Many of us are aware of the consequences of the fast fashion industry and why it’s critical to stop buying so many trend-focused clothing items that we throw away after only a few wears. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it is also disappointing as pieces we initially like barely last the weekend.
However, shopping sustainably all the time comes with challenges. You might have to cull some of your favorite brands if they aren’t using eco-friendly practices and materials, plus purchasing sustainable clothing that is high-quality can be an investment. Believe us, it’s more than worth it to make some minor tweaks to your shopping habits in order to live a more green life. Reducing your carbon footprint has never looked better than it does right now.
1. Do Your Research
Don’t take a garment at face value. While it might be beautiful, your values may not align with that of the brand and therefore, it’s not worth buying. Part of making conscious decisions when it comes to fashion means doing some research to learn more about where your clothes come from, what they are made of, and what impact they ultimately will have on the planet. Whether you’re searching for skate shoes or a pair of sunglasses, a bit of internet searching can lead you to some incredible eco-friendly designers. Keep tabs on them and be sure to support these companies the next time you are out shopping, rather than buying the first thing you see.
Some popular eco-friendly brands include:
- Reformation
- Sézane
- Boden
- Summersalt
- Cuyana
- Stella McCartney
- Rag & Bone
2. Shop Vintage
Not only does vintage shopping lead to unique finds that no one else will have in their wardrobe, but it’s also the best option when it comes to protecting the planet. In essence, you’re recycling clothing and extending its lifespan. Instead of contributing to the creation of something new, you can have something that is new to you, but requires no additional carbon emissions to produce. Often, you can score much higher quality vintage clothing for less money than brand new pieces.
3. Invest in Quality, Not Quantity
It’s a cliche, but it’s a great one that implies so perfectly to shopping. You can fill your closet with lots of cheap, trendy clothes, or you can invest in a small number of pieces that you will wear forever and that will always look good. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to clothing as pricing often indicates that the materials are high-quality and that the garment was made with care. This is not always the case, but you’ll find that higher end pieces tend to fit better, look better, and give you a feeling of confidence when you wear them that cheap fast fashion doesn’t provide. If you have doubts about purchasing an item, ask yourself how many times you think you’ll wear it. If the answer is less than thirty, then put the item back — you don’t need it!
4. Buy Multi-Seasonal Pieces
Curb the habit of buying new clothes at the beginning of every season and invest instead in pieces that can be worn through multiple seasons. This is really a mindset shift, aiming more for a minimal, capsule wardrobe than one that changes frequently. Some items that can easily be worn in all four seasons include a great pair of jeans, t-shirts, staples like a little black dress, and a trench coat.
5. Embrace Circular Fashion
If you’re someone who can’t commit to wearing a garment at least thirty times, why not try renting clothes? You can wear something new every day by renting a wardrobe through a rental clothing service like Rent the Runway. Not only is it fun, but you are recycling clothes over and over again while having lots of new things to wear.