Sustainable Fashion For Men: Ditch The Fast Fashion

I’m a big fan of sustainable fashion. If you haven’t heard the term yet, it’s simply clothing that is made in a way that doesn’t harm the planet or its people.

Sustainable fashion can be defined as “good” or “ethical” fashion. It’s easy to find sustainable brands online and at your local store.

I’ve compiled a list of tips for men who want to make sustainable fashion choices for themselves and their families:

Say No to Fast Fashion: Why Is Sustainable Fashion Better?

Takeaways
Building a sustainable wardrobe is an important step towards reducing the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment and communities.
Men can transition to a more sustainable wardrobe by avoiding fast fashion and opting for eco-friendly options such as secondhand, vintage, or sustainable and ethical fashion brands.
Mindful consumption habits, such as repairing and repurposing clothing, can also contribute to a more sustainable wardrobe.
Supporting sustainable brands and educating others about the importance of sustainable fashion can help drive positive change in the fashion industry.
By choosing sustainable fashion, men can not only make a positive impact on the environment and communities but also cultivate a personal style that reflects their values and individuality.

Look For Ethical Brands

If you want to make sure your clothes are as sustainable as possible, opt for brands that are transparent about their supply chain and show commitment to sustainability.

Look for brands that are committed to ethical and fair trade principles, transparency in their supply chain, and environmental sustainability.

A sustainable home is not just about being eco-friendly, but also about creating a space that nurtures well-being. Check out our guide on 10 Simple Tips for Creating a Green and Sustainable Home to learn how to make your home both sustainable and comfortable.

Pick The Right Fabrics

In order to help you choose the right fabrics, here are some guidelines:

Buy natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool and silk. These fabrics tend to be more sustainable than synthetic ones like polyester, acrylic or nylon.
Look for organic fabrics made from natural materials that are grown without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
Select easy-to-care-for options such as cottons and linens over more delicate ones like silks or wools that require dry cleaning (and thus chemicals).

Choose The Right Fit

The best way to look good in sustainable fashion is by choosing the right fit for your body type. This means not only getting the correct size, but also ensuring that the style flatters your shape.

Don’t buy clothes that are too tight or too short. While some men like to wear fitted clothing, there’s a difference between looking good and feeling uncomfortable in what you’re wearing.

If clothing is too tight, it will restrict movement and leave unflattering lines across the body when worn over time—and besides, baggy clothes are more forgiving when it comes to fit issues!

Don’t buy clothes that are too long either—this is another common mistake when shopping for menswear since pants tend to be cut longer than other items of clothing such as shirts or jackets because men have longer legs than women do (a fact which makes me very sad).

The solution here? Investing in tailoring services so that any pieces purchased online can be adjusted before they arrive at your door step!

The future of fashion is green, and we all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable fashion industry. Check out our article on The Future of Fashion is Eco-Friendly to learn more about how you can be a part of the solution.

Invest In Quality Clothing

You’ll spend more upfront, but with the type of clothing we’re talking about, you’ll be able to wear it for years to come.

This means less waste and a healthier planet. It also means that when you do buy something new, it’ll be comfortable and feel good on your body—and that’s always worth the price tag.

Clean Your Clothes Less Often

You’re probably used to washing your clothes after about a week of use. But if you can resist the urge, you might be surprised at how long your clothes will last!

In fact, even though it might not seem like it, washing your clothes less frequently can actually lead to them lasting longer and looking better.

The less often you wash them, the less likely they are to lose their shape or fade away due to wear-and-tear.

It also means that any stains will set in faster if they aren’t removed immediately—which may sound bad but is actually good news if it means fewer trips back into stores for replacements!

That said: there’s no need to go overboard on this one; just remember that quality over quantity always wins out over fast fashion trends 🙂

Tips
Spot-clean clothes between washes to reduce the frequency of washing.
Wear clothes more than once before washing if they are not visibly dirty or smelly.
Hang clothes to air-out between wears to freshen them up.
Use a clothes steamer or iron to freshen up clothes instead of washing them.
Use a laundry odor eliminator spray to freshen up clothes between washes.
Wash clothes in cold water to save energy and reduce wear and tear.
Choose eco-friendly laundry detergents to reduce the environmental impact of washing clothes.
Wash full loads of laundry to maximize efficiency and reduce water usage.
Consider using a front-loading washing machine, which uses less water and energy than top-loading machines.
Use dryer balls or wool dryer balls to reduce drying time and soften clothes without the need for fabric softener.

Invest In Fabric Softeners And Dryer Sheets Wisely

Use wool dryer balls instead of fabric softener or dryer sheets.

Fabric softeners are made with chemicals that can damage the environment, and they’re not good for your clothes either.

Dryer sheets are also full of harmful chemicals, so if you must use one, try vinegar instead—it works just as well and is less damaging to the environment.

Creating a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Check out our guide on How to Create a Sustainable Wardrobe on a Budget to learn simple and affordable ways to make your closet more eco-friendly.

Use Your Washing Machine And Dryer Well

It’s easy to get caught up in the wash-and-wear lifestyle, but it can take its toll on your clothes. Overloading the machine will cause unnecessary strain on the motor, not to mention that you’re wasting water and energy.

Over-drying can dry out your clothes and shrink them. And using too much detergent can make them feel stiff or leave a residue behind, which can lead to pilling over time.

The best way to keep your clothes looking fresh is by washing them less often—you’ll be surprised how little most people actually need!

If you do need a deep clean, avoid high heat settings (which can fade colors) and opt for cold rinses instead of warm ones (which add more wear).

When drying your laundry avoid high heat settings as well; try air drying whenever possible since this will help keep wrinkles at bay and preserve color vibrancy longer than machine drying does.

Also avoid fabric softeners; these commonly contain chemicals that are harmful for both humans as well as our environment! You’re probably better off just hanging out with your friends instead…

Tips
Wash clothes in cold water to save energy and reduce shrinking and fading.
Use high-efficiency (HE) laundry detergent to reduce water and energy usage.
Wash full loads of laundry to maximize efficiency and reduce water usage.
Use the moisture sensor feature on your dryer to prevent over-drying and save energy.
Clean your dryer’s lint filter after each use to improve efficiency and prevent fires.
Hang clothes to air-dry when possible to save energy and reduce wear and tear.
Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient washing machine and dryer.
Use eco-friendly fabric softeners or dryer balls instead of chemical-based alternatives.
Avoid using high heat settings on your dryer to save energy and prevent damage to clothes.
Consider using a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

Buy Timeless Pieces That Are Seasonless

Buying timeless pieces that are seasonless is the best way to go. You can wear a chambray shirt in summer or winter, and it will look good either way because it’s a classic piece.

Also buy clothes that will last you a long time. This means buying quality over quantity, and keeping your eyes on the prize: putting off fast fashion in favor of sustainable clothing choices!

Finally, buy versatile items ones that work with other things in your closet (or even some of those old items).

If you have lots of shirts but only one pair of pants, then consider adding another pair so you can mix up outfits more easily!

Fast fashion has a devastating impact on the environment, but we can all make a difference by being more mindful of our consumption habits. Check out our article on The Truth About Fast Fashion and Its Impact on the Environment to learn more about the true cost of cheap clothing.

Minimize Your New Purchases

You already have a wardrobe, so don’t buy more than you need. You should also avoid buying things that are a temporary fix to an ongoing problem, like a toothbrush or a spare phone charger.

It’s probably not going to help you in the long run and will add to your non-sustainable waste.

Donate, Sell Or Swap What You Don’t Wear Anymore

If you don’t wear an item anymore, don’t let it drag down your closet. Instead, donate it to charity or sell it on eBay or another secondhand site. If you’re looking for a new home for your leftover items, try swapping with friends.

Swap meet-ups are becoming more common as more people realize they can save money by trading gently used clothes instead of buying new ones.

Finally, if all else fails and you’d rather recycle than ditch something that’s still in good condition, search out local donation centers that will reuse the clothing instead of throwing it away!

Start Shopping Secondhand

Secondhand shopping is a great way to reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing style. Secondhand stores have a wide variety of clothes, from denim jackets and chinos to flannels and more formal wear.

You can find everything from classic styles to more unique pieces that you might not be able to find in the mall.

The best part about shopping secondhand is that you don’t have to settle for something cheap and flimsy if it doesn’t fit your style or meet your needs. Instead, you can find clothes that are better suited to your personal taste—and they’ll have been worn by someone else at some point!

This keeps them in good condition while also reducing waste because of their already-worn status (which means they were made with less material).

Supporting sustainable brands is one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact on the environment. Check out our article on 10 Sustainable Brands You Need to Know About to discover eco-conscious companies that are leading the way in ethical and sustainable fashion.

Conclusion

I hope this article has inspired you to get more involved in sustainable fashion. As a man, it can be tough to make a difference, but there are plenty of ways to do so!

From your clothes to the way that you care for them, there are many small changes that will have a big impact on the environment—and on yourself.

I’d love to hear from other men who are interested in learning more about ethical clothing options and can offer us their perspectives or advice on how best to incorporate sustainable practices into our lives.

FAQs

What is fast fashion?

Fast fashion is a business model that involves producing and selling clothes quickly and cheaply, often resulting in low-quality garments that are only worn a few times before being discarded.

Why is fast fashion bad?

Fast fashion has a negative impact on the environment, workers, and communities. The production of clothing consumes vast amounts of resources and energy, generates large amounts of waste and pollution, and often involves exploitative labor practices.

How can I avoid fast fashion?

You can avoid fast fashion by buying secondhand or vintage clothing, choosing high-quality and durable garments, supporting sustainable and ethical fashion brands, and practicing mindful consumption habits.

What are the benefits of sustainable fashion?

Sustainable fashion is beneficial for the environment, workers, and communities. It reduces the environmental impact of clothing production and helps to promote fair labor practices and social responsibility in the fashion industry.

Is sustainable fashion more expensive?

Not necessarily. While sustainable fashion may come with a higher price tag in some cases, investing in high-quality and durable clothing can actually save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, there are many affordable and accessible options for building a sustainable wardrobe.

Hellen James

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.