Finding eco-friendly ways to style your wardrobe can be an exciting but also overwhelming prospect. There's a common misconception that supporting ethical fashion means foregoing the brands you love, spending more money on garments, and sacrificing the latest styles. However, in reality, that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, investing in a sustainable wardrobe is not only good for the planet but for your wallet, too. So if you are looking for ways to make your closet more environmentally friendly, we've consulted experts from a sustainable and plastic-free marketplace, and here are some easy yet chic suggestions.
How to style your wardrobe in eco-friendly ways?
Environmental concerns have reached disturbing levels. Now, more than ever, it's important to make extra efforts and make our habits greener. After all, it's true when they say - think globally, act locally, and the best way to start is from your household. For instance, choose eco-friendly packing supplies for the move and have a sustainable process. Or, start composting in your garden and make your home plastic-free.
Another small thing you can do that goes a long way is to find eco-friendly ways to style your wardrobe. Luckily for you, there are plenty of ways to create a wardrobe mother nature would fall in love with. Further in this article, you'll find just some of them.
1 Buy less
The most excellent environmentally responsible choice you could make when shopping is not buying at all. This is especially important, keeping in mind the massive quantity of waste in landfills courtesy of the fashion industry. Therefore, try not to buy new clothes until necessary. Instead, devise creative methods to repurpose the ones you already have. As such, it's a natural and necessary part of eco-conscious fashion to mix and match pieces to create new ensembles, pair basics with other basics and more impacting apparel for different styles, and not be scared to become an outfit repeater.
2 Be mindful of where you shop
If you must buy new clothes, select sustainable businesses committed to environmental responsibility by cutting down on waste, sourcing locally, and paying their employees a living wage. The good news is that sustainable and vegan clothing brands are increasing in quantity. Although the price tag for such apparel may be greater than that of fast fashion, you'll know that you support ethical and moral business methods. In return, you'll have a long-lasting, high-quality piece.
Also, don't shy away from stopping by your local second-hand store. Prioritizing pre-loved purchases is not only a more environmentally conscious shopping strategy, but it can also save you a ton of money and lead you to some truly one-of-a-kind treasures.
3 Choose accessories wisely
In addition to being a great way to show off your sense of style, jewelry has the power to elevate and enrich an already chic ensemble. However, there are unique environmental challenges that this industry brings. This is particularly crucial in terms of material procurement. This is why it's so important to only choose attractive and eco-friendly jewelry that is made in an ethical and sustainable way. On the other hand, investing in sustainable accessories is always a good idea because of their high quality and classic styles that will last for decades.
4 Opt for timeless styles
Similarly to jewelry, we strongly suggest you invest in more classic clothes. While following the latest trends is tempting, traditional designs will hold up better in the long run. This way, you may wear the same pieces repeatedly without looking old. Or, if you're creative, you can even make more adaptable outfits by wearing the same pieces in various ways.
Many people find traditional pieces such as day-to-night skirts, straight jeans, biker jackets, tailored blazers, dress pants, basic shirts, and casual "anytime" shoes to be the most versatile and practical in their wardrobe. The best part is that they go with virtually anything in your closet.
5 Take good care of your items
When you start to see holes in your favorite clothes or scuff marks on your shoes, don't just toss them away. Instead, google the best fix and get to work. Or, an alternative and equally good idea is to support your neighborhood shoe repair shop and tailor. Save money and reduce waste by getting more wear out of your favorite clothing and shoes with this easy hack that adds years to their lifespan.
6 Wash your clothes in eco-friendly ways
Even though people often disregard this, paying attention to how you wash your clothes and clean your accessories is very important, too. For example, dry cleaning may be highly harmful to the environment and should be avoided wherever feasible. Many dry cleaners employ poisonous chemicals on the environment and waste more energy than regular wash cycles. Energy use from the washer and dryer isn't great, but using them infrequently is even worse, so using less water and milder detergents is smart. Also, if possible, dry clothes by hanging them outside.
7 Pick eco-friendly materials
The type of material you choose whether for your clothes or accessories is very important, too. Polyester and acrylic are examples of synthetic materials that, like plastic, contribute significantly to pollution. On the other hand, you can't go wrong with organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, linen, or wool. They are not only better for the environment because they are biodegradable, but they are also more breathable, comfortable, and stylish.
Wrapping up
There are plenty of more eco-friendly ways to style your wardrobe, but we hope the ones we've selected for this article inspired you to at least get started. Trust us; once you experience the benefits of even just a slightly greener lifestyle, you'll instantly start looking for ways to do more. Try it and let us know how rewarding it felt!
