Making Your Clothes Last Longer: Tips For Eco-Conscious Men
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By PAGE Editor
If you’re a modern man looking for ways to be more eco-friendly, there are lots of approaches you could try. You could choose a plant-based diet, ditch your car in favor of public transport, or start recycling more. While these approaches will help, the biggest impact you could make is through your clothes. The fast fashion industry is the second biggest polluter in the world, and buying and then throwing away clothes causes a lot of waste, which is often thrown into the sea or landfill sites, where it leaches toxic chemicals into the soil or water. Making your clothes last longer, so you buy and throw away less, will make a huge difference to your personal carbon footprint.
When it comes to tips on making your clothes last longer and reducing the fabric waste you produce, the focus tends to be on women. After all, the fast fashion market is predominantly focused on women, with a lot of trends designed for them and an onus on their dressing to fit current trends. Women’s appearance is more of a focus generally thanks to our culture, but men are now catching up and becoming more aware of their looks.
As such, more and more men are becoming obsessed with their looks, and fast fashion brands are capitalizing on this and targeting men with cheap, poorly-made clothes. So, how can you avoid this and make your clothes last longer, so that you don’t cause more harm to the environment? We explain this in this handy article.
Buy High-Quality Clothes
Cheap, fast-fashion garments aren’t designed to last. They’re cheaply made and usually don’t look good for more than a few weeks. As such, they’re easy to buy and then throw away. If you buy high-quality clothing that costs more and is made better, it’ll last longer, and you’ll have more of an incentive to keep it as you’ve invested more money in your clothes.
Make Sure Your Clothes Fit Properly
Clothes that don’t fit you well won’t look great, and they’ll quickly be consigned to the back of your wardrobe and, eventually, get thrown out. When you’re shopping for wardrobe staples, make sure you pick out clothes designed to fit your body shape. If you have a specific body shape, such as longer-than-average legs or a tall physique, then consider shopping at specialist stores. For example, taller men can make the most of Tall Togs and find items designed to fit them perfectly.
Invest In Wardrobe Staples
Certain items are staples in a man's wardrobe because they can be worn in various ways and for different occasions. These include pieces like a navy blazer, a grey sweater, khaki chinos, brown or black leather shoes, and a crisp white t-shirt. Classic clothing items like these can be mixed and matched for both casual and more formal settings, making them ideal for any occasion.
Choose Classic Colours
A simple yet versatile wardrobe is often built around a palette of neutral colors such as black, white, grey, navy, and brown. These colors are timeless and easy to mix and match, allowing you to create numerous outfits with a limited number of items. As such, when you’re shopping for new clothes or deciding what to keep, focus on neutral tones that will work well together.
Fix Your Clothes Promptly When You Spot Damage
Even the most careful of men will occasionally find their clothes get damaged, and while it can be tempting to leave it if it’s only minor, you need to be proactive. Even small rips or tears can cause more significant holes and lasting damage if you ignore them. So, if you notice a loose thread, missing button, or small tear, repair it as soon as possible. Use online tutorials to find out how to mend your clothes, if you don’t know already, or ask someone who does know how to teach you, as this is a valuable life skill.
Follow Care Instructions
Throwing out fewer items of clothing means learning to keep what you have looking fresh at all times. High-quality wardrobe staples are an investment, and like any investment, they require care. Follow the care instructions on the label to ensure your items maintain their shape, color, and overall quality. As well as the instructions provided by the manufacturer, you should also consider joining forums online for those who own similar pieces or have experience in garment cleaning, as they can offer handy, practical tips on keeping your clothes looking as good as new for longer.
Concluding This Guide To Making Your Clothes Last Longer
At the end of the day, maintaining the longevity and appearance of your clothing involves mindful habits and care. With the help of these tips, you can significantly extend the life of your wardrobe and reduce the impact you have on the environment. Remember, the practices listed in this article not only contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing waste, but also help you to save money and time on clothes shopping. In some cases, people have reported that getting rid of their clothes and then buying less has changed their lives and mindsets for the better, so it’s worth a go if you feel trapped in a cycle of consumerism. The care you give your clothes today will definitely pay off in the long run, so start using these tips if you haven’t already.
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