Looking after ourselves and our looks is a priority for most people but how many of us give a second thought to looking after the environment in the process? For many people, their looks come first before their surroundings. As such, they end up polluting the environment knowingly or unknowingly.
Thankfully, as awareness around climate change and specifically, the impact fast fashion has on the environment and her people, has grown in recent years, many people have begun to consider how we can look after the environment around us while still looking good.
Climate change activists have made their voices heard worldwide and reiterated the importance of being mindful of our purchases and only buying what we need from environmentally friendly businesses. This includes buying durable items which won’t force you to replace them within a few weeks or months. In addition, brands like Bamboo Underwear manufacture products that aren’t only durable, but are also friendly to the surroundings, especially when it’s time for them to be disposed of.
Whether you are a full-blown environmentally-focused fashionista or setting out on the first few steps of your green journey, we have some helpful clothing tips below to help you be sustainable in your endeavours.
Buying from Sustainable Clothing Brands
In the past, brands focused more on the quality of their products rather than the impact they had on the environment. As such, you find some of them coming up with polythene-based or any other related materials. However, with the current trends, most people are moving towards biodegradable products.
There is a growing number of businesses out there that provide customers with a vast range of sustainable clothing options made from recycled and sustainable materials. Not only are they better for the environment, but they can also be good for you, particularly if you have any allergies to things like polyester and other common materials used in clothing.
Whether you are looking to update your wardrobe with more environmentally conscious items, are looking for a brand new going-out outfit, or are merely interested in purchasing more green clothing, there is something out there for you! Popular fabrics known for being more environmentally friendly include organic cotton, hemp, bamboo clothing, and recycled nylon; you are sure to find something these days to suit your style and budget.
As they say, change begins with you. Small deeds like updating your wardrobe with more sustainable types of clothing can go a long way in reducing pollution. Purchasing clothing from brands that advocate for more accountability and self-responsibility to combat the fast fashion trend, is one step closer to a more sustainable fashion industry. How good does it sound to save the planet while still looking good?
Buying from Second-Hand Stores
Second-hand items have increased in popularity and in particular, with thanks to styles from the 80s and 90s making a comeback! Trendsetters and fashionistas alike are searching for vintage styles, and where better to find them than our trusty second-hand and charity shops.
There is a growing belief that second-hand items can be quite durable based on the fact that substandard products have infiltrated the new-item industry. Inasmuch as there is little evidence to support this, purchasing second-hand products, especially clothes, has a lot more benefits. Apart from them being quite affordable, they help create a sustainable environment.
It is no surprise that big fashion brands contribute a large amount of carbon to the atmosphere by mass-producing clothing items, and this is something that buying second-hand can help to combat. Not only will you be purchasing a once loved dress and giving it a new home, but you will also be helping to protect the planet from the effects of creating new clothes.
While this is not the preferred option of shopping for some, it is well worth considering when on the hunt for environmentally friendly clothing options. Second-hand stores are a goldmine; you never know what you are going to find!
Upcycling Clothes
If you are someone who would prefer to save your pennies and not buy new clothes (even from environmentally friendly brands), your best option would be to upcycle and interchange the clothing that you already own. Particularly with items that have been worn for a long time, sewing up any worn areas, or personalising with patches you have made from other clothing, is an excellent way of giving your clothes a new lease of life and a great way of being environmentally conscious with your clothing.
Tie-dye clothing is something that has come back into fashion with a bang and is something that is easy to do. Suppose you own a lot of block colours, or white clothing. In that case, you can personalise these clothes using environmentally friendly clothing dye, or, in some cases, you can even use natural dyes from fruit and vegetables. What's more, by upcycling your existing clothing, you will be freshening up your wardrobe without leaving the house and providing yourself with the opportunity to set some trends!
Trade Unwanted Items
This is not as popular as our other suggestions but is certainly worth considering when making changes to your lifestyle to become a more environmentally focused fashionista. If you have a lot of fashion-conscious friends who have nice clothes that they do not want anymore, consider hosting a swap event; you can get some of their clothing that you have had your eye on for a while, and vice versa.
You will be giving the clothes a new home where they will get their use and be loved! Anything that is not claimed can be donated to a second-hand store or to a charity shop, where they will also be given a new home. With such a move, you’ll be able to clear your old set of clothes without polluting the environment.
