Avoid fast fashion companies
This one sounds simple, but we know how easy it can be to get sucked into low prices and fast shipping. Everywhere we look, we are bombarded by ads for companies that profit from our desire to spend and grab a bargain. These companies are polluting our planet with endless fabric waste, and if we all make a conscious effort to start valuing quality over quantity, we can make a huge change simply by making clever decisions about where we buy our clothes from.
Long term over short term
Think about the future of each piece of clothing you buy. How long will it last you? How often will you wear it? Is it a good investment piece? Buy timeless pieces that you know you can rock forever, rather than an item that you might only wear once.
Choose quality over quantity
It’s not just the planet that will thank you for buying fewer high-quality clothing items at a regular price instead of being stuck in a never ending cycle of purchasing low priced, low quality items that you need to replace regularly. In the long run, your wallet will thank you too!
What matters is the material
The majority of fast fashion items are made from low grade synthetic fabrics such as polyester, acrylic and nylon. These are huge pollutants and do not biodegrade when thrown away. Choosing biodegradable fabrics such as wool, cotton or hemp is another way of making a sustainable choice while shopping in fashion.
Who are you buying from?
Being informed about the company you are buying from can really help keep your shopping habits sustainable. Here at Go Thrift, we always advise shopping second hand. This is the most sustainable way of reducing the amount of fabric sent to landfill. However, there are many other clothing companies out there that strive to sell sustainable only clothing from sustainable sources. A little research goes a long way before you make your purchase.
Shop vintage!
Shopping vintage is an amazing way to give clothing a second chance at life, as well as being able to rock styles from your favourite era. We love a pair of 70’s flares or a 90’s grunge denim jacket. They really don’t make them like they used to!
Don’t give up if something breaks
Favourite jumper got a hole in it? New shirt has a coffee stain? All of these can be fixed, if you’re willing to put the time into it. Rather than throwing away a damaged item, why not learn a new skill and pick up a needle and thread, or take your shirt to the dry cleaners for a professional to take a look at that stain. Repairing items can significantly add to the shelf life of your clothing and is the most sustainable way of looking after your wardrobe.
Donate, donate, donate!
We get it, we can’t be expected to keep every item of clothing forever. We’re realistic, and we do understand that sometimes things just aren’t your bag anymore, or don’t fit the way they used to. Be responsible about disposing of your items and make sure you donate them to a worthy cause. There are plenty of charities out there who would love to take your old clothes off your hands to sell on for a worthy cause.
Keeping to these sustainable shopping tips will really help reduce the carbon footprint of your wardrobe and keep you looking fresh all year round!
