“We don’t need a handful of people being perfectly sustainable, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” – ecolabo
This quote has been somewhat of a mantra to me, since I started becoming more interested in, and learning more about, living a more sustainable life. I have always loved observing the ways in which fashion is used as a tool for self-expression, and I have always had a penchant for it myself. After learning about the detrimental environmental impact of the fashion industry, as well as the human impact, a particular area of interest of mine became learning how to engage with fashion in a more sustainable way.
Before I looked into the different options, I dismissed sustainable fashion as something that only wealthy people could engage in, because being able to continuously support sustainable brands is not a realistic option on a student budget. I have come to learn that this is not the be-all-and-end-all of sustainable fashion. There are ways to cultivate a sustainable wardrobe that don’t involve emptying your savings account. Drawing from what I have learnt so far, I have compiled a list of tips that can help you being to cultivate a more sustainable wardrobe, without breaking the bank. I hope they inspire you and cause you to realise that engaging with fashion in a sustainable way is not as difficult (or expensive) as you thought!
Use what you already have
There is common myth that incorporating sustainability into your wardrobe involves spending tons of money on clothing from sustainable brands. Here’s the thing: the most sustainable option is to wear the clothes you already have! One of the first steps to becoming a more conscious and sustainable fashionista is curb those intrinsic consumerist thoughts, fall in love with what you already have, and re-wear your garments with pride!
Borrow or swap
Closet envy is a real thing! I don’t know about you, but when I was younger, I was always raiding my friends’ closets and trying to convince them to lend me their pink corduroy jacket, or swap jeans with me for a week. Let’s bring clothing swaps back for adults – am I right?! Nowadays, I still find myself rummaging in my sister or mother’s closet when I’m bored of my own. This is actually one of the most sustainable ways to refresh your wardrobe, and the best part is – it costs nothing.
Image by Onur Bahçıvancılar on Unsplash
Buy pre-loved
If you do want to add a few new garments to your wardrobe, why not buy a pre-loved item. Personally, this is my favourite way to shop, because I love buying garments that already have stories behind them, and I love knowing that nobody else will be wearing the same garment as me! Buying second-hand means that you are extending the lifespan of a garment (saving it from being sent to a land fill), and it also means that no new item has been produced for you to have a new garment. Supporting local charity shops is one of the best places to start, because the money you spend is going to a good cause, and you will walk away with a bargain. I also love going to second hand markets, which I usually find on a Facebook page dedicated to pre-loved shopping.
Buy for longevity and quality
Let’s face it: a lot of us can attest to the fact that a good portion of our wardrobe is made up of impulse buys that we barely ever wear, or garments that were such bad quality that they only looked good for a few months. Part of curating a more sustainable wardrobe involves trying not to fall prey to those impulse-buy-instincts that hit us as soon as we see an item on sale, or a cheap price tag. Be aware of your mentality when you are shopping, and try to only buy items you need, or are going to wear often – and not just for a few months, while they are trending! Where you can, try and support local businesses, because you will be stimulating a local economy and supporting the livelihood of a local business owner.
Image Becca McHaffie by on Unsplash
Stay educated
I have found that following blogs (such as, Good on You) and social media pages that (such as What’s Your Legacy and Masego Morgan) that promote sustainable and ethical fashion, has opened up my awareness to the host of options that are out there when it comes to making more ethical choices. You will soon realise that there are a plethora of alternatives and brands that you weren’t aware of and can support. Part of maintaining a sustainable wardrobe is learning about the issues in the industry, and how your personal choices can contribute to making a change.