You’ve decided you’re going to build a sustainable wardrobe. You start by looking in your closet. You see that shirt you bought from a fast fashion brand. It’s your go-to shirt, but you think, “This definitely isn’t sustainable. I better toss it.”
Or maybe you look in your closet and see a luxury overcoat. It’s well-made, but the brand doesn’t have a strong record when it comes to eco-friendly textiles and ethical manufacturing. Again, you think, “I should get rid of it and buy a coat from a sustainable brand.”
The good news is that you don’t have to part with either of these items when starting to build a sustainable wardrobe. Instead, you can start by adopting the 5 tips below.
Tip 1: Be a conscious consumer
A conscious consumer makes intentional purchasing choices. This includes not only buying from ethical and environmentally-friendly brands but also choosing NOT to buy an item at all.
When your first thought is, “I need that shirt” or “I want that shirt,” stop and switch your brain to conscious consumer mode. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I really need this shirt, coat, pair of jeans, etc.? (If your answer is no, you can put away that credit card and go on with the rest of your day.)
- Does this brand engage in environmentally-conscious behavior and socially and ethically responsible practices? Or is the brand engaging in greenwashing? (If you’re not sure, The Enlightened Gent is here to help.)
- How often will I wear it?
- How long will it last? Will it still look smart and stylish in 6 months, in a year, in 5-10 years?
- What will be its next life once I decide to part ways with it?
Being intentional about your purchasing choices will be a lot easier in combination with the next two tips.
Tip 2: Do a wardrobe edit
Do you really know what’s in your closet and dresser drawers? I’m not talking about the clothes hanging right in the middle, the ones that are in easy reach. I’m talking about the stuff that’s shoved way in the back, the clothes that are easily forgotten.
Before you decide to purchase another shirt or coat or pair of khakis, do a wardrobe edit. Find out what you actually have in that closet. Of course, chances are some things no longer fit the way they should. Others probably looked pretty amazing when you bought them, but now they just look ridiculous. (What to do with these items? That’s the topic of The Enlightened Gent’s next article, so make sure to check back.)
On the flip side, you might discover some hidden gems. Pieces that are well-made. Classic styling that doesn’t look dated, or outdated.
If you know what you own, you’ll better be able to answer Tip 1’s first question: Do I really need this shirt, coat, pair of jeans, etc.?
Tip 3: Create a capsule wardrobe
After you edit your wardrobe, you’ll probably have 3 piles: yes, no, and undecided. From the “yes” group, start to create a capsule wardrobe. Basically, find pieces that mix and match well with each other. For example, a 5-piece capsule wardrobe might include 2 tops, 2 bottoms, and 1 jacket or sweater.
Before adding a new item to your existing wardrobe, consider how it will complement your capsule wardrobe. That shirt you’re holding in the middle of the shop might look great on the hanger, but is it versatile? Will it fit in your capsule wardrobe?
Not only does a capsule wardrobe help you become a more conscious consumer, but it also saves you time. You won’t have to spend 20-30 minutes thinking, “Does this shirt look good with this sweater? And what about these pants?” Once you create a capsule wardrobe, you’ve basically preplanned a variety of looks.
A mini-tip: Before you get rid of anything, consider if it has a place in your capsule wardrobe. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that it complements other pieces in your capsule wardrobe.
In the next coming weeks, I’ll write more about building a capsule wardrobe. In the meantime, though, if you want to get started, check out The Enlightened Gent’s Streamlining Sustainably service.
Tip 4: Do a clothes swap
So, you’ve done a wardrobe edit and you’ve created a capsule wardrobe. You now have a pile of clothes that you want to get rid of.
In the past, you might have just tossed them in the trash or donated them to a charity. But hold on. There’s that shirt you only wore a couple of times. And the pair of jeans that don’t fit like they used to. There are pieces in that “no” pile that are in good condition and stylish.
Of course, you could always give these pieces to a sibling or a friend who doesn’t mind hand-me-downs. Instead, though, consider having a clothes swap party. Invite people you know to bring clothes that they no longer wear or want. People can swap or simply pass on clothes to a new owner. (Just make sure to set some ground rules so that it doesn’t become a dumping ground for a bunch of faded, stained, holey graphic t-shirts.)
Not only can you add something “new” to your capsule collection, but a clothes swap is also a great way to practice conscious consumerism.
Tip 5: Pick up a needle and thread and learn to mend
After editing your wardrobe, creating a capsule wardrobe, and holding a clothes swap, you’re now left with clothes from the “no” pile. Of course, some of the items truly cannot be worn again, at least not in public. Others you wish you didn’t have to part with, but there are holes or tears here and there, or a button is missing and you don’t have a replacement.
Don’t despair. Some minor repairs can be done at home with just a needle and some thread. And thanks to the internet and social media, pretty much anyone can learn simple stitches to extend the life of beloved clothes.
Just a starting point
Unfortunately, the fashion industry doesn’t have a clear-cut definition or set of standards when it comes to sustainability. As consumers, though, we can choose to make a conscious effort to make responsible decisions when it comes to what we wear.
Adopting these 5 tips is just the starting point for building a responsible wardrobe. At first glance, they might seem a bit time-consuming but stick with them. Eventually, you won’t think twice, and you can add them to your list of good habits.
Tips to share?
Have you created a sustainable wardrobe? If yes, please share your tips on how you got started and how you maintain your sustainable wardrobe.