I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the fashion industry for a decade now. Over that time, I’ve learned how to dress my body type and be mindful of what works best with my lifestyle.
However, I’m also a realist who knows that not everyone is going to have access to the designer clothing options available to me.
For example: Sometimes you need something more durable or versatile, like jeans that will last longer than three months or flats that can go from day-to-night easily without looking worn out by the end of the evening.
And other times you just want something fun and stylish that makes you feel good about yourself regardless of price tag!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Building a sustainable wardrobe is an important step towards reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. |
| Shopping secondhand, choosing eco-friendly fabrics, and investing in high-quality pieces are all ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable. |
| There are many resources available to help you build a sustainable wardrobe on any budget, including guides and tips from sustainable fashion experts. |
| By making small changes to your shopping habits and wardrobe choices, you can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint and promoting a more sustainable fashion industry. |
Shop Your Closet
You can save money on clothes by not buying duplicates, so it’s important to make sure your closet is organized and you know what you already own. I suggest having a system for keeping track of your wardrobe items (both accessories and clothing) that makes sense for you.
I’m all about lists, so I like writing down the item, brand name (if applicable), and price if applicable in my phone notes app or on an Excel spreadsheet. This way I don’t forget about anything in my wardrobe!
You should also take note of any items that are no longer working for you maybe that sweater was cute but doesn’t fit well anymore because of weight gain/loss or maybe those jeans were great until they got too worn out at the knees and get rid of them when possible.
It’ll help declutter your home and prevent unnecessary clutter from taking over your closet space!
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Choose Classic Pieces
A classic piece is one you’ll reach for again and again. It’s efficient, versatile, and easy to wear in multiple contexts which makes it a better investment than something trendy that will only be worn a few times before you get bored of it.
From the right-sized black blazer to your favorite pair of jeans, these pieces will last longer than their trendy counterparts (and require less maintenance).
The best thing about classic clothing? They’re easier to shop for because they’re timeless! You can find them anywhere: online or at your local department store. If you do some research before hitting the shops, even better!
You’ll know exactly what you need before going out on yet another shopping expedition. And once you’ve found what works for your body type (and budget), keep these items around forever because no matter how many trends come along in between seasons or decades your classic pieces will still look great on their own merit!
| Garment | Classic Style |
|---|---|
| Little black dress | Timeless and versatile |
| White button-up shirt | Can be dressed up or down |
| Tailored blazer | Can be worn with pants or skirts |
| Dark wash jeans | Can be dressed up or down |
| Trench coat | Classic and functional |
| Leather shoes | Versatile and durable |
Shop Sustainably
When shopping for new clothes, you can support sustainable fashion by buying from companies that are environmentally conscious and using ethical materials.
Look for clothing made from natural fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo and silk. The material will be more durable than conventional synthetic fibers and also less harmful to the environment.
Look for clothing made in ethical factories. Retailers with a good labor record tend to employ fair wages and safe working conditions as well as fairly compensate their workers’ benefits packages (such as health insurance). Some designers even offer free factory tours so you can see how your clothes are made firsthand!
Buy locally produced fashions by supporting local designers or shops with handmade goods. Your money will stay within your community rather than being shipped overseas where production costs are lower; plus you get one-of-a-kind pieces that aren’t available elsewhere!
The fast fashion industry has a huge impact on the environment, but there are alternatives to this harmful practice. Learn more about the truth behind fast fashion and its impact by checking out our article on The Truth About Fast Fashion and Its Impact on the Environment.
Invest In High-Quality Pieces
Investing in high-quality pieces will save you money in the long run. Quality clothes last longer, so they’ll be more comfortable and functional than cheaper, lower quality ones.
They also can be worn for many years and don’t need to be replaced as often. That’s good news for your budget!
Evaluate Each Purchase
When you’re shopping for clothes, it’s easy to get sucked into the excitement of buying something new and exciting.
However, if you don’t ask yourself these questions before making a purchase, your wardrobe may be missing pieces that actually work for you.
- Does this fit me well? Make sure everything fits properly and doesn’t look too big or too small on your body type.
- Does this style suit my personality? If it doesn’t match who you are as a person, don’t buy it! You’ll only end up not wearing those clothes anyway—and then they’ll just take up space in your closet.
- Is this comfortable? Do the fabric and cut feel good against your skin? If not, then don’t buy them! It’s worth taking some time to find something that makes sense on all levels: aesthetics, price range (within reason), comfort level…all of these things matter when choosing what goes into our closets.
Buy More Timeless Pieces And Fewer Trendy Items.
We’ve all been there: you see a piece of clothing and it looks, well, great. You buy it on impulse. Then you wear it once or twice and…well, maybe you don’t look so great in it after all. Or maybe the trend has moved on and now that piece just seems out of date or even downright silly!
If this sounds familiar to you then I have some advice for you: buy more timeless pieces. Why is this important? Because trends are by their very nature temporary; they come and go as quickly as they arrived—and when they do disappear (which is inevitable), having invested entirely in trendy pieces causes our wardrobes to become outdated overnight!
So instead of buying several trendy items each season (or even each week), focus on building a wardrobe of pieces that will remain relevant for years to come the kind of clothes that can be worn time after time without feeling dated or old-fashioned because they were made with longevity in mind from the very beginning of production, rather than hastily thrown together at lightning speed when inspiration struck someone somewhere along the way.
Fashion has the potential to be eco-friendly, and there are many designers and brands that are taking steps towards a sustainable future. Read our article on The Future of Fashion is Eco-Friendly to learn more about the innovative ways that the fashion industry is evolving.
Look For Versatile Pieces You Can Easily Wear With Many Other Garments.
If you’re looking to create a sustainable wardrobe on a budget, look for versatile pieces that can be worn with many other garments.
A white shirt, for example—you’ll likely be able to wear it with jeans, trousers, skirts and dresses. Or maybe a black skirt that can be paired with any of your tops.
Look For Multi-Purpose Garments
- Look for multi-purpose garments.
- On a budget, this is the fastest way to save money on clothes! Multi-purpose garments are pieces that can be worn in multiple ways: long sleeve shirts, dresses and skirts that turn into shorts or capris with a simple snip of the scissors. It’s all about finding pieces that you love and seeing how they fit into your wardrobe as well as taking advantage of whatever season we’re in at the time.
| Garment | Multi-Purpose Use |
|---|---|
| Jumpsuits | Can be dressed up or down for different occasions |
| Scarves | Can be worn as a scarf, headband, or belt |
| Convertible dresses | Can be worn in different styles for versatile looks |
| Jacket/Vest | Can be layered over different outfits for added warmth and style |
| Reversible clothing | Can be worn inside out for a different look |
| Pants with detachable bottoms | Can be transformed into shorts for different weather conditions |
Looking for multi-purpose garments is a great way to build a sustainable wardrobe. These versatile pieces can be worn in multiple ways, reducing the need to buy and own multiple garments for different occasions. Jumpsuits, scarves, convertible dresses, jackets/vests, reversible clothing, and pants with detachable bottoms are all examples of multi-purpose garments that can be worn in different ways for a variety of looks.
Increase The Quality Of The Clothing You Buy To Ensure A Longer Life Cycle.
The best way to ensure that your clothes last longer and look better is to buy higher-quality garments.
When you purchase a garment, think about how much you will wear it and why you need it. If you’re on a tight budget, consider buying used clothing from thrift stores or secondhand markets like Poshmark or eBay.
The cost varies depending on the item—you can get brand new designer pants for $30 on Poshmark, or pay $80 for gently worn denim at Goodwill.
If money is no object (or if you’re trying to de-clutter), consider investing in high-quality pieces that are made with durable fabrics and construction techniques that ensure longevity.
Look for natural fibers such as hemp, silk, linen, wool and cotton; these fibers breathe well and allow moisture vaporization which prevents bad odors from developing over time due to prolonged contact with sweat glands (which means fewer trips through the washing machine).
Additionally avoid synthetics such as polyester/rayon blends because they don’t breathe well enough to be worn without some sort of ventilation device like underarm panels; this type of fabric also tends not hold up well when washed repeatedly because it breaks down faster than natural fibers do.
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Maintain Your Wardrobe And Make Needed Repairs On Time
A sustainable wardrobe is one that you can wear for years to come. To make sure this happens, you’ll need to maintain your clothes and keep them in good condition.
You want to try not to buy new clothes if the old ones can be repaired or fixed up. If you have a favorite pair of jeans that has ripped or a shirt that needs buttons replaced, don’t just throw them away! Repairing clothes will save money and waste less material than buying new ones all the time.
If something fits perfectly right now but could use some tailoring down the road (like if it’s too big or small), don’t worry about buying another item just yet you’ll only be repeating this cycle later on when they inevitably stop fitting again!
Take Better Care Of Your Clothes
It may seem counterintuitive, but washing clothes less frequently can actually help you save money. The less often you wash your clothes, the longer they’ll last.
- Use a mild detergent that’s designed for cold water use—this is the best way to preserve color over time.
- Air-dry clothes whenever possible; this will also help them stay vibrant in color and prevent shrinkage or damage from heat exposure.
If you have to use a dryer, opt for low heat or air fluff only (no heat). Then use a laundry bag when drying clothes so they don’t get tangled up with other items and ripped apart by tumbling around inside the machine.
A minimalist lifestyle can lead to a more fulfilling life by focusing on what truly matters and eliminating excess. Learn more about the benefits of minimalism by reading our article on The Top 10 Benefits of a Minimalist Lifestyle.
Repair Instead Of Buying New
The easiest way to create a sustainable wardrobe on a budget is through repair. Buying something new can be tempting, but repairing your own clothes is cheaper than buying new, better for the environment, and better for your budget.
Repairing also allows you to find ways to make old clothing look current again and who doesn’t want that?
For instance, if you have a shirt that has stains or holes in it and it didn’t come with any spare buttons (which often happens), then you should consider finding someone who can repair the shirt instead of buying another one.
You might think this would be expensive… but if done right by a skilled tailor it could cost less than half of what buying an entire new outfit would cost!
Conclusion
Remember, it’s not as hard to create a sustainable wardrobe as it may seem. If you can find ways to reduce your consumption of new clothing and instead focus on repairing and maintaining what you have, then you’ll be on the right track for sustainable fashion.
Further Reading
Create a Sustainable Wardrobe – A Guide to Eco-Friendly Fashion: This guide provides tips on building a sustainable wardrobe, including how to shop ethically and upcycle old clothing.
Affordable Ways to Build a Sustainable Wardrobe: Sustainable Rookie offers practical and budget-friendly advice for building a sustainable wardrobe.
How to Build a Sustainable Wardrobe on Every Budget: This guide provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable fashion and tips for building a sustainable wardrobe at any budget.
FAQs
What is a sustainable wardrobe?
A sustainable wardrobe is a collection of clothing that is ethically made and designed to last, with a focus on reducing waste and minimizing the impact on the environment.
Why is it important to build a sustainable wardrobe?
Building a sustainable wardrobe helps to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which is a major contributor to global pollution and waste.
How can I make my wardrobe more sustainable?
You can make your wardrobe more sustainable by shopping secondhand, choosing clothing made from eco-friendly materials, and investing in high-quality pieces that are designed to last.
What are some eco-friendly fabrics to look for when building a sustainable wardrobe?
Eco-friendly fabrics include organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and linen, as well as recycled polyester and Tencel.
How can I dispose of my old clothing sustainably?
Instead of throwing away old clothing, consider donating it to a local thrift store or charity, or repurpose it into something new through upcycling.
I am Hellen, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. It’s something that my mom taught me from a young age, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways.