If everyone shops a little more consciously, we will come a long way.
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world and improving sustainability in the fashion world is therefore more important than ever. Nobody is perfect, but if everyone shops a little more consciously, we can go a long way. However, it can be difficult to know where to start if you want a more sustainable wardrobe. Various fashion experts give Who What Wear tips on how to take the first steps in an easy way.
1. Wash your clothes less and don’t use a dryer
‘Research has shown that washing is responsible for 60% to 80% of a garment’s total environmental impact, so you can significantly reduce your impact by only throwing your clothes in the laundry basket after a few wears. To save energy you can wash your clothes at 30 degrees; this would reduce energy consumption by up to 40% compared to washing at 40 degrees. Then allow your clothes to air dry,” says sustainability expert Brooke Roberts-Islam.
2. Keep a tidy wardrobe
‘Sort your wardrobe and be careful with what you have. When you can see what’s in your closet, you’re more likely to be inventive with how you style your outfits, which means you’re less likely to buy new items. There is so much value in having less. With less, your mind is calmer and your head is clearer’, tips sustainability ambassador Venetia La Manna.
3. Take the ex-test
‘One of the most conscious ways to shop is to buy things that you want to wear over and over again. For me, one of the dumbest, yet most effective ways to do this is to ask myself, “Would you like to run into an ex in this item of clothing?” Would you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin?’ If not, leave it alone. Buying less impulsively ensures that we have a small, well-thought-out and more sustainable wardrobe,” says Cora Hilts, founder of a sustainable platform.
4. Always try to buy organic cotton
‘Try to avoid fabrics that use microfibers; these substances often pollute the oceans. It is better to choose organic cotton or cotton with the international GOTS certificate, which sets requirements for both the production of the fibers and their further weathering into garments. Always do your research,” says Nia Jones, co-founder of a sustainable platform.
5. Never throw clothes in the trash
‘Buy items that you love so much that you know you will keep them forever. Also try to repair something before replacing it. Tears, holes and missing buttons are easy to fix. Never throw away clothing with the household waste, it will be burned or end up in a landfill. While you might make someone else happy with it by giving it away or putting it in a clothing bin,” says Morgane Sézalory, founder of the clothing brand Sézane.
6. Ask a brand questions if you’re not sure about something
‘Knowing the origins of an item and how it reached its final product is a good starting point. If you want to buy something, make an effort to learn the story and process behind it. Do some research and ask questions. The more you know, the better you can make a choice. If you can’t find something, just approach the brand,” say Belinda and James Yu, co-founders of Wicker Wings.
7. Give new life to items you already have
‘Rediscover a piece of clothing that is already hanging in your closet before you throw it away to buy something new. Give it a new twist by pimping the item yourself. Embroider something on it, give it a different color or add nice details,” says Jemma Finch from Stories Behind Things.
8. Buy items that you expect to wear for a long time
‘Don’t make impulse purchases or buy things you will only wear once. It is worth investing in items that you really love, are of good quality and that you would like to have in your closet forever,” says Rixo co-founder Henrietta Rix.
9. Recognize the quality of garments
‘Be observant when shopping and always try to see whether a garment is of good quality and will therefore last a long time. A high price tag or a well-known brand does not automatically mean that it is good quality. So pay attention to the seams, the finish, the fabric and the fit,” says Creative Director of Ninety Percent Ben Matthews.
10. Read labels when shopping
‘Check the labels before you buy anything. Nowadays, it is communicated transparently on the labels or packaging if a product is sustainable,” advises Mary Peffer, global marketing and brand creative at J Brand.
Source: Who What Wear | Image: NL Image
