Sustainable fashion.......what's it all about?

This is a phrase that is thrown around a lot right now, but do we know what it really means?  Do we know how to apply sustainability to our wardrobes? What difference does it make what's in our wardrobes? 

There’s a few terms we should be familiar with when thinking about sustainable fashion.

Eco-fashion – how our wardrobes impact the environment. 

Slow fashion – this is where we need to slow down on following trends!  The average piece of clothing is worn just 14 times, so it’s time we increased the longevity of what we wear.

Ethical fashion – the ethical treatment, pay and occupational health standards of garment workers, and the effects it has on their community.

Sustainable fashion – the umbrella term for all of the above! 

Generally sustainable fashion is all about choices, your choices.  If you want to start making a difference there are lots of things you can do. 

 

Step 1 – Have a wardrobe de-clutter.  Go through your wardrobe and be ruthless!  If you have items in your wardrobe that you don’t wear because they don’t fit then why are they still there?  I know, I know we tell ourselves that we will lose weight and that we will fit back into them at some point, but is this a realistic thought?  Yes, of course we can lose weight, but we need to ask ourselves if we are going to do anything about losing said weight!  Some items of clothing can actually leave us feeling a bit rubbish knowing we can’t squeeze into them, get rid of that negativity, our wardrobes should be places full of joy, no room for negativity!  Some items of clothing can be adapted to new pieces, a dress can be transformed into a top for example, you don't need to be a whiz on a sewing machine to be able to do this, it's just about thinking outside of the box.  Once you have had a good de-clutter then make sure you dispose of all your surplus items in the right way.  First have you got any friends that you can gift them to?  If not there are plenty of ways to sell your unwanted clothing online allowing others to enjoy them and you to earn a bit of cash.  There are of course numerous charities that are always grateful for items.  Whatever way you choose to dispose of them or re-use them is great, just make sure they do not end up in landfill.  It is never OK to simply throw clothes in the bin, they would be better to use as a cleaning cloth if nothing else!

 

        

 Step 2 - Make better choices.  When shopping ask yourself if it is something you really need.  Of course we can all treat ourselves at times, we shouldn't be embarrassed about that if we are lucky enough to be able to do so.  But, ask yourself if you are going to get wear out if?  Is it going to be a welcome addition to your wardrobe?  Can you style this item at least 5 different ways?  If the answer to any of these questions is no then it is most likely not going to be a sustainable choice, you may find yourself a year later putting this piece of clothing in the charity shop pile, or cleaning your windows with it!!

Step 3 - Do some research.  Read up on ethical companies, find out what companies look after their staff and working conditions.  There are some well known shops that do sadly use sweatshops, totally unacceptable in 2020 but sadly true.  Shop independently wherever possible or go for vintage items.

Step 4 - Don't fall into the trap of cheap fashion.  Try and buy better quality.  I know that's easier said than done in the current climate, but that takes us back to the question do we need it?  When you buy better quality it will usually last longer.  Make sure you look after your clothes, wash them correctly, use the tumble dryer less, store them correctly, it makes a difference to the longevity of clothes it really does.  Create a capsule wardrobe, this is a fabulous way of ensuring you have a sustainable wardrobe, perhaps I should talk about capsule wardrobes next time.......

We can only try can't we.  If we all start making small changes they will start making big impacts.  

What are you going to do to start your journey to sustainability?