Sustainability becomes more and more important every day, and changing your personal fashion habits can be very impactful in the long run. But what exactly should you do if you want your wardrobe to become more sustainable? Today, we will answer that question with the help of experts from EuroOptica.
What makes a wardrobe sustainable?
You might think that the answer lies in the materials and production, which is also true, but the first and most important aspect of a sustainable wardrobe is its size.
In 2022 the Berlin-based think tank Hot or Cool Institute published a report that suggested limiting an average wardrobe to 74 garments and 20 outfits, with five items allowed for purchase each year. Chances are, your wardrobe doesn’t fit into this category, which is completely OK — downsizing it is rather easy, after all. Let’s start with that.
How can you build a sustainable wardrobe?
Buy fewer clothes
This one is pretty straightforward: the fewer clothes you own and purchase, the more sustainable your overall wardrobe becomes. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you should completely abstain from shopping — just make sure that you purchase clothes you genuinely need.
Understanding what makes certain clothes important can be achieved by simply tracking what you wear for a certain period of time. You will quickly notice how some clothes are significantly more important to you than others, and you will also be able to identify your preferred fabrics and types of garments, which will help you make more informed decisions in the future. As EuroOptica experts note that this can be true for accessories as well, with your everyday glasses being a great example.
If you feel that you need more variety in your clothes, second-hand stores can be a great sustainable option. Not only is it significantly cheaper, but it also helps reduce the demand for new clothes, which have been heavily overproduced for a long time anyway.
Finally, if your old clothes become damaged, consider repairing them rather than throwing them away to buy new ones. Unfortunately, lots of people avoid repairing their clothes, thinking it might be seen as a sign of financial instability that makes them look bad in others’ eyes. Remember that being sustainable and responsible is great and never let anyone convince you otherwise.
Learn more about the materials
Knowing which fabrics will last longer and leave less of a negative environmental impact is crucial if you aim to make your wardrobe more sustainable. For example, avoiding synthetics can help you reduce microplastic waste, and choosing long-lasting cotton clothes can ensure that you won’t have to purchase extra garments as often.
It is also crucial to read the labels and understand them correctly, as well as follow the provided instructions. If you take care of your clothes properly and wash them correctly, they can last significantly longer, and you won’t have to replace them every year or two. Learn how to avoid stretching, tearing, discoloration, and shrinkage to extend your garments’ lifespan.
Recycle
Most of the time there is no reason to throw clothes away. If you grow tired of a certain T-shirt or a jacket, someone else might be happy to wear it. There’s a reason why second-hand shops thrive despite the existence of so many branded clothing outlets. However, you can also just give your clothes away to people in your community or donate to charities. If you want to make your wardrobe sustainable, make sure that the clothes you own can serve someone else after you no longer need them.
If a certain garment is damaged beyond repair, it can still serve a purpose. You can use the material to create or improve another piece of clothing, for example, or simply cut it to use in cleaning. If you aren’t familiar with sewing, you can give your clothes to someone who can find use for them, or try learning it yourself — it can be a very fun hobby.