How to Build a Sustainable Wardrobe In our minds, it’s easy to see why. According to an EPA report, The amount of textile waste in the US alone has increased to 17 million tons. Clothing and footwear waste accounts for a staggering 5.8 percent of this figure and continues to rise. Wondering how you can do your part to reduce this waste?read on to learn more Build a more sustainable wardrobe.

What is a Sustainable Wardrobe?

you may be thinking, I want to reduce my fashion footprint, but What is a Sustainable Wardrobe? Sustainability in fashion can come in many forms, but broadly speaking, a sustainable wardrobe ends up having a less negative impact on our planet.For example, organic cotton has minimal environmental impact All cotton types. Using recycled polyester instead of virgin polyester is another way to ensure the sustainable success of your clothing. Aside from recycling clothes and shopping for eco-friendly pieces, there are plenty of ways to create a closet that Mother Nature loves.Let’s Dive Into Our 10 Tips How to build a more sustainable wardrobe.

10 steps to building a sustainable wardrobe

1. Start with the organization

when Create a sustainable wardrobe, The first step is start with organization。 You may already have the sustainable wardrobe of your dreams – you just have to see it for yourself. Seemingly daunting tasks will reveal what you need, what you don’t, and what you’re missing.

First, sort all your clothes. For example, group all pants together, then T-shirts, skirts, dresses, etc. Got your pile? Now, organize each stack into wanted and unwanted items. Audit all your belongings to see if your sustainable wardrobe is complete. Don’t forget to recycle pieces that no longer spark joy.Reuse is an important step Build a more sustainable wardrobe.

2. Do your research

Now that you’ve organized what you already have, it’s time to do your research. To fill gaps in your wardrobe, pinpoint Brands that source, manufacture and use ethical materials to sustainably produce their clothing. Identify companies that are transparent about where their products are manufactured. Additionally, identify businesses that hold suppliers accountable to high environmental standards and take concrete steps to protect workers and the planet. Explore a brand’s values ​​and see if they use eco-friendly materials such as organic or recycled fabrics. This is also the perfect time to assess whether you need new clothes, or whether you can opt for used clothes.Adding some vintage or old clothes is a great solution How to build a more sustainable wardrobe.

3. Change your shopping habits

You’ve done your research, but before you shop, it’s time Edit your shopping habits. Move the camera to need replace thinkis an essential step How to Build a More Sustainable Wardrobe. collect too many debris just in case Will result in wardrobe taking up space and ultimately waste. Shopping with this mindset is also a waste of time, as it creates a wardrobe that you scrutinize every morning. Save time, money, and the planet by purchasing the quality products you need and will always use.

4. Evaluation of abrasion resistance

In our sustainable focus shopping perspective, it’s time Evaluate wear resistance。 No matter how a garment is made, if you’re not going to wear it, it’s not truly sustainable. A big part of sustainability is the wearability of the pieces. ask yourself, How many times will I actually wear it? According to Livia Firth, Founder of Ecological Age, put it back in place if you’re not going to wear it at least 30 times.With this mindset, you’re one step closer to choosing the perfect piece Create a more sustainable wardrobe.

5. Shop for versatility

The key to sustainable shopping is buy versatility. Look for pieces that can rock in multiple ways over multiple seasons.The epitome of shopping for versatility is creating a capsule wardrobe。 Creating a capsule wardrobe involves stripping your wardrobe down to a small base that can be mixed and matched to create many different looks. In general, most capsule wardrobes consist of fewer than 30 items, including shoes. Now, that’s versatility at its best. Not ready for a capsule wardrobe? not afraid. You are not alone on this sustainable path. Your stylist can help you find strong pieces that are sustainable and versatile.

6. Check care labels

Now let’s get the most out of the research you’ve done Check care labels。 Make sure to check the sustainability claims of any garment before buying it.buzzwords used by companies greenwashing Their consumers perceive a piece of clothing as environmentally friendly.Misleading terms that are not regulated by the fashion industry, such as Nature Used to mask products that are not necessarily more sustainable.

Another deceptive tactic is to focus on the good parts of clothing to mask its toxic properties. Constantly compare and contrast a piece’s outward promise with its actual composition on the care label. Still not sure if clothing is sustainable? Gain clarity by doing a quick online search of the brand before buying.With this information, you can figure out How to Build a More Sustainable Wardrobe.

7. Quality Check

we’ve all heard the saying quality not quantity This is especially true for tip #7: quality inspection. If the quality is low, it may lack sustainability due to lack of wear resistance. Begin your quality check by gently pulling on the seams of the garment to make sure it is tightly stitched together. This can be a good indicator of durability. Also, check that all functional parts such as buttons and zippers are working properly.

While most people associate high quality with high price, it may actually be the opposite. There are many vintage and old items of good quality at low prices. Don’t forget to do the same QA here too. No matter the cost, as far as sustainability goes, make sure it’s high quality before you buy.

8. Invest wisely

The cousin of QA is invest wisely。 In the long run, it’s less expensive to spend more on long-lasting pieces than to repeatedly buy cheaper alternatives. Another key move is investing more in pieces you wear every day, rather than special occasion pieces. An item of clothing purchased for a one-off event will likely stay in your closet after you wear it. And a high-quality piece, such as a classic denim jacket, will remain the same.Investing wisely in everyday wear is a priority Build a more sustainable wardrobe.

9. Take care

What good is quality if you don’t careful your investment? Garments require proper care to remain sustainable. Make sure to check the care instructions on the label to maintain sustainable product life. clean properly, wear and store your clothes. Fold knits and sweaters instead of hanging them to avoid stretching. Only wash clothes when they need to be washed, hang to dry instead of machine wash. The better you treat them, the better they will treat you.

Stylist Tip: Did you know that washing your jeans inside out can reduce fading and last longer? This trick protects the fibers on the outside of denim from friction and the harsh effects of certain detergents. Now that you know it, pass it along to those who don’t. Style sharing is caring.

10. Restoration, Restoration and Recycling

Last but not least, remember Repair, Restoration and Recycling When building a more sustainable wardrobe。 Instead of throwing away broken items in your closet, learn how to fix them by watching how-to videos. If repairs aren’t your thing, find a trusted tailor. Developing rather than discarding is a Gold Star practice for sustainability.

Refresh your clothes by repurposing them for other uses, or donate them to someone who can welcome them into their closet. Cut a pair of faded jeans into a pair of vintage shorts. Create a cropped tank top from a worn tee.for something reminiscent of This year’s cottage core trend。 You can even make pillows and blankets out of your worn clothes. Gather your friends for a safe swap party and give a lightly worn item a new home. Donate your clothes to a great cause. The possibilities for a sustainable revival are truly endless.

When all else fails, don’t ruin the power of a sustainable wardrobe by throwing it in the trash. No matter how long you wear it, waste is waste. Search for textile recycling centers in your area to dispose of your old clothes the right way. Can’t find a center in your area? Ask your local thrift store what they do with unsold clothes. If recycling is the answer, then you’re good to go.

Brands Can Help You Build a More Sustainable Wardrobe

Are you drooling over all the fashion pieces in this article? good news.all from Stitch Fix’s Sustainable Apparel Brand. At Stitch Fix, we are a force for sustainability. We hold ourselves and our suppliers accountable by building an ethical supply chain and taking measurable actions to maintain a healthier planet. We offer socially conscious products from over 50 Sustainability-conscious brands, Aligned with our ideal of driving industry standards forward.

want to start build a more sustainable wardrobe, Or looking for pieces to complete what you already have? Take your style quiz And keep your stylist on the lookout for sustainable pieces for future restoration. Shipping and returns are always free and we use shipping materials made from 100% post-recycled products. Try it all in the comfort of your own home, relax and have peace of mind. We’ll help you achieve a more sustainable dream closet, one fix at a time.