Tips for Creating a Sustainable Wardrobe
Sustainability is everywhere! It’s changing the way we eat, drive, shop, and so much more. In recent years, I’ve started adopting a more sustainable lifestyle, from investing in reusable bags to shopping for eco-friendly skincare, and I’ve even started weaving sustainability into my fashion choices.
If you’re considering ways to be more eco-friendly, don’t forget about your closet. Fast fashion is a trend that is quickly going out the door, thanks to sustainable fashion. You can be part of the movement with these tips for creating a sustainable wardrobe.
Be a Smart Shopper
Modern fashion experts recommend buying clothes that you will wear multiple times. I use this strategy when I shop for clothing, too! A great guideline is the 30 Wears Challenge, a campaign that originated with Livia Firth, co-founder of Eco-Age. The challenge is to purchase only clothes that you would wear more than 30 times. While I keep a few statement pieces in my closet, clothes that don’t get a lot of use or tend to fall apart easily are not sustainable.
When it comes to fabrics, I try to choose sustainable ones like hemp, bamboo, and linen. I’ve learned that these fibers are organic and won’t pollute the earth when the clothes reach the end of their lifespan. As you discover brands that sell the best sustainable fashion, keep a list of your favorites so you can return to them as you phase out your existing wardrobe.
Purchase Quality Over Quantity
If your wardrobe is full of the past several years’ latest trends, you may want to change your buying perspective. I find that durable fabrics and timeless styles are the best options for sustainable fashion, and I like to invest in clothes that will last longer. Although the costs may be higher upfront, you will leave a smaller carbon footprint by not purchasing and throwing away so many clothes.
Build a Versatile Wardrobe
The era of changing your wardrobe with the seasons is gone. I enjoy sustainable fashion because it is about collecting pieces that I can wear year-round. Whether I am choosing a rain jacket or buying boots, I look for a mix of protection, comfort, and style so that I can use them for multiple occasions. Choose items that you can layer so you’ll be able to wear them in all seasons.
Mend Your Clothes
Rips and stains are inevitable—and they can make a beautiful blouse look terrible. I use my sewing skills to fix small tears—or, if that’s not your thing, you can ask someone to help you! For more extensive damage, consider repurposing your clothing. I like to cut and dye dresses and shirts to get rid of disfigurements.
Quick Tip! You can actually make your clothes last longer by hand-washing them or using cold water in your washing machine! Hanging your clothes out to dry will also increase their lifespan.
Donate Your Clothing
If I’m confident that I won’t wear an article of clothing anymore, I try to give it to someone who will. When you don’t have a friend or loved one who wants your secondhand clothes, you can donate or sell them. Not only are thrift stores a great place to donate clothing, but they’re also excellent places to find a budget-friendly wardrobe.
Giving back to the earth can be as simple as making smarter clothing choices. Whether you start with one piece of clothing or gut your entire closet, these tips for creating a sustainable wardrobe are timeless.