Curating a more eco-friendly wardrobe: Here are 5 easy tips

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If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’ve been on a journey to reduce my environmental impact in different areas of my life. From the food we eat to the work we do, we have choices that affect our planet and the legacy we leave for future generations.

Fashion is one of the biggest contributors to environmental damage. The rise of fast fashion has led to excessive production and waste, depleting valuable resources and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. It also perpetuates a wasteful mindset and often involves unethical labor practices.

I quit shopping at fast fashion retailers like Zara and H&M about seven years ago. While I don’t claim to live a perfectly sustainable lifestyle, I make conscious efforts to be more mindful of my purchases. The good news is that you don’t have to compromise on style to build a more eco-friendly wardrobe. In fact, I believe making sustainable choices will bring you greater satisfaction in the long run!

If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few practical tips to make your wardrobe more sustainable:

Choose sustainable clothing brands like Marta Scarampi that offers made-to-order garments to avoid unnecessary waste. The footwear brand VEERAH, for instance, uses recycled materials to produce comfortable vegan leather heels. The dress is by Marta Scarampi and the nude pumps are by VEERAH. Photo: Ashley Gallerani.

Choose eco-friendly brands

Fast fashion brands often lure us in with low prices and super fast delivery, but their production methods can sometimes be highly damaging to the environment. Instead of prioritizing convenience, consider supporting brands that are committed to sustainability and ethical labor practices. While sustainable fashion may come at a slightly higher price, the impact it makes on the planet is well worth it!

Shop secondhand

Buying secondhand is a great way to extend the life cycle of clothing that is already made and reduce demand for new production. Someone’s trash may be another’s treasure, right? Plus, thrifting allows you to find unique, high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost. Giving a pre-loved item a new home is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly!

Buy what you need & rent what you want

It can be tempting to indulge in every new trend, but excessive consumption is a major contributor to environmental waste. A good rule of thumb is to invest in timeless, versatile pieces that you truly need and will wear often.

If you’re interested in trying a trend or need an outfit for a special occasion, consider renting instead of buying. This way, you can enjoy variety without accumulating unnecessary items in your wardrobe.

Take care of your clothes

One of the simplest ways to practice sustainability is by taking better care of your clothes. Washing garments too frequently can cause them to deteriorate faster and waste water. Many items, like jeans and dresses, can be worn multiple times before needing a wash.

When you do laundry, opt for eco-friendly settings on your washing machine and use cold water to conserve energy. Regular maintenance of your washer can also help it run more efficiently and prevent issues like mold and get rid of bad washer smell.

Extend the life of your clothes

Prolonging the lifespan of your clothing reduces waste and minimizes the need for new purchases. Store your garments properly in closets, drawers, or dust bags to keep them in good condition. When a piece gets damaged, try mending it yourself or taking it to a tailor for repairs. Small fixes can breathe new life into your wardrobe and prevent unnecessary waste.

If you’re tackling a spring clean and getting ready to store your winter sweaters, here are 5 essential steps to take before packing them away. These tips will help ensure your sweaters remain in great condition when you pull them out next season.

Sustainability is a journey, and every small step counts! I hope these tips help you make more mindful fashion choices. If you have any other eco-friendly fashion tips, I’d love to hear them!

As always, thank you for stopping by Happily Ever Style.

xoxo,

Tricia

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