How to Incorporate Sustainable Fashion into Your Wardrobe
- syeabower
- Jan 31
- 4 min read
Introduction
Looking in your closet, how many pieces have you worn once and then let them sit on the hanger for the next few years for one reason or another? How many tops have you bought from fast fashion brands because they were affordable or fitting with the latest micro-trends? I'm sure most people reading this article can answer more than one to both of these questions, and that is okay! That is why we are here. Sustainable fashion can many different things, and in this article we will explore some ways that all of us can be a little greener with our wardrobe.
Understanding Sustainable Fashion
The first step to a sustainable wardrobe is understanding what "sustainable fashion" means and how it can impact us. Sustainable fashion is produced, and consumed in a way that minimizes environmental impact, promotes ethical labor practices, and supports long-term ecological balance. It focuses on reducing waste, using eco-friendly materials, and ensuring fair wages and working conditions.
Why is sustainable fashion so important? The fast fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions according to the UN Environment Programme. This industry also uses a lot of water sources, polluting rivers and streams even though 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year. There are many more environmental and social impacts of fast fashion, read more about the dark side of fast fashion at Earth.org.
Research Sustainable Brands
Sustainability is something we hear from brands constantly, their claims to being eco-friendly and their commitment to the planet, but how can we know if they are valid statements or greenwashing? Start by doing some homework on the brands you purchase from, and read their commitments sustainability and if they give proof of this. It is a complicated definition and difficult to clearly define which brands are completely sustainable, but there are many brands that are doing their part to remain eco-friendly through recycled fibres, profit donations, low-impact production, socially responsible supply chain, and vegan materials. This link from harpersbazaar.com gives some amazing sustainable fashion brands that we love.
Upcycle Your Current Wardrobe
The next step is to assess the sustainability of the items in your current wardrobe. Take inventory of your clothing, and identify items that can be reused, repurposed, or donated. You can even start a challenge with yourself to donate one item of clothing for each one you buy!
Repurposing clothes may sound intimidating, but it actually can be very simple and require little experience in DIY projects. Repairing tears and holes in clothes can be easily mended with a needle and thread. You can dye your old fabrics and give them a refreshing color, add some beads or charms to your pieces to give them new life, or cut them up and make them into something new!
A close friend of Seraphim by Suzanne is amazing at this, and she cuts old t-shirts and fabrics into strips, and uses them as 'yarn' for various crochet projects! The opportunities are endless for repurposing garments.
Thrift and Vintage Shopping
Now for our favorite sustainable fashion hack, thrifting! Although the most effective way for us to cut down on our eco impact in fashion would be to consume less entirely, and reuse the clothes we currently have forever, but some of us love to find new treasures to sport. Shopping at vintage and thrift stores is a great way to shop more sustainably and up-cycle clothes.
Our favorite tip for thrifting is to look at the material of each piece, ensuring good quality materials means that the garment can be worn and reused for longer! Our favorite fabrics are 100% cotton, and 100% silk, although they each have their eco-impact from the first production cycle, buying these second hand and using them for long term use is a good way to reduce our impact.
But the best thing about vintage shopping and thrifting is the unique and timeless pieces that can be found. One of a kind garments that fit an aesthetic you didn't know you had, is the highlight of thrifting. Finding that piece that expresses your personality, that is different from what main-stream fashion sells, is special and authentic. Look online for "vintage stores near me" or "best thrift in [insert your city]" to find some options near you!
Mindful Consumption
The next time you go to your closet and think "I have nothing to wear", we encourage you to pause and look at it in a different way. Think about what you can do with what you have, or how you can donate what you do not use anymore. We also encourage a pause before purchasing new items, and purchase items that can be used in multiple seasons, and are of quality materials that can stand wear for a few years.
Care for Your Clothes
Caring for your clothes is an important aspect of longevity, be sure to read the labels carefully for proper washing information. Here are some simple care tips:
Use laundry detergent without harmful, petrochemicals (petroleum-derived). Switch to minimal packaging laundry products and cleaning solutions.
Hang or Drip-Dry clothes as much as possible
To avoid ironing, hang clothes in the bathroom while you shower to reshape them with the steam
Wash with cold water, on shorter cycles, and less frequently when possible
Conclusion
Sustainability is a continuous learning process for all of us, and it is important to share the information we have. Having an eco-friendly wardrobe starts small, opting for second hand clothes instead of fast fashion, or clothes swap with a friend. Small changes can lead to a big impact! Encourage your friends and family to reuse their fabrics, host a craft night to repurpose old clothes, or join local sustainability events. The collective impact of our individual choices can change the fashion industry, and cause a beautiful change for our planet. Happy Shopping (sustainably) !
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