10 Sustainable Fashion Tips from Experts
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 8 min read

Contents

  1. Choose quality over quantity
  2. Support ethical brands
  3. Shop second-hand
  4. Rent instead of buy
  5. Upcycle your clothing
  6. Care for your clothes properly
  7. Swap clothes with friends
  8. Avoid fast fashion
  9. Buy less
  10. Educate yourself about sustainable fashion

Have you ever stopped to consider the impact your fashion choices can have on our planet? With the ongoing discussion about climate change and environmental preservation, it's high time we brought the conversation to our closets. This blog is here to help you make sustainable fashion choices, not just for the environment, but also for your wallet and personal style. Here are 10 expert-approved tips that will help you tread lightly on the planet, all while rocking your unique style.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

It's often tempting to go for the cheaper options when shopping, especially when our favorite stores have sales. However, one of the best sustainable fashion choices you can make is to prioritize quality over quantity.

  • Invest in Timeless Pieces: Instead of buying trendy items that will soon go out of style, focus on quality clothing that you can wear for years. Think classic blue jeans, a well-tailored white shirt, or a sturdy pair of boots.
  • Look at the Label: Check for materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fabrics that are more sustainable. Also, pay attention to the care instructions—clothes that require dry cleaning or special washing conditions can add to your environmental footprint.
  • Buy from Brands that Last: Some brands are known for their durability. Patagonia, for example, is a brand that not only uses sustainable materials but also offers a repair service to extend the life of their items.

By choosing quality over quantity, you'll not only reduce the amount of waste generated by worn-out clothes, but you'll also save money in the long run. After all, a well-made piece of clothing can serve you for years, outlasting dozens of fast-fashion items. So next time you shop, remember: sustainable fashion choices start with quality.

Support Ethical Brands

Another fantastic way to make sustainable fashion choices is by supporting ethical brands. But what exactly are ethical brands? They are companies that prioritize fair trade practices, safe working conditions, and fair wages for their workers.

  1. Do Your Research: Brands like Everlane and Pact are open about their supply chain and are committed to ethical practices. Your support for such brands sends a clear message to the industry about consumer interest in ethical and sustainable fashion choices.
  2. Look for Certifications: Certifications like Fair Trade Certified, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and the Leaping Bunny for cruelty-free products can serve as your guide in identifying ethical brands.
  3. Ask Questions: If you're unsure about a brand's ethical stance, don't hesitate to reach out and ask. Companies committed to ethical practices will be more than willing to share their efforts with you.

Remember, every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. By consciously supporting ethical brands, you're making a powerful statement about your values and the future you want to see. So next time you're out shopping, consider the kind of impact your purchase can make. It's not just about looking good—it's also about doing good.

Shop Second-Hand

Don't shy away from second-hand shopping—it's an amazing way to make sustainable fashion choices. You see, pre-loved clothes are not only unique but also save a piece of clothing from heading to the landfill prematurely. Here are a few tips to make your second-hand shopping a success:

  1. Know What You're Looking For: If you're after a specific item, like a winter coat or a pair of jeans, focus on that. This way, you'll resist the temptation to buy more than you need.
  2. Check the Condition: Inspect the clothes for any stains, tears or missing buttons. Remember, you're aiming for quality here!
  3. Try Before You Buy: Fit matters! Make sure to try the clothes on before purchasing. If you're shopping online, look at the measurements carefully.

With second-hand shopping, not only do you get to enjoy a unique and stylish wardrobe, but you also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of new clothes production. Plus, it's kinder to your wallet too! So next time you need something new to wear, consider going second-hand—your planet and your pocket will thank you.

Rent Instead of Buy

Have you ever thought about how many times you actually wear that fancy dress or that trendy jacket you bought for a special occasion? If you're like most of us, probably not much. Here's where renting instead of buying comes in as a smart and sustainable fashion choice.

  1. Save Space and Money: Renting high-quality clothes for one-off events or occasions can be a great way to keep your wardrobe and budget in check. You get the thrill of wearing something new without the commitment of owning it.
  2. Access to Designer Brands: Renting also gives you access to designer pieces that you might not be able to afford otherwise. Wearing that dreamy designer dress to your next big event doesn't have to break the bank!
  3. Reduce Waste: By renting, you're actively reducing the demand for new clothing production, which in turn reduces waste and pollution. It's a win-win!

So, instead of buying something you'll only wear once or twice, why not rent it? You'll save money, reduce clutter in your wardrobe, and make a positive impact on the environment. Remember, every little bit helps when it comes to making sustainable fashion choices.

Upcycle Your Clothing

Ever heard of the saying, "Old is Gold"? Well, it's time to apply this to your wardrobe. Upcycling is all about giving your old clothes a new life. It's one of the most creative and fun ways to make sustainable fashion choices. Let's see how you can get started:

  1. Get Creative: Got a pair of jeans that don't fit anymore? Turn them into trendy shorts or even a stylish bag. That old t-shirt can become a cool pillow cover. The possibilities are endless!
  2. DIY or Professional Help: If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can do the upcycling yourself. If not, local tailors or specialized upcycling services can help transform your clothes.
  3. Refresh Your Wardrobe: Upcycling allows you to refresh your wardrobe without buying new clothes. Plus, you'll end up with unique pieces that no one else has.

So next time before you decide to toss out that faded dress or ripped pair of jeans, think about how you might upcycle them. You might surprise yourself with your own creativity and contribute to sustainable fashion choices at the same time. And who knows, you might even inspire others to do the same!

Care for Your Clothes Properly

One of the easiest sustainable fashion choices you can make? Taking care of the clothes you already own. By extending the life of each item in your wardrobe, you're reducing the need to buy more. Here are a few tips on how to do this:

  1. Read the Label: Those tiny tags on your clothes aren't just for decoration. They have valuable information about how to care for each garment. Whether it's cold wash only or needs to be air-dried, follow these instructions to a T.
  2. Wash Less: Believe it or not, you don't need to wash your clothes after every wear (unless they're visibly dirty or smelly, of course). Washing less often can help your clothes last longer. And when you do wash, consider using a gentle, eco-friendly detergent.
  3. Store Carefully: How you store your clothes can impact their longevity. Avoid over-stuffing your closet. Hang delicate items and fold heavier ones. And remember, mothballs are a sweater's best friend.

Proper care doesn't just keep your clothes looking their best—it also means you're making a positive impact on the planet. So the next time you're about to throw your clothes in the washer, take a moment to consider if they truly need it. Your sustainable fashion choices matter, remember?

Swap Clothes with Friends

When it comes to sustainable fashion choices, swapping clothes with friends is a fun and budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe. It's like shopping without spending any money or contributing to the fast fashion industry. Here's how you can organize a successful clothes swap:

  1. Invite Like-Minded Friends: Gather a group of friends who are also interested in sustainable fashion. Make sure everyone brings a bag of clothes they're ready to part with.
  2. Set Some Ground Rules: To keep things fair, set some rules. For instance, everyone must bring at least five items, and no one can take more than they brought.
  3. Organize and Browse: Once everyone's there, lay out the clothes so they're easy to browse. Then, let the swapping begin!

Not only is a clothes swap a great way to get some 'new' outfits, it's also a fun social event. Plus, any leftover clothes can be donated to a local charity, so nothing goes to waste. So, why not call up your friends and start planning your own clothes swap? It's one of the most enjoyable sustainable fashion choices you can make.

Avoid Fast Fashion

Fast fashion might be easy on the wallet, but it's hard on the environment. These mass-produced, trend-driven garments are often made in poor working conditions and contribute to pollution and waste. So, one of the key sustainable fashion choices we can make is to avoid fast fashion.

But how can you spot fast fashion? Here are some telltale signs to look out for:

  1. Low Price Tags: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Realistically, no one can produce a quality, ethically-made garment for just a few dollars.
  2. Constant New Collections: Fast fashion brands typically introduce new collections every week. They rely on consumers constantly wanting to update their wardrobes with the latest trends.
  3. Poor Quality: Fast fashion clothes are often made from cheap materials and have poor stitching. They're not meant to last, since the idea is that you'll be back for more in a few weeks.

By avoiding fast fashion, we can make a significant impact on reducing fashion's environmental footprint. Remember, every time we spend money, we're casting a vote for the kind of world we want. Let's make sustainable fashion choices that help create a healthier planet.

Buy Less

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to practice sustainable fashion choices is by buying less. It might sound obvious, but it's worth repeating: the most sustainable garment is the one already in your closet.

So before you add that cute top or those trendy jeans to your online cart, ask yourself a few questions:

  1. Do I really need this? Sometimes, we buy things on impulse or because they're on sale, not because we need them.
  2. Will I wear this at least 30 times? This is a great rule of thumb to ensure you're getting good use out of your clothes.
  3. Does this fit with the rest of my wardrobe? Buying pieces that match your existing clothes means you'll be able to create more outfits and thus, buy less.

Remember, each item of clothing we buy has an environmental footprint. By buying less, we can help reduce the demand for fast fashion, conserve resources, and make more sustainable fashion choices. Plus, a well-curated, minimal wardrobe can make getting dressed in the morning a breeze!

Educate Yourself About Sustainable Fashion

Knowledge is power. When it comes to sustainable fashion choices, the more you know, the better choices you can make. But where to start? Well, here are a few suggestions:

  1. Learn about fabrics: Not all materials are created equal. Some, like organic cotton, hemp, and linen, are more sustainable than others. Learning about the environmental impact of different fabrics can help you make smarter choices when shopping.
  2. Understand the supply chain: Where and how your clothes are made matters. Researching brands' manufacturing processes can give you a sense of how they treat their workers and the environment.
  3. Get to know the brands: Many companies are making significant efforts to be more sustainable. Supporting these brands can help drive change in the fashion industry.

Remember, nobody expects you to become an expert overnight. But every little bit of knowledge can help you make more informed, sustainable fashion choices. Plus, sharing what you learn with your friends and family can help spread the word about sustainable fashion!

If you're inspired by these sustainable fashion tips and want to learn more about creating a sustainable career in the fashion industry, don't miss 'How to Create a Sustainable Career' workshop by Chase Coy. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to build a long-lasting, environmentally conscious career in fashion.