While pretty much everyone can get behind the idea of fashion, more and more people are starting to see the environmental and social problems that the fashion industry is causing.
For example, did you know that the fashion industry produces ten percent of all of the human population’s carbon emissions? The fashion industry also pollutes the oceans with plastics and it is one of the biggest consumers of the world’s water supply.
Clearly, if we are to live a sustainable future, the fashion industry needs to change. And that is why so many people are getting excited about sustainable fashion.
But how can you transition to sustainable fashion? We’re glad you asked. So keep on reading and we will take you through our ultimate guide to sustainable fashion.
1. The Thirty Wears Test
Fast fashion is all about wearing some cheap piece of material a couple of times and then throwing it away so that you can try the next cool thing. This is probably one of the least sustainable ways to live because of how wasteful it is.
The next time you encounter an article of clothing that you are thinking about buying, you should give it the thirty wears test. This is where you look at the item and ask yourself if you are going to wear it at least thirty times. If the answer is a negative, then you shouldn’t buy it.
Try to shop for statement pieces that you are only going to wear once. Instead, you should invest in clothes that you intend to wear multiple times and that you can get a lot of use out of.
Pick pieces that are versatile and can be styled in different ways. This can apply to something like a dress, a watch, or even magnetic eyelashes.
2. Be More Informed
One of the hardest things that is related to being more sustainable is knowing where to begin. And, more importantly, where you should shop.
Thanks to the internet and the fact that there are so many sellers out there, it has never been easier to find brings and stores that offer sustainable items.
You should always do research before making a purchase and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you aren’t certain about something. Social media is a great way to contact brands directly and quickly get the information that you are looking for.
When you make a special purchase like this, you want to make sure that you’re purchasing from a brand that shares your values.
You should do some research to find a group of brands that you love and go from there. After a bit of time, you’d have learned a lot and will be able to tell more easily which brand is sustainable and which one isn’t.
It is becoming more and more important these days to know who is making your clothes. Similar to the other household items you buy, your clothes can make a big impact on the way that you feel and live.
Look for brands that are open, honest, and transparent. They should tell you how sustainable their production process is, what the clothes are made from, and how they source their materials.
3. Change Your Attitudes to Shopping
Each new article of clothing made comes with a big carbon footprint attached to it. However, the amount of new energy that is needed to produce old clothes is zero.
When it comes to sustainable fashion, you should always consider vintage clothes that have already been produced. Even the most sustainably made new jacket is going to be less sustainable than an old leather jacket that’s been around for several years.
You should also consider renting your clothes instead of buying them. So many clothing items are thrown in the garbage instead of recycled. By sharing outfits and contributing to a circular economy, you can help make a sustainable and powerful difference.
4. Invest in Trans-Seasonal Clothes
If you really want to jump into sustainable fashion, then you should only purchase clothes that you know are going to work throughout the whole year. Don’t spend a ton of money on a new summer wardrobe every year if you live in a city that mainly gets snow and rain. It won’t pass the thirty wears test.
Instead, spend most of your money on items that you’re going to wear for multiple seasons. Timeless jackets and coats, classic dresses, t-shirts, and jeans are all great options when making up a sustainable wardrobe.
5. Donate Your Unwanted Clothes
Throwing out your old clothes doesn’t help anyone. Instead of leaving them hanging in in the back of your closet or tossing them into a landfill, why not donate them. This will allow someone else to get one of your old items so that they won’t need to buy something new.
A great way to do this is with a one-in, one-out policy. Every time you buy a new piece, donate an old one.
The Importance of Reading Our Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Fashion
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better idea of how you can more easily get into sustainable fashion. As we can see, it only takes a little bit of work for you to start living a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Are you interested in reading other helpful and interesting articles like this one? If you are, then make sure to check out the rest of our site for more!