Building a Sustainable Wardrobe Buying Less But Better / Part 2

Renting and Borrowing Fashion

When to Rent Clothes for Special Occasions

Renting clothing is an ideal solution for special occasions like weddings, parties, or formal events where you need a unique outfit but are unlikely to wear it frequently. Renting allows you to access high-quality, stylish pieces without the long-term commitment or expense of buying something new.

Platforms for Clothing Rental and Sharing

Many rental platforms offer access to designer clothing and formalwear for a fraction of the purchase price. Some popular options include:

• Rent the Runway: Offers designer clothes and accessories for one-time rentals or monthly subscriptions.
• Nulty: A subscription-based service that allows you to rent six items per month from a curated selection of brands.
• Le Tote: Provides a monthly rental subscription for everyday wear as well as special occasions.

These services provide flexible options for experimenting with fashion sustainably, allowing you to wear a variety of styles without the waste associated with buying.

Shopping Locally

Supporting Small Businesses and Local Artisans

Shopping locally supports small businesses and artisans who often prioritize ethical and eco-friendly practices. Local designers and artisans typically have smaller production runs, making their items more unique and less resource-intensive compared to mass production. Plus, supporting local makers helps stimulate your community’s economy and can create meaningful connections with those who make your clothes.

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Shipping

By shopping locally, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact of shipping and packaging. Imported goods often require extensive transportation, which contributes to carbon emissions and adds to packaging waste. When you buy from local stores or artisans, you are not only reducing these emissions but also likely minimizing packaging waste as many small businesses use recyclable or minimal packaging.

In Summary

Practicing sustainable shopping means carefully considering the origins and impact of each purchase. By choosing ethical brands, embracing second-hand and rental options, and supporting local businesses, you can build a wardrobe that aligns with your values, promotes a circular economy, and contributes to a healthier planet. Each of these practices helps you develop a mindful approach to fashion, reducing waste and supporting ethical standards in the industry.

Caring for Your Wardrobe: Ensuring Longevity and Sustainability

The way we care for our clothes has a significant impact on their lifespan and, in turn, on the environment. By maintaining our garments, learning repair techniques, and recycling or disposing of items responsibly, we can reduce waste, preserve resources, and keep clothing in circulation longer. Here’s a comprehensive guide to sustainable wardrobe care, including proper maintenance, creative repair methods, and responsible disposal.

Proper Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of clothing are fundamental to creating a sustainable wardrobe. Simple practices like washing less frequently, using lower temperatures, and knowing how to store clothes can make a huge difference in how long garments last.

1. Washing Clothes Less Frequently and at Lower Temperatures

One of the simplest ways to extend the lifespan of your clothes is to wash them only when necessary. Washing less frequently not only preserves the fibers in the fabric but also reduces energy and water consumption, minimizing environmental impact. Washing clothes at lower temperatures is another effective method; most detergents today are designed to work well in cold water, and lower temperatures reduce fading, shrinking, and wear on delicate fabrics.

For everyday items, spot cleaning can help keep clothes fresh between washes. Additionally, using gentle cycles or hand-washing delicate items can extend the life of fabrics that are prone to wear, such as silk, wool, or lace.

2. Learning Basic Sewing and Mending Techniques

Knowing basic sewing techniques is a powerful way to keep clothing wearable and prevent minor damage from becoming a reason to discard items. Simple skills like sewing on buttons, repairing loose seams, or patching small tears make it easy to extend the life of your favorite pieces. By practicing basic mending, you also avoid the expense of replacements and contribute to a more sustainable fashion approach.

For beginners, there are many online tutorials, instructional videos, and books available that offer step-by-step guidance on simple repairs. Over time, basic mending skills can evolve into more advanced sewing projects, giving you even more control over the lifespan of your wardrobe.

3. Proper Storage to Extend the Lifespan of Garments

Proper storage is another key factor in wardrobe longevity. For items that aren’t worn year-round, like winter coats or summer dresses, consider storing them in breathable garment bags to protect against dust and pests. Wool and other natural fibers can attract moths, so adding cedar chips or lavender sachets to storage areas can help keep insects at bay.

Hanging clothing correctly is essential, too. Use padded or wooden hangers to help garments retain their shape and avoid stretching delicate fabrics. Fold heavy items like sweaters, as hanging can cause them to lose shape over time. For shoes, regular cleaning and using shoe trees can maintain shape and prevent material from cracking or creasing.

Repair and Upcycling

Embracing repair and upcycling offers a creative approach to wardrobe care, allowing you to add new life to worn items and even create unique, personalized pieces.

1. Creative Ways to Repair Damaged Clothes

Repairing clothes can be both practical and creative. Visible mending, where repairs are intentionally highlighted with contrasting thread colors or embroidery, has become a trend in sustainable fashion. Visible mending transforms holes, tears, or worn-out patches into unique features, turning damage into a form of expression. Techniques like sashiko (a traditional Japanese form of decorative reinforcement stitching) are popular methods of visibly mending fabric with style.

For worn jeans, adding patches to the knees or pockets can give them a fresh look while preserving their functionality. Even adding decorative buttons or fabric patches to a worn area can provide a new look while strengthening the garment.

2. DIY Projects to Give Old Clothes a New Life

Upcycling allows you to reimagine and repurpose clothing that may no longer fit your style or needs. DIY upcycling projects are as diverse as your imagination: for example, transforming old T-shirts into tote bags or pillowcases, or converting a dress into a top or skirt. Jeans can be cut into shorts, and fabric remnants can be used to make scarves, scrunchies, or even face masks.

Tie-dyeing or fabric painting is another fun way to revitalize faded or stained items, creating pieces that are unique and vibrant. Upcycling not only extends the life of garments but also provides an avenue for creativity and personalization.

Recycling and Disposal

When clothes are no longer wearable, recycling and responsible disposal are essential steps in minimizing the environmental impact of fashion waste.

1. How to Responsibly Recycle Textiles

Many textiles can be recycled and turned into new products, such as insulation, cleaning rags, or even new fabrics. When recycling clothes, look for local textile recycling programs or facilities that accept used clothing. Some brands, like H&M and Patagonia, have take-back programs where they accept used clothing and recycle it into new items. Textile recycling prevents clothes from ending up in landfills, where they can take decades to decompose and often release harmful chemicals.

If textile recycling isn’t available locally, research companies that accept mail-in donations or recycled textiles. Programs like TerraCycle and certain thrift stores accept damaged or unusable clothing to ensure that fabrics are processed sustainably.

2. Donation Tips for Extending the Life Cycle of Your Wardrobe

Donating clothes is an excellent way to give gently used items a new life. However, donating responsibly is important to ensure that items actually benefit others rather than ending up in landfills. Here are some tips:

• Donate in Good Condition: Only donate items that are clean and in wearable condition. Items with significant damage or stains are often discarded by donation centers, so repair them beforehand or consider recycling.
• Choose the Right Organization: Local charities, shelters, and non-profit organizations often benefit directly from clothing donations. Some may even specialize in certain types of clothing, such as business attire for job seekers.
• Check for Seasonal Needs: Some organizations prioritize seasonal items, like winter coats during colder months. This helps meet specific needs within communities and ensures that donations are useful.

By donating carefully, you contribute to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem, helping to extend the life of your wardrobe and supporting communities in need.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Approach to Wardrobe Care

Sustainable wardrobe care extends beyond what we buy; it includes how we maintain, repair, and eventually recycle or dispose of our clothes. By washing less frequently, learning basic repairs, and practicing proper storage, we can keep our clothes in great condition for years. Repair and upcycling not only save items from being discarded but also foster creativity and personalization. Finally, recycling and responsible disposal ensure that clothes are handled sustainably at the end of their lifecycle.

When each step is practiced thoughtfully, wardrobe care becomes an intentional journey that not only reduces waste but also celebrates the value of each garment. Sustainable wardrobe care contributes to a more conscious relationship with fashion, one that respects resources, prioritizes durability, and embraces the potential for renewal and reinvention.

Additional Considerations in Sustainable Fashion: Building a Capsule Wardrobe, Accessory Choices, Technology, and Budgeting

A sustainable wardrobe doesn’t stop with clothing alone; it extends to accessories, budgeting, and the thoughtful integration of technology. These elements enhance the effectiveness of sustainable fashion choices, making it easier to maintain a conscious, intentional approach to style and spending. Below is a comprehensive guide covering the additional considerations in building and managing a sustainable wardrobe, including capsule wardrobe tips, sustainable accessories, technology’s role, and budgeting strategies.

Building a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe consists of a curated collection of clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a wide variety of outfits. With a focus on versatility and cohesiveness, a capsule wardrobe minimizes the need for excessive clothing, promoting sustainable consumption and simplifying daily choices.

1. Selecting Versatile, Mix-and-Match Pieces

The foundation of a capsule wardrobe is selecting pieces that work well together. This includes choosing items with neutral colors, simple patterns, and classic cuts. Examples of versatile pieces are:

• Button-down shirts in neutral tones like white, black, or light blue, which can be paired with jeans for casual looks or slacks for formal occasions.
• A well-fitted blazer that can be worn with trousers for business settings or dressed down with jeans and a T-shirt.
• Quality denim or trousers in timeless cuts, such as straight-leg or bootcut, which can be worn in various settings and styled for multiple seasons.
• A black or neutral-colored sweater and a versatile dress, which can be layered or accessorized for different looks.

By building around essential, multi-purpose pieces, you ensure that each item in your wardrobe has maximum utility and adaptability, allowing you to create numerous looks with fewer items.

2. The Role of Color Palettes and Fabric Types

Establishing a cohesive color palette is essential in a capsule wardrobe, as it allows pieces to coordinate effortlessly. Generally, choosing a primary palette of neutrals (black, gray, white, beige) and adding one or two accent colors makes mixing and matching easier. These colors not only pair well together but also don’t go out of style, helping the wardrobe stay relevant over time.

Equally important is selecting fabrics that are durable and versatile across seasons. Natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, and silk are durable, breathable, and more sustainable compared to synthetic alternatives. For a capsule wardrobe, consider fabrics that are both comfortable and easy to care for, such as:

• Cotton: Ideal for basics like T-shirts and shirts.
• Wool and cashmere: Great for layering pieces like sweaters and scarves.
• Denim: A classic, durable choice for pants and jackets.

Choosing quality fabrics ensures that pieces last longer and are comfortable to wear, enhancing both sustainability and wearability.

Sustainability in Accessories

Accessories are a significant part of any wardrobe and contribute to the overall environmental impact of personal style. Choosing ethical and sustainable options for jewelry, shoes, and bags helps to round out a responsible wardrobe.

1. Ethical Jewelry, Shoes, and Bags

Accessories can be sustainably sourced by selecting items made from eco-friendly materials or by supporting brands that follow ethical practices. Look for:

• Jewelry: Many sustainable jewelry brands use recycled metals, ethically sourced gemstones, or even lab-grown diamonds to minimize environmental and ethical issues. Brands certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) or those that use Fairmined gold are good choices.
• Shoes: Sustainable footwear often uses materials like natural rubber, cork, or recycled plastic, and some brands prioritize fair labor practices as well. Vegan leather options made from alternatives like pineapple leaves (Piñatex) or mushroom leather are increasingly popular.
• Bags: Bags made from upcycled materials or eco-friendly fabrics, like organic cotton or recycled canvas, have a lower environmental footprint. Many brands are moving towards “slow fashion” practices by producing in smaller quantities and focusing on high-quality craftsmanship, which promotes longevity.

2. Prioritizing Quality and Sustainable Materials

Accessories should be chosen with the same focus on durability and sustainability as clothing. Investing in fewer, high-quality accessories not only enhances your wardrobe but also helps reduce waste. Sustainable materials such as recycled metals for jewelry, cork or rubber for shoes, and plant-based leathers for bags are all great choices for those aiming to build a wardrobe that values ethics and durability. Additionally, choosing timeless designs and neutral colors ensures that accessories will remain wearable across seasons and trends.

The Role of Technology in Sustainable Fashion

Technology has become an invaluable resource in promoting sustainable fashion, providing tools for tracking purchases, promoting responsible brands, and offering platforms for clothing swaps and resale.

1. Apps and Tools for Sustainable Fashion Tracking

Sustainable fashion apps can help monitor the environmental impact of personal style, making it easier to make conscious choices. Some popular tools include:

• Good On You: This app rates brands on their environmental, ethical, and animal welfare practices, giving users a clear view of brand responsibility.
• Save Your Wardrobe: This app helps track what’s in your closet, recommending ways to make use of each piece and suggesting repairs or sustainable disposal options as needed.
• Depop and Poshmark: These resale platforms promote second-hand shopping and offer a wide selection of pre-loved items, making sustainable shopping more accessible.

These tools support informed decision-making, enabling users to prioritize sustainability while finding the best options for their style and budget.

2. Platforms Promoting Clothing Swaps and Resale

Clothing swaps and resale platforms have become popular as people look to extend the life cycle of their garments. Swap apps and resale sites offer a simple way to trade or sell clothes, reducing the need for new production. Examples include:

• The RealReal: A luxury resale platform that emphasizes authenticated second-hand designer goods.
• Vinted: A peer-to-peer marketplace for buying, selling, and swapping second-hand clothing, accessible in several countries.
• Swap Society: An online clothing swap community where users can trade clothes without needing cash.

By leveraging technology, consumers can buy and sell clothing sustainably, promoting a circular economy in fashion and minimizing environmental impact.

Budgeting for Sustainability

Budgeting is essential in building a sustainable wardrobe, as high-quality and ethical items often come at a higher initial cost. However, a carefully considered budget allows for investments in quality items that will pay off over time.

1. Saving for Higher-Quality Purchases

Buying sustainable or ethically produced clothing often requires a higher upfront investment. One strategy is to budget and save specifically for quality pieces that will last, avoiding the need to frequently replace low-cost, low-quality items. Setting aside a monthly amount dedicated to clothing purchases can help accumulate the necessary funds over time, allowing for thoughtful purchases without creating financial strain.

2. Cost-Per-Wear Breakdowns for Smarter Spending

Calculating the cost-per-wear (CPW) of an item provides insight into its true value over time. The CPW formula is simple: divide the purchase price of an item by the estimated number of times it will be worn. For example, if a $200 coat is worn 50 times, its CPW is $4, making it a wise investment compared to a less durable coat that needs to be replaced quickly. Cost-per-wear encourages quality over quantity, steering purchasing decisions toward pieces that will remain in your wardrobe for the long term.

By understanding CPW and planning for quality investments, you can build a wardrobe that aligns with both sustainability and budget, ultimately creating savings while reducing environmental impact.

Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic Approach to Sustainable Fashion

Building a sustainable wardrobe extends beyond clothes and includes mindful choices in accessories, a strategic use of technology, and effective budgeting. A capsule wardrobe prioritizes versatile, high-quality items, while sustainable accessories and conscious budgeting further reinforce ethical practices. Technology enhances transparency and accessibility, empowering consumers to make informed, sustainable fashion choices. With each of these considerations in place, you can create a wardrobe that respects resources, celebrates longevity, and supports responsible fashion practices. Sustainable fashion is more than a trend; it is a thoughtful lifestyle choice that promotes a mindful and fulfilling relationship with personal style.

The Bigger Picture in Sustainable Fashion: Advocating for Change in the Fashion Industry and Embracing Minimalism

The journey to a more sustainable fashion industry requires both consumer activism and a shift in personal lifestyle habits, particularly towards minimalism. While individuals might feel that their choices are only a small part of a larger system, collective action can lead to profound shifts. Through advocacy and the embrace of minimalism, consumers can push brands toward ethical practices, demand transparency in supply chains, and contribute to a culture that values quality over quantity. Below is an in-depth look at how consumer influence and minimalism work hand-in-hand to create positive, sustainable change.

Advocating for Change in the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry has grown rapidly over the past few decades, driven by fast fashion and the demand for cheap, on-trend items. This has led to numerous environmental and ethical issues, from pollution and waste to unsafe working conditions and exploitative wages. However, consumer advocacy and increased awareness have begun to shift this trajectory. When consumers take a stand for sustainable and ethical practices, they can drive significant changes in the industry.

How Consumers Can Influence Brands

Consumer behavior plays a central role in shaping industry practices. When a large enough portion of the market demands ethical and sustainable choices, brands often respond by adopting better practices and promoting transparency. Here’s how consumers can influence brands and encourage them to operate responsibly:

• Supporting Ethical Brands: One of the most effective ways to influence the industry is by supporting brands that already prioritize sustainability and ethics. When consumers consciously buy from brands that demonstrate responsible practices, they contribute directly to a model that values quality, fair labor, and sustainable sourcing over low-cost, high-volume production. As demand for ethical products rises, more brands will recognize the viability and profitability of sustainable practices.
• Social Media Advocacy: Social media offers a direct line of communication between consumers and brands. Through comments, posts, and online campaigns, consumers can hold brands accountable and demand transparency and ethics in production. Movements such as Fashion Revolution’s “Who Made My Clothes?” encourage consumers to question brands directly, demanding insight into the origins of their garments. Such campaigns put pressure on brands to share details about their production process, materials, and working conditions.
• Conscious Consumer Campaigns: Many organizations work to promote sustainable fashion through grassroots campaigns, petitions, and education. Consumers can get involved by supporting these initiatives, amplifying voices that are pushing for change, and signing petitions that call for industry-wide reform. Such efforts highlight that there is a broad demand for change, pushing companies to adopt more responsible and transparent practices.

The Importance of Transparency in Supply Chains

Transparency in supply chains is vital for accountability and ethical business practices. A transparent supply chain provides consumers with the information they need to make informed choices, verifying that brands are operating sustainably and ethically. Without transparency, companies can easily hide unethical practices, from unfair wages and unsafe working conditions to environmental harm.

Transparency benefits both consumers and brands by building trust and accountability. Brands that share information about their production process—including where materials are sourced, the working conditions in their factories, and their environmental impact—demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices. Key aspects of transparency include:

• Traceable Materials: Consumers increasingly want to know the origin of the materials in their clothing. Certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Fair-Trade Certified signal that a brand’s materials are sustainably sourced and meet rigorous environmental and social standards.
• Factory Disclosure: Some brands disclose the locations of their factories and the working conditions within them, often by partnering with organizations that conduct regular inspections. This transparency reassures consumers that fair labor practices are being upheld.
• Environmental Impact Reporting: Many brands have started publishing annual sustainability reports detailing their environmental impact, from carbon emissions to water usage and waste. This information allows consumers to gauge a brand’s commitment to sustainability and make informed choices.

Transparency is a powerful tool because it creates accountability. Brands that are open about their practices can earn trust and respect, while those that refuse to disclose information may be pressured by consumers to improve.

Embracing Minimalism

Minimalism is not only a lifestyle choice but also a key principle in sustainable fashion. By focusing on owning less, choosing quality over quantity, and valuing simplicity, minimalism encourages consumers to engage in more mindful consumption. A minimalist approach to fashion reduces waste, promotes durability, and aligns well with the goals of sustainability.

Aligning Sustainable Fashion with a Minimalist Lifestyle

At its core, minimalism is about simplicity—reducing clutter, owning only what is truly valuable, and rejecting the compulsion to accumulate unnecessary items. In fashion, minimalism encourages consumers to cultivate a wardrobe that is both functional and versatile. Here’s how minimalism aligns with sustainable fashion principles:

• Focus on Quality Over Quantity: A minimalist wardrobe is built on timeless, high-quality pieces that last. Rather than buying fast fashion, minimalists invest in well-made clothing that can withstand years of use. This shift from quantity to quality means less frequent replacements, resulting in less waste and fewer resources used in production.
• Building a Capsule Wardrobe: A capsule wardrobe—a carefully curated collection of essential, versatile pieces—embodies minimalist principles and reduces the need for excess clothing. Capsule wardrobes consist of neutral, classic items that can be mixed and matched, allowing consumers to create multiple outfits with fewer pieces. This not only promotes sustainability but also simplifies daily choices and reduces decision fatigue.
• Resisting Trends: Minimalism encourages a departure from the cyclical nature of fashion trends, which are designed to become obsolete quickly. By cultivating a timeless, personal style, minimalists avoid the pressure to constantly update their wardrobe, leading to less frequent purchases and a greater appreciation for each item.

A minimalist approach not only reduces consumption but also fosters a deeper connection to one’s wardrobe. By selecting pieces intentionally, individuals can focus on quality, versatility, and personal style, which supports sustainability in the long term.

The Psychological and Financial Benefits of Owning Less

Minimalism offers numerous benefits beyond environmental impact, providing psychological relief and financial advantages.

• Psychological Benefits: A minimalist wardrobe helps reduce decision fatigue, the mental exhaustion that comes from having too many choices. With a smaller collection of beloved, essential items, dressing becomes simpler, faster, and more satisfying. Many minimalists report feeling a sense of calm and control, as they are not burdened by clutter or excessive possessions. Additionally, by eliminating the compulsion to chase trends, individuals experience less pressure to consume, leading to increased contentment and self-confidence.
• Financial Benefits: While high-quality, sustainably made items may be more expensive upfront, minimalism often results in significant savings over time. By buying fewer items that are designed to last, minimalists avoid the need for frequent replacements and impulsive purchases, leading to a more sustainable financial approach to fashion. Minimalists can apply the “cost-per-wear” metric to purchases, assessing the true value of an item based on how often it will be worn. This approach encourages long-term investments and discourages wasteful spending.

Conclusion: Creating Positive Change Through Mindful Fashion Choices

The push for a more sustainable fashion industry requires both systemic change and individual commitment. As consumers, each purchase has the potential to influence industry practices, advocate for transparency, and support brands that align with ethical values. Embracing minimalism further enhances these efforts by promoting conscious consumption and encouraging a deeper connection to one’s wardrobe.

By understanding the power of consumer influence, demanding transparency, and adopting a minimalist lifestyle, individuals contribute to a culture that values sustainability and ethics in fashion. Through these choices, consumers help shape a world where quality, fairness, and environmental responsibility are prioritized over fast fashion and disposability. Sustainable fashion is not simply a trend; it is an essential movement toward a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.

Table of Content

Building a Sustainable Wardrobe Buying Less But Better / Part 1

Building a Sustainable Wardrobe Buying Less But Better / Part 2

By Lukman Damilola