How to be more sustainable when buying clothes

Did you know?

An astonishing 300,000 tonnes of clothes are binned and not recycled each year. Recently via BOF, on October 21, 2024, two major European recycling lobbies issued a stark warning that the textile recycling sector is facing an “unprecedented crisis,” even more significant than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, every effort to recycle or reuse matters.

Fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression, but in recent years, it’s become clear that the way we consume and dispose of clothes has a significant environmental impact. With the rise of fast fashion, garment production has accelerated, often at the expense of our planet’s health. However, by making a few mindful changes in how we purchase, care for, and repurpose our clothing, we can each contribute to a more sustainable future. In this article, we’ll explore simple yet impactful steps to becoming more sustainable with your wardrobe. Let’s get started on making fashion kinder to the planet!

(Read more: Slow Fashion vs Fast Fashion) 

What is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion is an approach to clothing production and consumption that priorities environmental responsibility and ethical practices. In simple terms, sustainable fashion seeks to reduce the negative impact of clothing on the planet and people. This means using eco-friendly materials, ethical labour practices, and fostering a culture of conscious consumption where clothes are made to last longer and are used more thoughtfully. Sustainable fashion emphasises quality, durability, and repairability over quick turnover and mass production.

(Read more: What does 'sustainable' mean in fashion)

10 Simple Steps On How To Be More Sustainable When Buying Clothes

Becoming more sustainable when buying clothes starts with small, mindful steps. Firstly, take care of your clothes to make them last, choose quality over quantity, and learn simple repairs. Secondly, opt for eco-friendly fabrics, buy second-hand, and avoid impulse purchases. And lastly, support ethical brands, donate or recycle old clothes, and embrace a minimalist approach to a wardrobe that’s stylish and sustainable. Let us help you understand better: 

1. Look After Your Clothes So They Last Longer

The easiest way to reduce your environmental footprint in fashion is to care for the clothes you already own. Washing less frequently, using cold water, and air drying can all help maintain the fabric’s quality, reducing wear and tear. For delicate items, consider hand washing to extend their lifespan. Small changes in your laundry routine can make a huge difference in how long your clothes last, ultimately reducing the need for constant replacements.

2. Invest in Quality Over Quantity

Fast fashion often encourages us to buy more, but these items are usually lower in quality and don’t last as long. By choosing well-made, timeless pieces, you’re likely to find clothes that will endure wear over time and look great season after season. While quality items may cost more upfront, they often pay off in the long run as they need to be replaced less frequently, helping you build a more durable wardrobe.

3. Learn How to Repair Clothes Yourself

Small tears or loose buttons don’t have to mean the end for your clothes. Learning basic repair skills, like sewing a button or patching a small hole, allows you to fix minor issues rather than discarding the item. There are plenty of online tutorials that make it easy to learn these skills, and mending your clothes can even feel rewarding. Extending the life of your clothes keeps them out of landfills and reduces the demand for new items.

4. Shop Second-Hand and Vintage

One of the best ways to support sustainable fashion is by purchasing second-hand. Thrift stores, vintage shops, and online marketplaces are fantastic sources for unique and pre-loved clothing. Buying second-hand helps reduce waste and minimises the environmental impact of producing new garments. Plus, vintage pieces add a unique flair to your style!

5. Choose Sustainable Fabrics

When shopping for new items, opt for fabrics that are environmentally friendly, such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, or recycled materials. These fabrics have a lower environmental impact than synthetic alternatives like polyester, which requires a lot of energy to produce and releases microplastics into the environment during washing.

6. Avoid Impulse Buys

Before buying something new, ask yourself if you truly need it and how often you’ll wear it. Taking time to think about a purchase helps prevent impulsive buys that may end up sitting in your closet unworn. This simple practice can make your wardrobe more intentional, reducing waste and saving you money.

7. Support Ethical Brands

Many brands are committed to producing clothing responsibly, paying fair wages, and maintaining sustainable practices. By supporting ethical fashion brands, you’re voting with your wallet for a better fashion industry. Look for brands that are transparent about their sourcing, manufacturing, and labor practices, so you can feel good about where your money goes.

*** Don't forget to check out House of Arti, an ethical and sustainable Petite Clothing Brand for Extra-Petites and Petite Women between 1.40m - 1.59m / 4f 7.1" - 5f 2.6".

8. Donate or Sell Unwanted Clothing

If you have clothes you no longer need or want, consider donating them to charities or selling them through online platforms. Not only does this prevent items from ending up in a landfill, but it also gives them a second life. You’d be surprised at how much someone else might love an item you no longer need.

9. Embrace Minimalism

Building a minimalist wardrobe, often referred to as a “capsule wardrobe,” focuses on keeping only essential, versatile pieces. This approach encourages you to buy less but wear more, which helps reduce waste and promotes a more sustainable wardrobe. With a capsule wardrobe, you’ll find that styling your outfits becomes easier and more intentional.

10. Recycle or Up-cycle Old Clothes

When clothes reach the end of their life, consider recycling or up-cycling them instead of throwing them away. Many communities offer textile recycling programs that ensure old fabrics are reused in some way, whether they’re turned into new materials or repurposed in other industries. Alternatively, get creative with up-cycling! You can turn old shirts into cleaning rags or redesign outdated pieces into something new.

Making sustainable choices in fashion doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your wardrobe. By implementing these small, intentional steps, you can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and support a healthier planet. Sustainability in fashion is about creating a shift in our habits and embracing a more mindful approach to what we wear and how we care for it. Remember, every small action counts in the journey toward a greener future!