Have you ever wondered what you can personally do to have a positive impact on the environment? Trying to make a difference in a world that values convenience and immediate gratification over responsible consumerism can seem daunting. You may not be able to change the entire world, but you can certainly improve your little corner of it. Building a sustainable wardrobe is a great place to start. Here are some ways to build a sustainable wardrobe while sticking to a budget.
Understand What Sustainability Means
A sustainable wardrobe eliminates waste and prioritizes investing in environmentally friendly clothing. Most modern closets are full of cheap, disposable outfits made with synthetically produced materials. A sustainable wardrobe, on the other hand, contains a few high-quality pieces that are made to last for years. Sustainable products are made from natural materials and are better for you and the environment.
Sustainable clothing can also help you minimize waste outside of the closet. For example, owning a few pairs of period underwear can reduce your need for disposable, single-use period products. Alternatively, investing in breathable socks made from natural materials like merino wool can save you money on doctor’s visits by reducing your likelihood of developing foot fungus.
Start With What You Have
The last thing you want to do when building a sustainable wardrobe is throw out everything you already have. That would be extremely wasteful, which defeats the purpose of rehauling your closet in the first place. Instead, focus on decluttering what you already have. Get out all of your clothing and separate it into “keep,” “resell,” and “donate” piles.
Only keep clothing that:
- Is made from quality, natural materials
- Gets worn regularly (or could be)
- Has sentimental value
Anything that doesn’t meet the above criteria should be sold or donated. Your closet may look pretty empty after decluttering, but don’t worry! You probably don’t need as many outfits as you thought you did, anyway. Plus, you can gradually build up your sustainable wardrobe over time.
Change Your Shopping Habits
Are you the type of person who likes to make purchases on a whim? If so, you’ll need to change your habits if you want to purchase environmentally responsible clothing. Instead of buying something just because it’s cute or cheap, only buy items you truly need. Take time to research or analyze the clothing tag of each item before buying it. Look for pieces made from organic fabrics like wool, hemp, organic cotton, and linen.
Depending on where you live, you may need to shop for most of your clothes online. Many brick-and-mortar clothing stores don’t carry sustainable clothing brands. Fortunately, online sustainable fashion businesses are more popular than ever before. They usually include measurement charts so you can easily find your ideal size. Plus, they often offer seasonal discounts and coupons for first-time buyers, so you save money.
Go Thrift Shopping
Thrift shopping is no longer considered a taboo or embarrassing practice. In fact, you now have bragging rights if you manage to purchase high-quality apparel for a fraction of what it would normally cost. You might be surprised to discover how many environmentally responsible pieces you can find at your local thrift store.
To save time while thrifting, have a game plan in mind before you go. Bring a list of items you need and don’t stray from that list. Check tags to find clothes made from silk, cotton, wool, and other natural fabrics. These will last longer than poor-quality clothing and will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Avoid Purchasing Extreme Styles
Have you ever noticed how quickly fashion trends seem to change? If you strictly purchased “in style” clothing, your entire wardrobe would likely be outdated before you know it. Chasing high fashion has never been a sustainable, environmentally considerate practice. Be more responsible in your purchasing decisions by avoiding extreme styles that come and go quickly. Instead, purchase classic pieces that withstand the test of time and always look good.
Remember, you have to wear an item many times over for it to be considered an ethical and responsible purchase. Classic dresses, basic T-shirts, simple jeans, and timeless outerwear will serve you well for years to come. These choices are more affordable in the long run because they won’t have to be replaced a few months down the road.
Learn How to Make Clothing Last
Learning how to make clothing last is one of the most crucial aspects of building and maintaining an ethical wardrobe. If you don’t know how to properly care for high-quality materials, even your luxurious clothing won’t last very long. There’s simply no point in spending extra money on sustainable clothing if you don’t plan to take good care of what you have.
Before washing your apparel, check the care tag to see whether it needs to be hand-washed, dry-cleaned, or washed in cold water. If you fail to do this and wash your clothes the wrong way, you could ruin them before you even get the chance to wear them. You can extend the useful life of most pieces by hanging them up to dry instead of putting them in the machine dryer. Finally, learn how to mend your clothing so you know what to do when a zipper breaks or a shirt unravels at a seam.
Creating a sustainable wardrobe is an exciting, fulfilling journey that’s good for both you and the planet. By supporting ethical brands and being more mindful about what you purchase, you can build a wardrobe that’s full of responsible, attractive clothing you will love to wear. Use these tips to save money on your sustainable wardrobe selections.
Published by Elle G
