Fast fashion refers to the clothing lines that are mass-produced in high quantities for a lower cost. While the manufacturing process makes it more affordable for consumers to expand their wardrobes, it also creates considerable environmental impact. Considering the threat of climate change, switching to more sustainable practices makes sense. If you're ready to move away from adding every item that catches your eye to your closet, take heed of the following tips. You can still enjoy retail therapy, as long as you shop with eco-friendliness in mind.
Words: Kate Harveston
Image: Kate Skumen on Unsplash
1. Look for Quality
Image: MAX LIBERTINE on Unsplash
As the cliché goes, you get what you pay for — and when it comes to fashion, the quality of your garments determines much of their longevity. To make the idea of spending $200 for one piece more comfortable to bear psychologically, try saving up for it over three to four months. You might not feel the sting of putting $50 toward your fashion fund each month as much as one significant purchase.
How can you tell if an item is of poor quality? Look at the seams. Hastily-made garments often have uneven seams and loose strings. Flimsy buttonholes and hems provide additional clues.
2. Pop Some Tags
Who says you need to buy new? While you might want to wash away the musty thrift-store smell before you wear your new gear, Macklemore was right — you can find fabulous bargains at secondhand shops.
Pro-tip — seek out stores in well-to-do neighborhoods. You'll often find designer duds at a fraction of off-the-rack prices.
3. Inspect the Materials
Before you make a purchase decision, consider the materials of the item you're buying. For example, the diamond trade is notorious for exploiting human labor and committing environmental damage during mining. Stainless steel, on the other hand, consists of a variety of naturally-occurring elements in the earth, like chromium and nickel.
Pay attention to fabric choices, too. For example, cotton takes considerable resources to grow. You can look for garments made from organic hemp or recycled cotton instead.
4. Mix-and-Match Your Wardrobe
You don't need to have a new outfit for every day of the week. You can create a signature look with mix-and-match items you can coordinate in a variety of ways.
For example, you can pair a white button-down shirt over neatly-pressed jeans on casual Friday but tuck it neatly into a suit jacket for client presentation days.
5. Look for Labels
Some designers employ more eco-friendly measures than others. You can do your part to support them with your pocketbook by investing in sustainable brands, such as Alternative Apparel and People Tree.
Many of these businesses go the extra mile when it comes to protecting the rights of the workers, too. If you care about human welfare as well as the planet, it pays to put your money where your values lie.
6. Repurpose Old Items
How many times have you cleaned out your closet, thrown something away — then later lamented doing so? Instead of automatically purging yourself of old items, ask yourself how you could repurpose them.
For example, if you spill red wine on a white blouse, can you remove the buttons to use in another sewing project? Perhaps you could take a stained item and tie-dye it to hide the original blemish? If you have little ones or pets, you can recycle old fabric for use for toys.
7. Sell or Donate
Finally, when it comes time to update your look, donate or sell old items instead of taking them to the rubbish bin. In some countries, you can even reap a tax reward for doing so by deducting the value of your donated goods as a charitable contribution on your tax return. Be sure to obtain a written receipt if you truck more than $250 worth of items to your nearby center — IRS rules require documentation when it exceeds this amount.
Ditch Fast Fashion and Go Earth-Friendly
You don't need to stay on the fast fashion trend. Buying for quality and shopping smart allows you to create a signature look without harming the planet.