In a world where fashion trends change faster than the seasons, maintaining a sustainable wardrobe might seem like a tough task. However, the good news is that you can make a difference by changing your shopping habits and taking knowledge of what is already in your closet.
1. Conscious Shopping
The first step is to ask yourself, ‘Do I really need this?’ When I pose this question to myself or others, the answer is usually ‘No’. Maybe I already have something similar in my wardrobe. Most of the time, I even ask myself, ‘Should I look for it in my grandma’s closet?’ Yes, in my grandma’s closet. She used to collect everything in those years. Considering that fashion trends always come back around, what’s on-trend right now is what my mother and my auntie wore in their twenties. This makes it easier for me to avoid overbuying. However, there are times when I come across something I can’t find while searching through my home or something they didn’t like at that time. That’s when my love for the vintage market comes into play.
2. Quality over Quantity
Check the quality of what you’re buying. Many modern clothes are made from low-quality materials. The price doesn’t necessarily reflect quality. If you want to determine whether something is good quality but you aren’t a fabrics expert, I advise you to start by choosing natural materials. When your items last longer throughout years, you’ll save money. And here’s the key secret: fall in love with your clothes. Fashion is a form of expression, and if you love your t-shirt, you are more likely to keep it forever
3. Secondhand
Thrift stores, vintage markets, and online resale platforms offer a vast array of clothing. You can find exactly what you have in mind, and what’s even more exciting is stumbling upon unexpected treasures. This type of shopping provides you with greater freedom, encourages creativity, and allows your personality to shine through.
This approach also contributes to a decrease in demand for new clothing. There are already enough fabrics and garments on our planet to satisfy everyone’s needs. In fact, I’ve written an article that presents both statistics and testimonials on this topic.
4. Clothing care matters
Be conscious of how you wash your clothes. Following care instructions carefully can impact their lifetime. Washing garments at lower temperatures, air drying when possible, and avoiding excessive use of dryers are practices that help reduce energy consumption and fabric wear.
5. Upcycle
My favorite tip is DIY projects. Essentially, you can create whatever you want with your own hands. It can be a lot of fun and bring satisfaction. You can cut and sew what you already have, giving it a new life or a different purpose. If sewing is not your strengths, you can alternatively ask a local tailor or friends for help. Just remember that fabric can become whatever you want it to be : a jacket, a blanket, a pillow…
6. Minimalist Approach
While I was packing to move, I realized that I never wore many of my clothes, and I had already downsized my wardrobe (at least by my standards). It was during this process that I became inspired by various minimalist documentaries. Here’s my advice: adopt a minimalist mindset by curating a smaller, versatile wardrobe. Include a few stylish and versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly.
7. Swap and share
Organize clothing swap events with friends or within your community. Swapping clothes not only introduces variety to your wardrobe but also reduces textile waste.
8. Eco- Friendly fabrics
Choose clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, Tencel, bamboo, or recycled fabrics. These materials have a lower environmental impact and are often produced under better labor conditions
9. Recicle responsibily
When a garment is truly beyond repair or wear, ensure it is recycled properly through textile recycling programs or clothing donation centers. Keep textiles out of landfills and contribute to a circular fashion economy.
10. Support sustainable brand
Explore and support fashion brands that prioritize sustainability. Look for certifications like Fair Trade or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) to ensure ethical and eco-friendly production.
Here is a Great website that rate different brands based on their sustainability and ethical practices. Good on you.
Building a sustainable wardrobe is a journey that starts with small, conscious choices. By following these ten tips, you can reduce your environmental footprint, support ethical fashion practices, and make a positive impact on the fashion industry. Remember that sustainability in fashion is not about sacrificing style but rather embracing a more responsible and thoughtful approach to dressing. Start making these changes today, and you’ll be well on your way to a wardrobe that reflects both your values and your unique sense of fashion.