Did you know that fashion production makes up 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions

The fashion industry has exponentially grown over the years. Earlier, people had a few selected brands to choose from and even more limited options when it came to affordable clothing. But that’s not the case anymore. There are thousands and thousands of brands available, and distance is not a concern. Do you want a pair of shoes all the way from a South Asian Country? You can easily order it. 

 

But this very abundance of choice and easy availability is costing our planet. Did you know that fashion production makes up 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions? The increasing demand for fashion, particularly fast fashion, polluting water bodies, and depleting resources. 

 

The immense toll of fashion on the environment is concerning. But is it possible to be fashionable without impacting the planet as much? Absolutely! You can do that by creating a sustainable wardrobe. Here’s how.

 

Consider a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe essentially contains a limited number of staple pieces that complement each other well. This minimalist wardrobe can have as little as ten pieces. A capsule wardrobe is focused on having a set of clothes that you love to wear. Not only will this simplify your life by making dressing easier, but it will also save you a lot of money.

 

Give Up Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is the bane of the fashion industry. Fast fashion typically is of poor quality and often trendy, which means it doesn’t stay relevant beyond a season. That being said, it is understandable that many people shop fast fashion for its affordability. But try your best to avoid fast fashion as much as you can.

 

Store Your Clothes Right

Taking care of your clothes will make them last longer. So make sure you read the washing instructions to keep your clothes looking new. Furthermore, it’s also important to store them properly during the off-season. 

 

Clothing can hold sentimental value, and you can pass such pieces to your kids and family. The right storage measures promise benefits similar to life insurance benefits.

 

Go Thrift Shopping

Why buy brand new when you can have stylish additions to your wardrobe at a fraction of the cost? Thrift shopping has recently become so popular, thanks to social media influencers like Devon Lee Carlson, Emma Chamberlain, and Ashley, aka BestDressed. And you don’t even have to go to a physical thrift store. You can buy pre-loved clothing and accessories on Depop and ThreadUp.

 

Host a Clothing Swap

Instead of shopping at a store, shopping from your friends’ closet is a lot more sustainable. You can host a clothing swap, and ask your friends to bring over clothing they no longer need or wear. And you can exchange clothes without spending a dime!

 

Look for Sustainable Brands

Rather than focusing on quantity, make it an effort to buy only high-quality clothing that will last you for a couple of decades. Also, start shopping from sustainable companies. But make sure they actually implement eco-friendly practices and aren’t merely greenwashing.

 

Tailor & Repair Clothes

A rip in your jeans or a small hole in your shirt is not the end of the world. Instead of throwing out such pieces, get them repaired by a tailor, or you can even do it yourself. 

 

Pick Eco-Friendly Materials

Try to buy clothes made out of natural and preferably biodegradable or recycled materials like organic cotton, linen, Tencel, bamboo, wool, denim, hemp, etc. 

 

Try Clothing Rental Service

Do you have to attend a fancy event but don’t have the right outfit for the occasion? Instead of buying a new suit or dress that you probably won’t wear again, opt for a clothing rental service. You get to choose from an array of designer clothing and save a lot of money. That’s exactly how celebrities manage to afford a new outfit for every red carpet!

 

Donate or Sell Clothes

Don’t throw the clothes you no longer need in the trash! They will just end up polluting landfills. You can easily donate them to a charity shop or resell on Depop and eBay. 

The Bottom Line

Preserving natural resources and saving the planet is not a single person job. We all need to come together and contribute to the cause in whichever way we can. And creating a sustainable wardrobe can be your way to help.

Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.

-Diego

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