So you want to build a more sustainable wardrobe, but you can’t afford to buy from all ethical brands, or replace your entire wardrobe with eco-conscious pieces?
Well then don’t. Because that would be stupid.
And because there is so much involved in shopping sustainably and building a sustainable wardrobe then just supporting ethical labels. It’s an overall conscious shift in the way you shop and view your wardrobe and clothes.
So here are 5 simple ways to build a more sustainable wardrobe.
1. TAKE CARE OF THE CLOTHES YOU ALREADY OWN.
I for one am SO guilty of not doing this. I never (used) to check washing and care instructions. Just threw everything into the washing machine (any dyer when I had one).
Shameful.
But we’ve presumably all been there right? Ruining one, if not many, favourite pieces from not having taken good care of the things we own.
Now that I’m moving towards investing to better quality pieces, I WANT to take better care of them, so they actually LAST. And I think when a higher value (not necessarily price tag alone) is attached to the pieces we own, the desire to look after them increases. Of course when buying $10 pieces from H&M or the like, who could care – it was $10.
Well, we SHOULD care… ALOT.
Our desire for new, and lack of consideration or care for clothes we purchase and own has created a serious problem. Both in the way our clothes are produced, but also the sheer amount of waste created as a result. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but watch the episode of War on Waste focused on this and you will be astounded. And no, not even donating our clothes is a perfect solution. It helps, but the problem is so much bigger.
So step one to building a more sustainable, ethical wardrobe?
Just actually value and care for the clothes you already own.
Make them last.
Because the longer your clothes last, the less you buy, the less waste you create and so on.
2. SHOP LESS. CHOOSE BETTER.
Okay, you’re still with me?
I’m not saying… Stop shopping. Cause well that would be near impossible for me. I feel you.
But… Shop less? Now that’s something I can do. And I know what you’re thinking.
“Easy for you to say when you get sent free stuff”
And whilst this is true, I actually say no to A LOT of stuff. I want my wardrobe to be as minimal as possible for a girl who loves fashion.
So I choose better, both when shopping and when choosing items I’m being sent. I think of versatility and wearability i.e. fancy ways of saying “how many different ways can I style this one piece”.
For more ideas of pieces should be investing in – check out my post about building a timeless wardrobe here
3. BUY HIGH-QUALITY & DURABLE ITEMS
Following on from above, when you shop less and choose better (and stop filling your wardrobe with junk) you can afford to invest in better quality pieces, that will actually last.
Simples.
4. BUY VINTAGE & SECOND-HAND
When in doubt, vintage it out.
One of the MOST sustainable ways to shop is second hand. Op-shops, vintage stores, markets (or swapping with your friends).
Often these pieces are more durable than a lot of the stuff you find these days. It’s already kind of passed the test of time.
Plus as an additional bonus, it’s one of the most satisfying ways to shop. There is no better feeling then finding a unique piece that fits perfectly and no one else has.
5. SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE & ETHICAL BRANDS
Top of the pyramid. Shop specifically from ethical brands (where possible).
Brands that have a focus on transparency, fair labor practices, ethical and sustainable sourcing of materials.
The good news on this front is that this area is growing as more brands become aware and strive towards creating a more sustainable industry.
But be aware, this is a growing “trend” and thus some not-so-sustainable brands (aka fast fashion) will try to jump on the bandwagon. i.e. H&M ‘conscious’ range. Yet how can they been sustainable when they produce hundreds of thousands of items EVERY WEEK?! Well Made Clothes wrote an interesting article on this concept called “green washing”, you can read that here.
Well Made Clothes is one of my favourite places to find new ethical brands, and they even categorise their brands according to values including sustainability, local, handcrafted, vegan, minimal waste, transparency and gender equality.
OTHER ETHICAL FASHION OPTIONS
Reformation | Everlane | Kowtow
Please share your favourite ethical brands too!
I really hope you guys enjoyed this article, as I am hoping to share more posts like this in the future. Would also love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how to shop more sustainably.