A Complete Guide To Shopping Sustainably For Clothes

With the latest in fashion just a click of a button away, it’s little wonder people worldwide are buying more clothing than ever.

Fast fashion — the rapid production of relatively cheap, trend-focused clothing — aims to capitalise on the latest styles and easy distribution channels the population now has access to. Yet its impact is significant for both those who work in the industry and the environment. 

As a $150.82 billion industry and estimated to reach $291.1 billion by 2032, fast fashion is in the unfortunate position of not just exploiting those in the industry by enforcing longer worker hours for less pay, but also having a serious impact on the environment. The industry is now responsible for 10% of the global annual carbon footprint, more than emissions from all international flights and maritime shipping combined, and it consumes huge amounts of natural resources, including 141 billion cubic meters of water annually, and contributes to 35% of microplastics in our oceans. In short, fast fashion is not sustainable. 

Learning to live more sustainably can feel confronting to begin with. With so many issues to consider and address, it is a complex topic that takes time, research, and some critical thinking to navigate. Here, we are sharing our top tips on how to start shopping more sustainably for clothes to help you build a more conscious wardrobe with confidence. 

First up, what does sustainable clothing mean?

When talking about sustainability concerning clothing, it refers to the entire lifecycle of a garment. This includes what it’s made of, the manufacturing process, the packaging used, the transportation costs, and what happens to the item after someone has purchased it. At every stage, there are opportunities to improve an item of clothing’s sustainability, whether it’s through conserving resources, reducing pollutants, or minimising its impact on the environment.

Knowing how to identify sustainable clothing can help reduce its environmental impact and encourage fair labour practices, while also providing the purchaser with more durable, higher-quality clothing. The promotion of this more circular economy based on the reuse or regeneration of materials is the most effective way to help make fashion a more sustainable concept and industry. 

Tips for shopping more sustainably

Educate yourself

The first step towards becoming a more conscious, sustainable shopper is to do your research to help guide your decision-making at every step of the way. Learning what brands align with your sustainable principles can help you build a portfolio of brands to purchase from, but if you are unsure, there are plenty of sustainable brand guides to help start you off. Things you should look out for include;

• Clothing made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, linen, or recycled materials (while avoiding synthetic options like polyester).
• Signs of ethical production practices, including a Fair Trade label, which ensures fair wages and conditions for workers, ethical certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) which verify clothing is made from at least 70% organic fibres, and overal transparency from a brand who are open about their supply chain and production processes.
• Quality and durable clothing that will last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements. Whether it’s the new denim jeans just added to the wardrobe or the wholesale winter hats bought for last year’s winter, we all need to get into the habit of rewearing our clothes, and purchasing higher-quality garments can help achieve this. 

Greenwashing exists in the fashion world, so it is important to commit to researching each brand you purchase from properly. 

Adapt your attitude to shopping

The idea of letting go of the thrill a new shopping purchase can bring is hard, but you don’t need to give it up entirely. Alongside shopping for new clothing at sustainable brands, opting for vintage pieces, second-hand shopping, or renting out items for special occasions are other great ways to avoid relying on fast fashion, and give you the kick you get out of shopping. 

Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, and 1stDibs offer great second-hand designer clothing at reasonable prices.

Build a trans-seasonal wardrobe

To avoid overspending on clothing every season, aim to purchase key pieces you know will work year-round. Being more considerate and focusing on layerable, versatile pieces you can wear through both the warmer and cooler months will ensure you don’t purchase more clothing than you need, encourage mindful, long-lasting choices, and help reduce your environmental footprint. 

Focus on garments in neutrals like black, white, beiges, or greys for easy pairing, clothing that can be layered, like long tops or sweaters, and pieces with versatility like adjustable or removable linings, for the most combination options.

Take proper care of your clothing

Guidelines on washing and caring for your clothes are there for a reason. Taking proper care when washing, drying, and hanging will help with the longevity of your garments and ensure you do not need to replace them as often. 

Even if an item rips or breaks, it does not necessarily spell the end of it. Learning how to make simple repairs on your clothes and accessories can help extend their life, or better yet, find a professional or tailor who can do it for you. Training yourself not to immediately throw items away is an important step towards living more sustainably. 

Donate unwanted items

Help someone else on their sustainable journey and donate your unwanted or unworn clothing. Giving your clothing a second life can bring joy to someone else while reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of the item as well. Some donated clothing also ends up at textile recyclers to be turned into new clothing or products. 

A good sustainable practice can be considered a one-in, one-out policy – every time you purchase a new item, donate one as well.