10 Ways to Incorporate Sustainable Fashion into Your Style

Published on 18 July 2023 9 min read

1. Swap Fast Fashion for Thrift Shops

2. Invest in High-Quality Pieces

10. Educate Yourself and Others

Have you ever wondered how your wardrobe choices can make a difference in the world? Well, you're in the right place. Embracing ethical fashion: merging style and sustainability in the fashion industry is a powerful way to express your style, while also caring for our planet. It might sound overwhelming at first, but don't worry! Here are 10 simple and practical ways to incorporate sustainable fashion into your style.

1. Swap Fast Fashion for Thrift Shops

Fast fashion might seem like an easy way to keep up with the latest trends, but it comes at a high cost to our environment. Most fast fashion brands rely heavily on cheap materials and unethical labor practices. So, what's the alternative? Thrift shopping!

Thrift shopping is a fun and affordable way to find unique pieces without contributing to the issues of fast fashion. Here are some reasons why you should consider swapping fast fashion for thrift shopping:

Less waste: Buying secondhand clothes reduces the demand for new clothing production, and also keeps perfectly good clothing from ending up in landfills.
Save money: Thrift shops often sell clothes at a fraction of the original price. You can find great deals and even some designer pieces if you're lucky!
Unique style: Thrift shops are filled with a wide variety of styles from different eras. You can find unique pieces to create your own distinctive style.

Remember, the goal of ethical fashion is not just about looking good, but also about making a positive impact. By choosing to shop at thrift stores, you're taking a step towards merging style and sustainability in the fashion industry.

2. Invest in High-Quality Pieces

When it comes to building an ethical wardrobe, quality over quantity is a rule worth following. Investing in high-quality pieces means you're less likely to replace them, reducing both waste and your carbon footprint.

High-quality clothes are usually made with better materials and craftsmanship, which means they'll last longer. In contrast, fast fashion items often wear out quickly, leading to a cycle of constant buying and discarding.

Here are a few tips to help you invest in high-quality pieces:

Check the fabric: High-quality clothes generally use better materials. Look for natural fibers like cotton, linen, or wool, which tend to last longer than synthetic fibers.
Examine the construction: Pay attention to the stitching and seams. They should be straight and even, without any loose threads or fraying.
Try it on: A high-quality piece should fit you well. It should be comfortable and flatter your body shape.

Investing in high-quality pieces is a crucial step in ethical fashion: merging style and sustainability in the fashion industry. It might require a higher upfront cost, but the longevity of the items will save you money in the long run. And more importantly, it's a step towards a more sustainable world.

3. Opt for Natural Fibers

Another way to merge style and sustainability in your wardrobe is to opt for natural fibers. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are not only less comfortable, but they also shed microplastics into the water supply when washed. Natural fibers, on the other hand, are breathable, comfortable, and better for the environment.

Here are some natural fibers you might consider:

Cotton: A classic choice, cotton is breathable and comfortable. Just make sure to look for organic cotton, as conventional cotton farming uses a lot of pesticides.
Linen: Made from flax plants, linen is a durable and breathable fabric. Plus, flax plants require less water and pesticides than cotton.
Wool: Wool is warm, breathable, and durable. Look for ethically sourced wool to ensure the sheep are treated well.

Switching to natural fibers is a simple yet effective way to incorporate ethical fashion into your style. When done right, it can contribute to sustainability in the fashion industry without compromising your comfort or style.

4. Support Ethical Brands

When it comes to ethical fashion, merging style and sustainability is more than just picking the right materials. It's also about supporting the brands that are doing the right thing. Ethical brands are those that prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions, use sustainable materials and production methods, and often give back to the community in some way.

But how do you know if a brand is ethical? Here are a few things to look for:

Transparency: Ethical brands are usually open about their supply chains and production methods. They might share where their materials come from, how their products are made, and how they treat their workers.
Certifications: Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or B Corporation. These certifications mean the brand has met certain standards for sustainability and ethics.
Philanthropy: Many ethical brands also have a mission beyond profit. They might donate a portion of their profits to a good cause, or have a program to give back to the community in some way.

Remember, every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. By supporting ethical brands, you can help to shape the fashion industry into a more sustainable and fair place for everyone.

5. Recycle and Repair

One of the simplest ways to incorporate sustainability into your style is by recycling and repairing items instead of throwing them away. You see, the reality is that the fashion industry contributes to significant waste. It's a product of a culture that encourages us to buy new and discard the old. But what if we turned that mindset on its head?

What if, instead of throwing out that shirt with the missing button or those jeans with the worn-out knees, you fixed them up and gave them a new lease of life? Not only would you be reducing waste, but you'd also be creating a wardrobe that's unique to you!

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Learn Basic Repairs: Sewing on a button, fixing a hem, or patching a hole are all relatively simple tasks you can learn to do at home. Don't know how? There are plenty of tutorials online to guide you.
Recycle Old Clothes: If something is beyond repair or no longer fits, consider recycling it. Many brands now offer take-back programs for used clothes. Alternatively, you could turn old fabrics into cleaning rags, craft materials, or stuffing for pillows!
Invest in a Repair Service: For more complicated repairs, consider using a professional service. Some local tailors or cobblers can work wonders on damaged clothes and shoes.

So next time something breaks, don't toss it—fix it! Embrace the art of mending and make recycling a key part of your pursuit of ethical fashion.

6. Reduce Your Wardrobe

Now, this might seem a bit counter-intuitive at first. After all, isn't fashion all about having a wide array of clothes to choose from? Well, not necessarily. Reducing your wardrobe is actually a great step towards ethical fashion: merging style and sustainability in the fashion industry.

Think about it: how many items in your closet do you actually wear? If you're like most people, probably not that many! We often buy more than we need, and many items end up sitting in our closets, unworn and forgotten. This not only wastes resources but also our money.

That's where the idea of a "capsule wardrobe" comes in. The concept is simple: instead of having a closet full of clothes you rarely wear, you have a small collection of versatile pieces that you love and wear regularly. Here's how you can start:

Identify Your Essentials: What are the pieces you find yourself reaching for over and over again? These are your essentials. They are the backbone of your wardrobe.
Purge the Excess: Get rid of items that you don't wear or that don't fit your style or lifestyle. You can donate, sell, or recycle them.
Choose Quality Over Quantity: When adding new pieces, go for high-quality items that will last. It's better to have fewer, well-made items than a closet full of cheap, fast fashion.

Reducing your wardrobe doesn't mean giving up on style. On the contrary, it can help you define your personal style more clearly and make your life a lot simpler. So why not give it a try?

Another fun way to embrace ethical fashion: merging style and sustainability in the fashion industry, is to share and swap clothes with your friends or family. This not only extends the life of the clothing but also allows you to refresh your wardrobe without buying new items. Here's how you can do it:

Organize a Swap Party: Gather a group of friends, and ask each person to bring unwanted but still wearable clothing. Everyone gets to swap items and go home with something "new". It’s like shopping, but without the price tag or the environmental impact!
Borrow Instead of Buying: If you have an event and need a special outfit, consider borrowing from a friend instead of buying something new that you'll only wear once.
Join a Clothing Swap Site: Websites like Swap Society allow you to trade clothes with people across the country. This can be a great way to refresh your wardrobe and save money at the same time.

Sharing and swapping clothes can be a fun, social way to engage in ethical fashion. It encourages us to see the value in what we already own and to think twice before buying new. Plus, it’s always fun to see how someone else styles a piece you were tired of—it might just inspire you!

8. Buy Less, But Better

Another key principle in the journey of ethical fashion: merging style and sustainability, is to shift the focus from quantity to quality. What does that mean? Let's break it down:

Choose Quality Over Quantity: Instead of buying several cheap items, invest in fewer, high-quality pieces that will last longer. Not only will you get more wear out of them, but you'll also reduce the demand for fast fashion.
Research Before You Buy: Take time to learn about the brands you are buying from. Are they committed to ethical practices? Do they use sustainable materials? Your purchase is your vote—make sure it aligns with your values.
Think Long-term: Before you buy something, ask yourself: "Will I still love and wear this in a year, two years, five years?" If the answer is "no," you might want to reconsider.

By adopting a "buy less, but better" philosophy, you're not only refining your personal style but also making a positive impact on the fashion industry. And remember, every little change adds up. We can all play a part in making fashion more sustainable and ethical.

9. Make Your Own Clothes

Ever thought about picking up the needle and thread? It's not as complicated as it might seem. Making your own clothes is a fantastic way to ensure your style is uniquely you, while also promoting ethical fashion by merging style and sustainability. Here's why:

Unique Style: When you make your own clothes, you're in full control. You decide the fabric, the pattern, the color—everything! Your wardrobe becomes a true reflection of your individual style.
Sustainable Materials: You get to choose the materials for your clothes. Opt for natural, sustainable fibers to ensure your fashion choices are kind to our planet.
Valuing Craftsmanship: Sewing your own clothes gives you a new appreciation for the skill and labor that goes into making garments. It might even change how you view the fashion industry!

So, why not give it a go? There are countless sewing tutorials online to help you get started. Plus, think of the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you can say, "I made this!"

10. Educate Yourself and Others

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to ethical fashion: merging style and sustainability in the fashion industry. The more you know, the better choices you can make. And once you're informed, you can help others do the same. Here's how:

Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news in sustainable fashion. Follow ethical brands, read books on the subject, and look for documentaries that delve into the impact of the fashion industry on our planet.
Share What You Learn: Don’t keep your knowledge to yourself. Talk about ethical fashion with your friends, family, and followers. The more people know about the benefits of sustainable fashion, the bigger the impact we can make together.
Support Education: Look for organizations that work to educate others about sustainable and ethical fashion. They often need support, whether that's through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

Remember, every little bit helps. Even if you feel like you're just one person, your actions can have a ripple effect. By educating yourself and others, you're contributing to a movement that's changing the face of fashion—one ethically made garment at a time.

If you're passionate about sustainable fashion and want to learn more about collaborating effectively in the fast-paced world of fashion, check out the workshop 'A Guide To Fast-Paced Collaborative Work In Fashion - Part 1' by Nadia Kosh. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to help you work efficiently with others while making a positive impact on the fashion industry.