A Quick Guide to a Sustainable Wardrobe: How to Shop Ethically
Advice on choosing clothing to promote sustainable consumption.
kagonz
First and foremost: the best thing you can do for the environment related to fashion is to buy as little as you can. It's not the materials that harm the Earth necessarily, but the rate at which we buy and discard our clothes. Changing your mindset to resist trendy and short-lived purchases is important, but it doesn't mean you can't love clothes or buy anything new:
If you do decide a new item of clothing is desired or necessary, look towards second-hand first. It may take more work to thrift than to online shop, but the activity can be fun and much less expensive, as well as supportive of a local economy.
Consider repairable items of clothing. Small tears, broken zippers, or slightly large/long pieces of clothing are easily repaired at home or by a tailor. Most people don't know that local tailors specialize in these small adjustments and are affordable!
Embrace clothing exchanges with friends. Breaking stigmas about hand-me-downs or out-of-season clothing can be better for your wallet and your friendships!
If you must buy something new, know what you're buying beforehand. Infrequent purchasing habits allow a buyer to save up for higher-quality, longer-lasting items that may not need to be replaced for up to a lifetime. Use this time to determine exactly what item fits you and your needs.
If shopping online, research sustainable brands and order in as few shipments as possible. Less deliveries means less resources expended delivering a purchase.
