By PAGE Editor

Living in an environment where frequent natural disasters and calamities are happening is heartbreaking. While global warming awareness is spreading and environmental enthusiasts are making efforts to raise their voices and initiatives, these practices aren't enough to stop the planet from dying. The thing is, every individual should implement their own ways to contribute less carbon footprint to the environment. If you're thinking of taking your own steps, you can first explore the idea of practicing sustainable fashion.

The term ‘sustainable’ has already reached out to different segments in society. From reusable bags in the shopping stores to sustainable packaging for food and stuff, many businesses are dramatically making positive changes for the sake of saving the planet. You can join the bandwagon as you shift towards a sustainable wardrobe at home. Being eco-conscious can go a long way in helping the environment. Doing so will enable you to inspire the people surrounding you and feel less guilty as a consumer.

Consider these tips for switching to sustainable fashion clothing:

1. Shop Less And Use Your Current Clothes For A Longer Time

One practical tip to become more sustainable is to shop for lesser clothing and use them for a long time. Invest in high-quality pieces you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Make it a point where such clothing can be mixed and matched together to create various outfits and looks.

Try to imagine whether one piece of clothing can be worn in multiple ways. One helpful piece of advice is to research beforehand and see what staple items should be part of your wardrobe. For instance, you need to invest in denim jeans, a trench coat, a white button blouse, and white sneakers. These are just some staple must-have items in your wardrobe. Consider dainty inner blouses like tube tank tops and a bralette. 

But what is a bralette? This kind of underwear is less restrictive than a bra, which can be used as both lingerie and a fashionable piece to your overall outfit. You can wear it alone and layer it with a cardigan or jacket, and you're good to go. When shopping for clothes, try to think minimalist and multifunctional. Prioritize pieces that can be used for many outfits and seasons and go for value and quality compared to trends.

2. Opt To Buy High-Quality Clothes

One vital tip is to emphasize high quality as the ultimate consideration when shopping for sustainable clothing. After all, you'll be wearing them for the longest time. While some brands offer low prices, be aware that the garments might stretch thinly or poorly after just a few times of washing and ironing. Determine the brands that are well known for their quality and go for them.

Buying clothing is an investment—both for you and the environment. Consider investing in high-quality pieces that’ll last for many years. It’ll ultimately result in you buying fewer items, and you’ll take better care of them as well.

Don't be a casual shopper, but pay attention to the signs that a piece of clothing will last. However, sometimes, hefty price tags don't mean high quality, be careful about this area too. You can do your research beforehand and read reviews on what clothing brands can prolong wear and tear.

3. Read The Label Before Buying

To ensure your purchase has a positive impact on both your wallet and the environment in the long run, make sure the fabric is environmentally friendly. The decomposition of oil-based synthetic materials produces micro-plastics, making them hard to decompose.

The most sustainable option is to choose natural, biodegradable fabrics. These fabric materials include cotton, linen, recycled polyester, and Tencel. Natural fibers like linen and cotton are much more eco-friendly compared to synthetic fibers. The materials are less energy-intensive and biodegradable, which means they can be composted at the end of their life rather than taking up space in a landfill. Try to steer away from acrylic and other non-eco-friendly fabrics. 

When shopping, check the label to find out what the clothing is made of. In recent years, most eco features of clothes will be marked on product packaging. Many companies slowly understand how important sustainability is, shifting to using organic materials to earn the patronage of many eco users. The clothing industry as a whole is harming the planet, and fashion students are busy mitigating some impacts.

One important key is to be aware of the process and manufacturing practices too. There’s no guarantee that a textile made from natural fibers will be environmentally friendly. Crops like cotton and flax require heavy pesticide application, which damages the environment and causes injury to farm workers. Buy organic fabrics whenever possible. You can go for brands that promise a fully green initiative to create their clothing. Research thoroughly, and you might discover some small local clothing companies that are more eco-friendly than any brand.

4. Learn How To Care For Your Clothes Properly

When you've bought high-quality clothing pieces, it's only best that you know how to care for them. Higher-quality clothes will last longer, and because they’re more expensive, you’ll treat them more carefully. However, try to treat the rest of your clothes with proper care, no matter what their cost. After all, you want to retain their condition so you won't have to keep buying new ones or replacements. Here are some best tips from Hayden Hill on how to take good care of your clothes.

Taking good care of them will allow you to have more minor replacements. It pays to know the fabric material's care requirement, so you can wash and iron them perfectly. Performing such efforts will impact the environment positively and allow you to save money simultaneously.

5. Repair Before Replacing

A ripped item or a broken heel doesn’t necessarily have to be discarded. You can learn a few tricks on how to sew and repair a few rips and holes in your clothes. Better yet, you can visit a tailor shop and have your clothes professionally repaired. Try not to decide to buy new clothes right away when there's an option to fix them instead.

Another idea is to repurpose your old and unwanted clothes. Perhaps, there are some idle jeans and clothes you're no longer interested in wearing. You can bring them to the tailor, too, so they can repurpose them into something new. 

6. Donate Your Unwanted Items

Instead of leaving your unwanted clothes hanging in your closet, donate them to a good cause. Chances are some more people are willing to wear and use your clothes more than you do. Donating your clothes allows others to save the environment by foregoing shopping and using your used garments instead. One fantastic idea you can apply is to declutter your closet once in a few months so you can retain the quantity and quality of your sustainable wardrobe. Check out donation drives around you and leave your used clothes for the needy.

Conclusion

Executing a green closet is a baby step towards helping the environment. Join the sustainable fashion movement and commit to the planet. Make less of an impact on the earth by opting for organic fiber materials, prioritizing quality, and wearing your clothes for a long time. Hopefully, the tips above will help you become more sustainable with your clothing.

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