Create a Sustainable Wardrobe with these Easy yet Trendy Steps
By TOI Staff July 14, 2023 Update on : July 14, 2023
Sustainability has gradually grown from being a want to a need. The Global Apparel Market has observed an increase in the percentage of sustainable clothing items from 3.9% in 2021 to about 6.1% by 2026!
The fashion industry is slowly and gradually shifting from wasteful fast fashion. It is becoming increasingly conscious of its approach, eco-friendly and focusing more on slow fashion.
This industry, just like some others, has realized that glitz and glamor are useless if the world won’t live to see tomorrow.
However, this change does not necessarily have to be at the industrial level. Not only the big brands can take a step towards sustainability.
Charity begins at home, so you can effectively curate your sustainable wardrobe with these easy steps!
1. Switch it up instead of buying new clothes
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Not only does it contribute to pollution during the production phase, but tons of fashion pieces end up in landfills due to wasteful ways.
Such actions are bound to take severe consequences in terms of environmental degradation. As a consumer, you have the power to stop this at the grassroots level.
Do not mindlessly buy clothing only to replace the ones you already have (majorly in perfect condition). A decrease in the purchase percentage will automatically bring down production rates and, thereby, pollution.
Instead, get creative with what you already have. Switch up and mix up your pieces to create new looks. Some will perhaps turn out better than before!
Try new color combinations and styles to give yourself the makeover you want. Even buying something new, think it through along different lines instead of mindlessly purchasing.
2. Read the labels for necessary information
Be mindful of the labels since they will provide information regarding the clothing item’s fibers. It is better to only purchase bio-degradable ones.
The production process is polluting enough; be careful not to continue the horrors later. Man-made fibers not only perish easily, but they also emit many harmful chemicals upon decomposing.
Check for clothing items that have reduced or no carbon footprint. You wouldn’t want chemical-laden fabrics for your skin and neither for the environment.
Switch from faux leather, rayon, nylon, and other synthetic fibers and switch to their far better alternatives like linen, cotton, wool, cruelty-free leather, and so on.
And the best part is it does not have to be limited to formal or semi-formal wear. Many upcoming brands are bringing sustainable variety, like – womens basics, swimwear, activewear, and more!
3. There are better ways than to toss out
Nothing is everlasting, and you can expect even the best fabrics to fall victim to wear and tear. However, that does not mean you would have to toss them away.
If you can access a tailor or wing it yourself, choose to upcycle your clothes. Add elements from different items and make something new, a step up from the last. Sometimes simply repairing the tears will do the job, but if not, you know what to do!
There are some great services that you can search for that can upcycle your damaged fashion pieces into something extraordinary.
4. Familiarize yourself with preloved clothing
This is not a new concept, but have been around for years in terms of “collectibles.” However, it has grown much bigger since.
Thrifting is a wonderful way of adopting sustainability in your wardrobe. Preloved clothing is ‘hand-me-down” but not necessarily only from your family. Many cities these days have stores dedicated only to preloved fashion pieces.
It is not a favorable practice across many cultures, but it’s a steady step towards a greener world for everyone.
If you are not aware of the concept or are not adequately informed, feel free to search for it online. You’ll be surprised at the variety it will bring to your wardrobe and at very affordable prices!
Final Thoughts
It takes one small step to make a meaningful change, and here we have rounded up four! So, for a better tomorrow, choose to be sustainable by simply starting with your wardrobe. Search for this fascinating concept and jump into the wagon towards a greener world!
Read more: Create a Sustainable Wardrobe with these Easy yet Trendy Steps