Creating an ethical or sustainable wardrobe can be difficult, and the idea of starting from scratch can be unsettling. But it’s not as hard as you may think to get started on a sustainable wardrobe, and it’s definitely worth it in the long run. Below we have rounded up our favorite simple tips on how to create a more sustainable wardrobe.
Go Over The 30 Wears Test
For a long time, the standard for buying a new item as a proper investment piece has been to aim for a minimum of 30 wears. The 30 Wears Challenge was made up by Eco Age co-founder Livia Firth and journalist Lucy Seigle in 2015, encouraging shoppers to consider whether or not they’d wear an item a minimum of 30 times prior to purchasing. As sustainability becomes a larger part of our everyday lives, we start to question whether 30 wears is enough when shopping for our forever wardrobe. The 30 wears rule seems a little dated. Ideally, we should be aiming to buy pieces we’ll keep and wear forever, not just 30 times. Try to stray away from buying that statement piece you know you’re only going to wear for one occasion, and instead invest in something with more longevity that you can wear over and over again. Opt for more versatile pieces that can be styled in multiple ways, rather than one item that you are sure will fall out of fashion quickly.
Try New Ways Of Shopping
Shopping can be mega exciting and the thrill of wearing a new item is unmatched. But achieving that satisfaction of newness doesn’t mean an item must be brand new. Opting for vintage pieces or renting out special items for certain occasions is a good way to do so. Rental fashion is another eco-friendly way to keep your wardrobe fresh. The circular economy concept is an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources. It challenges fashion’s linear production line that ends with clothes being discarded in landfill. By using rental platforms rather than buying new each time, it means less will be bought and less will be left destroying the earth.
Invest in Year-Round Clothes
Try to buy pieces that you know will work for you all year round. If you live in a cold and rainy location, don’t spend loads on an entire summer wardrobe each year. Instead, spend your money on pieces that will work for more than one season. Jeans, T-shirts, timeless dresses, classic coats and jackets will make for a more sustainable wardrobe.
Be more informed
One of the harder things about attempting to be more sustainable is knowing where to begin – and, of course, where to shop. Luckily, it’s now easier than it use to be. There are a lot more brands that operate with a sustainable goal in mind. Do a little investigative work to find some brands you enjoy and start from there. After some time, you’ll have a whole bunch of labels to choose from. Note: usually when researching whether a brand is sustainable, if it’s difficult to find out it’s stance, chances are they aren’t as eco-conscious as they appear.
Donate Your Unwanted Clothes
Donating your unwanted clothes to a good cause, rather than leaving them in your wardrobe, will allow others to be more sustainable. They will invest in your old pieces, rather than buying something new. Bonus points if you donate to charity. A great way to do this is to have a one-in, one-out policy – every time you purchase a new item, you’ll donate something.
Learn How to Repair Clothing
When something rips, breaks, or just gets messed up, you don’t always have to throw it away. Learn how to repair your clothes and accessories – or find a professional you like and pay them to do it. Think twice before using it as an excuse for something new. Having a sustainable wardrobe can be as simple as finding a great tailor you can rely on, rather than throwing things out when they feel worn.
Take Very Good Care of Your Clothes
This may sound obvious, but very important. Of course, if you buy higher-quality clothes, they’re likely to last longer (you’re also more likely to treat them well because of the price), but this rule should apply to everything in your wardrobe. Look after your clothes properly and you’ll have to replace things less often. From caring for your cashmere to washing your denim inside out, take the extra step to ensure your clothes stay at their best for longer.
Quality Over Quantity
Purchasing better quality, more sustainable items is likely to cost more than buying a cheap trendy piece. However, while it may cost more, you’re likely to have it have it for much longer and will be buying less per season overall. Purchasing a few high-quality items per year, instead of lots of cheap, less sustainable items, will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. Save up, invest and buy less.
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