We all want to look good, stylish and put together, right? But it doesn’t have to come at a cost to our planet. Your wardrobe can be made up of eco-friendly, sustainable fashion pieces to make sure you are stylish and conscious of the environment, too. In this article, we’re going to explore sustainable fashion: eco-friendly outfits, materials and brands conducive to a wardrobe that is kind to the earth. Reimagine your style and minimize your fashion footprint with us!
1. Your Fashionable and Sustainable Closet: What it Looks Like
Having a fashionable and sustainable closet can not only help positively impact the environment, but also make you look good when you go out! Here’s what a sustainable wardrobe looks like:
- Natural Fibers: Invest in pieces made of organic materials like bamboo, hemp, modal, linen and tencel.
- Better Quality Clothing: Spending a bit more on a piece with higher quality materials is worth it in the long run.
- Cruelty-Free Brands: Stick to brands with high ethical standards that use materials free of animal suffering or byproducts.
In addition to doing good for the planet and animals, having a sustainable wardrobe can also help your wallet and boost your confidence! Eco-friendly pieces are often made from better quality materials that last longer and cost less in the long run. Plus, investing in higher-end items can help make you feel good when you put them on.
When shopping for your wardrobe, look for pieces that are designed to stand the test of time. Consider classic cuts, colors and patterns that you can wear to various occasions year after year. Also, steer clear of trends that will be quickly out of style. Focus on staple pieces that you can mix and match for variety and make sure to check the label for natural fabrics.
Now that you know what a sustainable closet looks like, it’s time to start investing in fashionable and eco-friendly pieces for your wardrobe!
2. Dress in Style, Sustainably: Creative Ways to Achieve It
Sustainable fashion is no longer a concept, but a trend that the world is quickly embracing. But when it comes to personal styling, many of us might feel stuck in a sartorial rut. We often overlook the potential of recycled or upcycled clothing, espeically when it comes to formalwear.
So here are some creative ways to stay ahead of the fashion curve and make sustainability a key part of your wardrobe strategy.
- Mix and Match. Put together a bold look from pieces you already have at home. Dig deeper into your closet and think beyond the surface of your items. With the right combination you can make a statement even without brand new clothes.
- Shop secondhand. There are many opportunities to buy pre-owned or pre-loved clothing. Think garage sales, thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces. Who knows, you may even find hidden gems in there.
- Rent. Stop worrying whether or not you’ll be able to wear something twice. Whenever you have a formal occasion, give renting a shot. A lot of companies offer rental services for special events - from gowns, to suits, to accessories.
- Swap with friends. Most of us have too much stuff we no longer wear. Organize a clothing swap with your circle of friends, and give your items more life. Again, it might surprise you what combinations you can put together for different occasions.
Investing in higher-end sustainable pieces is becoming more and more convenient, now with designers like Everlane offering timeless fashion designed to last. If you’d rather go for traditional luxury, look out for items made with regenerative fibers such as silk, bamboo, and hemp.
Gaining access to ethical fashion is easier than ever, making it the perfect opportunity for you to stay on top of your style game. With these tips, you now have the right tools to hit the ground running and step up your wardrobe.
3. Sustainable Fabrics: Which Ones to Go For
As recent consumers, it is our responsibility to make environmentally-friendly decisions when it comes to fashion. One way to do this is by seeking out sustainable textiles to use in clothing.
Organically Grown Fibers
Organically grown fibers are an excellent way to promote sustainable fashion. Cotton, jute, hemp, and linen are all popular choices when it comes to organic fabrics. While the production of organic fibers can take a bit longer, it is a better solution for the environment overall. Cotton and linen are perfect for breathable t-shirts, while hemp is great for more durable garments.
Recycled Fabrics
Recycled fabrics are another great way to encourage sustainability in fashion. Some popular recycled fabrics include PET (made from plastic bottles), recycled wool, and other blends. You often get the same quality and effect from recycled fabrics as you would with non-recycled, so it’s almost a no-brainer as far as replacement fibers go.
Natural Resources
Many sustainable fabrics come from natural resources. These resources include seaweed, bamboo, modal, and rayon. Seaweed has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it is incredibly breathable and low-impact when it comes to its production. Bamboo can also be harvested sustainably, making it an excellent choice for a variety of garments.
Synthetic Alternatives
Finally, synthetic fabrics are another viable option. Tencel and polyester are two of the most popular synthetic fabrics. Both have the potential for lower environmental impact when it comes to production, and can offer features such as stretch or water-resistance.
Overall, when it comes to fabrics that are sustainable, there are many options available. From organic fibers to recycled materials to synthetics, it’s easy to find something that fits your style and budget.
4. Finding Eco-Friendly Options: Where to Shop
It’s important to find companies that focus not only on providing products that are good for the environment, but also those that are committed to other areas of sustainability as well. Here are a few great places to start your search for eco-friendly options for your home and lifestyle.
Thriftstores – Thriftstores are a great place to shop for your home and clothing needs. Not only do they often have gently used products, but they are also committed to charitable causes. Many thrift stores specialize in vintage and stylish pieces that are good for the environment by cutting down on waste and overproduction.
Consignment Stores – Consignment stores are similar to thriftstores in that they often offer gently used items that are good for the environment. However, they often have a wider variety of items, including furniture, jewelry, and designer apparel. Additionally, they are often better organized and have more quality items than thriftstores do, making it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Farmers Markets – Shopping at farmers markets is one of the best ways to support local, sustainable farming practices. Farmers markets are usually filled with organic and locally-grown fruits and vegetables, as well as other items like eggs, honey, and freshly-made bread. Not only are you getting products that are good for the environment, but you’re also supporting the local economy.
Online retailers – Shopping online for eco-friendly options is becoming increasingly popular and there are a lot of great stores out there. Many online retailers are focused on sustainability, offering items such as organic and ethically-made clothing, as well as eco-friendly home goods. Shopping online also allows you to do more research on the products and brands you’re interested in to make sure they are truly eco-friendly.
Small local businesses – Supporting small local businesses is a great way to ensure that you are buying products that are good for the environment. Many of these stores focus on sustainable practices and promote products that are made using earth-friendly methods. Additionally, you are also helping to support your local community when you shop at them.
5. Building Your Sustainable Outfits: Tips & Ideas
Follow Local Brands & Designers
Shopping locally is a great way to show your support for local businesses and artisans. Plus, you’re likely to find unique items that are largely produced using sustainable practices. Bonus: you’ll be helping to reduce environmental damage caused by shipping!
Get creative with accessories. The right accessories can go a long way to sprucing up an outfit and make it feel new again. Try whole-heartedly committing to statement jewelry, hats, and scarves to make a sustainable outfit look chic. Many of these accessories are also fairly easy to acquire from consignment stores, vintage stores or even re-sold online.
Invest in Quality
In general, quality over quantity is the name of the game. Consider this: is it really worth it to get five cheap pieces that won’t last you very long or one good-quality item you can wear for years? Investing in quality basics – like a good pair of jeans, a quality blazer, and a few basic blouses – can often provide you with a strong foundation for your sustainable wardrobe.
Choose Multi-Functional Pieces
To maximize versatility from your wardrobe, it’s important to make sure your pieces can be worn in multiple ways and be dressed up or down. Choose pieces that can transition from day to night, are versatile enough for different seasons, and won’t go quickly out of style – they’ll be worth the investment.
Give Thrift Shopping a Try
Secondhand shopping is a great way to find unique, sustainable clothing. Not sure where to start? Try hitting up your local thrift or vintage stores! You may be surprised by the amazing pieces out there waiting to be worn. Plus, you’ll be helping reduce textile waste.
Add Custom Details
When you’ve found the perfect item to make it your own, you can always dress it up with some custom details. This is an easy and fun way to create a unique look. For example, adding personalized embroidery, a vibrant print, or a pattern to a simple garment can help it stand out.
From easy swaps to upcycling and investing in quality, sustainable fashion provides incredible options for a stylish, conscious, and environmentally friendly wardrobe. Let’s take the reins and empower ourselves to make smarter, more eco-friendly fashion decisions that benefit our planet and our style!
