but also reduce your environmental footprint.
5. Support Ethical and Sustainable Brands
When purchasing new items for your wardrobe, research and support brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, which ensures that workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions.
Seek out brands that use eco-friendly materials, implement sustainable production methods, and have transparent supply chains. By supporting these brands, you’re sending a message to the fashion industry that ethical and sustainable practices matter to consumers. Your choices can drive positive change and encourage other brands to adopt more responsible approaches.
Many brands claim to be sustainable, so be sure to do your research to see if that’s actually true. If they don’t have clear, well-organized, and specific information about their materials, labor, emissions, and what to do with their clothing after it’s worn out, then I wouldn’t buy from them. It should also show details on their factories, certifications, and exact fiber mix. These will usually be under a “Sustainability” tab on their website.
Basically, it should be relatively easy and straightforward to tell if they are actually sustainable and not greenwashing.
Good On You is an app that allows you to see how brands measure on their sustainability scale, and it makes it easier for you to discover other ethical and sustainable brands around the world!
Brands Focused on Sustainability
Here are a few of the stores I know of and think their clothes are so cute:
- : They invest in quality fabrics that are good for the environment and use recycled material for most clothing. They only partner with trusted certified factories. (Has men and women options)
- Wolven: Their garments are certified Recycled P.E.T fabric from recycled water bottles. Their clothes are free from harmful and toxic chemicals. They are also carbon-neutral. (Has men and women options)
- Arnhem Clothing: They choose only the best and most sustainable fibers derived from renewable wood pulp. They use organic and BCI-certified cotton fibers, which eliminate the use of toxic chemicals. The only synthetic fibers they use are made from recycled materials. Their garment bags are compostable and made from cornstarch. (Has women and children options)
- Girlfriend Collective: Their packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable. They use recycled material to manufacture their products in an SA8000-certified factory that guarantees fair wages, safe and healthy conditions, and zero forced child labor.
Related: 7 Ethical & Sustainable Watch Brands | For Men & Women
6. Prioritize Sustainable Fabrics
Choosing sustainable fabrics is a crucial step in creating a sustainable wardrobe. Opt for materials such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, or TENCEL™ (a type of eco-friendly lyocell fabric).
These fabrics are produced using fewer pesticides, chemicals, and water compared to conventional ones.
They are also biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact. By prioritizing sustainable fabrics, you’ll not only feel good about what you wear but also support a more eco-conscious fashion industry.
7. Learn Basic Sewing Skills
Basic sewing skills can come in handy when it comes to maintaining and repairing your clothing. Learning how to sew on buttons, mend small tears, or make simple alterations allows you to extend the life of your garments.
It empowers you to fix minor issues rather than discarding clothing prematurely.
Additionally, you can get creative and upcycle old items into something new and unique. By embracing sewing skills, you’ll develop a deeper connection with your wardrobe and reduce waste.
Conclusion
By implementing these seven tips, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a sustainable wardrobe that reflects your style and values. Remember, it’s a journey, and every small step counts towards making a positive impact.
If you have any more tips or any questions, please share them with us below!
Until next time my loves,
Farah 🌱
