Sustainable Fashion Swaps You Need To Make!
Sustainable fashion is a movement and process of fostering change to fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice.
Making eco-conscious decisions in your life doesn't need to be hard or expensive, contrary to common belief. Becoming aware of your impact on the world through clothing, what you eat, and the very basics of how you live can be an alarming thing. For so long we've been lead to believe that new is better but how long can we collectively continue on that path?
Reducing your waste, recycling plastic, switching to reusable grocery bags, and carrying a metal water bottle are fantastic steps but let's face it, there's so much more we could do in our day-to-day lives. There are countless threads of what not to buy if you're looking to live low waste but sometimes too much information can be overwhelming and difficult to digest.
Here are the tips on how you can live not only fashionably but also sustainability.
1. Go For Pre Owned Clothes
One of my most favorite things to do on the weekend is to go thrift shopping at our local stores. There are usually some great hidden gems in those racks, and if it's a local small business it's most likely to be marked at an amazing price too.
If you're not looking to buy from a store it's a fun idea to talk to your older extended family and see if they have any cute vintage pieces they're looking to sell or give away!
2. Indulge in DIY's
It is a lot easier than you'd think to create your own earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. While it might take some practice, it's super fun and rewarding hobby to take up, if you get good enough you can even sell them at your local market.
Some beginner materials to create your first DIY would be:
- Beads
- Thin Metal Wire
- Earring hooks
- Necklace Clasps
- Jewelry Making Pliers
- Colored Yarn or Twine
If you're unsure of how or where to start, take it easy and begin with some basic earring designs. Here's a short clip of just how simple jewelry making can be!
3. Repair, Don't Replace Your Torn Items In Your Wardrobe
Don't throw away that sock with the hole in it!
Too often when we encounter clothes with tears in them and immediately turn to the garbage bin when really, it would be an easy 3-minute fix. Are your favorite pair of jeans worn out? Sew trendy patches into them or tear them even more to get that distressed look. Have you stained that pristine white t-shirt? No problem! Tie-dye it any color you want and make it an original statement piece.
Below is a video to help you along with some common stitches to fix your clothes!
4. Shop Locally
Of course, reusing and repurposing what you already own is the perfect practice to maintain a sustainable impact on the earth, but sometimes it's necessary to buy new and that's alright!
Shifting from big-box outlet stores to supporting small businesses helps contribute back into your community and overall, betters your shopping experience. When shopping at a chain store it's not guaranteed you'll have a positive experience but at a local store, employees are more likely to genuinely care about your satisfaction and are eager to assist you with anything you need.
Most often with larger corporations, you'll see a lot of exploitation of vulnerable communities, whereas though in smaller businesses the products are usually made and ordered through morally acceptable practices.
5. Stick to Staples Items
Being able to diversely style one piece of clothing over and over again is essential to a semi-minimalist and eco-friendly practice. Using a plain black or white t-shirt is possibly the best starting point if you're brand new to sustainable fashion. A basic black shirt has endless potential for styling, you could wear it tucked into jeans with a black belt, layer it under a thin strap dress, or even layer it over a long sleeve shirt.
By wearing one piece in a plethora of different ways, you'll be able to utilize what you already own and extend the life of your wardrobe.
6. Unfollow Fast Fashion
What exactly is fast fashion?
Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends is called fast fashion.
It's hard to deny that a lot of fast fashion is incredibly affordable and attractive but when it comes down to the facts, it's just not sustainable. The majority of fast fashion brands, similarly to big box outlets, use exploitation as a form of manufacturing their products. Not only that, but the actual clothing, shoes, and jewelry are made from cheap, and often not eco-friendly, materials like polyester, acrylic, and nylon.
Researching and recognizing which brands contribute to the toxicity of fast fashion helps you avoid the fast-growing, consumer mindset of "out with the old, in with the new".
7. Borrow Clothes From Friends and Family
If you've got an event coming up that calls for a higher-class dress code, it's not the best idea to go out on a whim and spend a fortune on an outfit you plan to wear one time. Instead, why not ask your friends and family if they have any elegant attire you could borrow? Not only does this trick save you a lot of money, but it can be a new and fun experience trying on someone else's dresses!
8. Invest in Minimalism When Buying Jewelry
This tip clearly piggybacks off of our past one on staple clothing items, but having minimalist jewelry you can style uniquely can make or break an outfit. Owning band rings, like the one pictured above, simple thin chain necklaces, and silver hoop earrings are all key accessories to the perfect ensemble. Match these with a color-coordinated bag or belt and you'll be looking put together in no time.
If you're finding it hard to make some of these eco-conscious swaps don't worry, everything takes a little bit of time to get used to, just keep in mind that with all the new choices you'll be making you'll be helping the planet along the way. Maybe you've already been doing some simple swaps and hadn't even realized that they were good for the environment, like thrift shopping!
Continuing to prioritize the health of our planet is vital to a successful future, for all of us. Participating in even the most minimal eco-friendly tasks like taking shorter showers, eating less or no meat and dairy, sourcing your food and products locally, are still steps in the right direction.
Opinions and Perspectives
Just started a clothing swap group at work and it's been fantastic. Amazing how many great pieces were just sitting in people's closets.
The point about avoiding trendy fast fashion really hit home. I'm focusing more on timeless pieces now.
Been repairing my clothes for months now and it's surprisingly satisfying. Plus it saves so much money!
These tips are great but let's not forget about shoes and accessories. Those need sustainable alternatives too.
The minimalist approach really works. Having fewer, better quality pieces has actually made getting dressed easier.
Making my own jewelry has become such a creative outlet. Plus I know exactly where all the materials come from.
Love the practical approach but wish there was more info about sustainable fabric choices and care instructions.
Started following these tips gradually and it's amazing how natural it feels now. Definitely changed my shopping habits.
I appreciate how the article emphasizes that sustainable fashion is a journey. We don't have to be perfect right away.
Never thought about borrowing formal wear before. Such a smart way to avoid buying something you'll rarely wear.
The article could have mentioned consignment shops. They're a great middle ground between thrifting and buying new.
Who else has tried making their own accessories? Looking for some beginner-friendly project ideas.
Interesting point about extended family's vintage pieces. Just scored some amazing jewelry from my grandmother.
The section about supporting small businesses resonates with me. Found some amazing local designers in my area.
These tips make sustainable fashion seem more achievable. Starting small with repairing and thrifting.
Learning to style basics different ways has really changed my approach to fashion. One white shirt can work for so many occasions.
Wonder if we could get some specific brand recommendations that align with these sustainable practices?
Been doing clothing swaps with my cousins for years. It's like getting a new wardrobe without spending anything.
Can we talk about how amazing it feels to repair something instead of throwing it away? Just fixed my favorite sweater!
Making your own jewelry is such a fun hobby! Started with simple designs and now friends are asking to buy my pieces.
The article's right about fast fashion being attractive. Breaking that mindset took time but now I actually prefer secondhand.
Local shopping is great but prices can be steep. I mix thrifted basics with local statement pieces to keep costs reasonable.
I use natural dyes like avocado pits and onion skins. Less risky and more eco-friendly than synthetic dyes.
Anyone try dyeing their own clothes? The article mentions tie-dye but I'm nervous about ruining things.
The minimalist jewelry tip really works. I've paired down to just a few classic pieces and getting more wear out of everything.
Started mending my clothes during lockdown and now I actually enjoy it. Feels like giving new life to old favorites.
That's a valid concern. I've found some inclusive thrift stores online but we definitely need more options in this space.
Nice tips but what about plus size options? Sustainable fashion isn't always size inclusive.
The DIY section inspired me to try making my own tote bags from old clothes. Turned out better than expected!
What about accessories? I'd love to see more sustainable options for bags and scarves discussed.
Been trying to shop more consciously but sometimes get overwhelmed by all the information. This article helps simplify things.
It might cost more upfront, but I've found that better quality pieces actually save money in the long run since they last longer.
Does anyone else struggle with the higher cost of sustainable fashion? Even thrifting prices seem to be going up lately.
Just started learning to make simple repairs and it's so empowering. Fixed a button yesterday and felt like a superhero!
The article could have mentioned rental services too. They're great for occasional formal wear needs.
I've found that natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool tend to last longer and are better for the environment than synthetics.
Would love more specific recommendations for sustainable fabric choices. What should we look for when shopping?
I started a clothing swap group with friends and it's been amazing. We meet every season to exchange pieces we're tired of.
The point about unfollowing fast fashion brands is important. Those constant sale notifications were making me buy things I didn't need.
True but finding the right size in vintage can be tricky. I've had to learn basic alterations to make pieces work for me.
Anyone else notice how much better quality vintage clothes tend to be? They really don't make things like they used to.
The tip about styling one piece multiple ways is key. I've been documenting different outfits with the same items and it's eye-opening.
Really appreciate how this article emphasizes progress over perfection. We don't have to be perfect to make a difference.
Never thought about the environmental impact of jewelry before. Going minimalist seems like a smart approach.
I've found some great suppliers on Etsy who focus on sustainable materials. Plus lots of vintage beads and findings at flea markets.
Making jewelry sounds fun but where do you source ethical materials? Anyone have suggestions?
Love the idea of asking family members for vintage pieces. My aunt gave me some amazing 80s jewelry that's totally back in style now.
The article mentions shopping locally, but online thrift stores have been a game changer for me, especially living in a small town.
I've started following some zero-waste fashion bloggers and it's amazing how creative you can get with a capsule wardrobe.
What about shoes? Would love to see some sustainable footwear options included in this list.
The tie-dye suggestion for stained clothes is brilliant! Just transformed an old white shirt into something totally unique.
My grandmother taught me to sew and it's been such a valuable skill. The article's right about simple repairs taking just minutes.
These are great tips but let's be real, doing all of them at once would be overwhelming. I'm starting with just one or two changes.
The part about staple items is so true. I've learned that having fewer, better quality pieces actually gives me more outfit options.
Shopping locally has really changed my perspective on fashion. The quality is usually better and it feels good supporting small businesses.
I wish the article went into more detail about identifying sustainable brands. It's hard to know which companies are truly ethical.
Learning basic sewing skills has saved me so much money. Just fixed a tear in my favorite jeans instead of replacing them!
Anyone else struggle with letting go of clothes even when they're damaged? I know I should repair them but sometimes it feels easier to just buy new ones.
The tip about borrowing clothes for special events is genius! Just borrowed a dress from my sister for a wedding and saved so much money.
That's a fair point about budgets, but that's exactly why thrifting and clothes swapping are such great alternatives. I've built most of my wardrobe from secondhand pieces.
While I understand the sentiment, not everyone can afford to shop at sustainable fashion brands. Sometimes fast fashion is the only option for people on tight budgets.
The fast fashion point really hit home for me. I used to buy cheap trendy clothes all the time without thinking about the impact.
Actually yes! I started making simple beaded bracelets last year and now I'm creating all sorts of pieces. It's way easier than you'd think and so satisfying.
The DIY jewelry section caught my attention but honestly I'm a bit intimidated. Has anyone tried making their own accessories before?
Completely agree about minimalist jewelry. I've switched to wearing just a few versatile pieces and it's made such a difference in my wardrobe choices.
I love how this article breaks down sustainable fashion into practical steps we can all take. I've been thrifting for years and it's amazing what treasures you can find!