6 Easy Tips to Building a More Sustainable Wardrobe

Happy New Year, everyone! I wanted to start my first post of 2021 with a topic that I think about often. After watching The Lorax this break, it inspired me to be even more intentional with the products I purchase in this new year. For those who have read my previous posts, you may notice that I practice ‘sustainability’ a little differently. I don’t own any items from Everlane, or a capsule wardrobe. However, I have come to appreciate that being a conscious consumer does not have to look one way. Here are 6 sustainable wardrobe tips for beginners that I follow.

Though before I start, here is a quote that I have found reassuring during the moments when I felt scared of making the wrong choices. Remember, it’s a continual learning process, even if you are just making small lifestyle shifts bit by bit.

Wardrobe Tip 1: Proper Clothing Care is Important

(In case this point wasn’t already obvious by my earlier posts) 🙂 There was a point in college when I threw everything I wore into the laundry machine and dryer. Some snagged, some shrunk, some stretched. The bottom line was that my poor habits turned my clothes into pieces I could no longer rewear or sell.

To be blunt, if we don’t start with caring for what we own, it won’t matter what brands we buy from. Our clothes will still end up as waste.

Here are some posts I have written so on fabric care. Though just a start, I hope to continue sharing more about the topic, especially as it has become a bigger part of my daily life.

• The 6 Unique Benefits of Air-Drying Your Clothes
• How I Use The Laundress’ Scented Vinegar Product

Wardrobe Tip 2: Maximize Versatility

I am not sure if this point is a controversial one, but I don’t believe you need to own a capsule wardrobe to in order to be sustainable. For those who have successfully maintained one, I definitely admire and respect the concept. However, for several reasons, I did not feel that it made sense for me. Here are just my personal thoughts:

• I did not want to start a brand new wardrobe. (open to contrary opinions) It’s a bit of a catch 22, but the very purpose of creating a capsule wardrobe would require me to overhaul clothes I’ve purchased over the years to create a new, albeit minimalistic, one.

• It limits my styling options. I love neutrals, but also the occasional pop of color and vibrant prints just as much. For me, a capsule wardrobe limited my ability to incorporate both.

So what’s the alternative? Buy with versatility in mind. If you don’t choose to create a capsule wardrobe, lead with buying pieces that you can wear multiple ways, seasons, or occasions.

Wardrobe Tip 3: Consider Your Cost per Wear

Sustainable fashion does not have to be expensive. I am not encouraging to strictly purchase from ‘sustainable’ fashion brands (erhm, Everlane) as the only way to be a conscious consumer. The point is more to invest in better quality pieces you can wear for a longer time. (though by all means, find it on sale)

What are some brands that are slightly better in quality than the average fast fashion retailer? I find the higher price justifiable if it means I can wear the piece for longer, due to higher quality.

Wardrobe Tip 4: Buy clothes that are built to last.

Through the course of my blogging journey, I hope to share more posts on what to look for in high-quality clothing. (Earlier examples: trench coat guide, wool coat guide) This point goes hand-in-hand with tip 3. I have made a lot of regrettable purchases in the past. My worst was probably a cute ruffle dress that snagged on every possible surface. If my hands were chapped that day, you bet I’d pull on a few loose threads and ruin the whole thing.

These days, I have been holding back on buying clothes simply because they were cute and on sale. Yes, I am calling out my own tendencies to make emotional purchases. Rather, I try to purchase durable pieces that fit a distinct purpose in my closet. And that leads well into my next tip.

Wardrobe Tip 5: Ask Yourself—’How does this piece add value to my closet?’

I used to be very guilty of buying (or eyeing) things that look similar to pieces I already own. At least that means my taste is consistent. But truthfully, I don’t need 4 beige sweaters. These days, I keep a strict guideline for myself: if the clothing I am thinking of buying looks even remotely similar to something I already own, I put it back on the shelf.

On the flip side, if I am looking to buy clothes for a special occasion, I may consider investing in one piece that can be repurposed, or just renting it.

Wardrobe Tip 6: Sell Gently Used Clothes on Marketplaces

Let’s be honest, I have not been perfect in keeping all of these guidelines. Some of my biggest fashion waste comes from the following:

• Buying ill-fitting clothes online that I was too lazy to return
• Falling for the temptation of buying something pretty, but impractical (e.g. all those sequin skirts and tops I bought, when I don’t even enjoy going to New Year’s parties)
• Sample sales that did not let me try clothes on before purchasing

So here is the last of my sustainable wardrobe tips for beginners: Rather than throwing barely worn clothes away, I sell them on online marketplaces. A few popular ones are ThredUp, Depop, eBay, and Poshmark. I leave this tip for last because I don’t suggest reselling all the time, especially if it becomes an excuse to buy more. However, this option has kept me from disposing clothes for the past 3 years.

Some additional food for thought: I have a few reasons that I don’t donate, or sell clothes to thrift stores anymore. Here is one quick read: Gentrification of Thrifting.

MY ULTIMATE SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE TIP FOR BEGINNERS: LOVED CLOTHES LAST.

It’s more than just a hashtag, but a motto I try to live by. For 2021, I plan to make it a goal of normalizing rewearing old clothes. As a fashion blogger, I get that it can feel challenging. The mere process of creating more content encourages buying more stuff. However, I want this blog to be a space where I can not only share style tips, but also ways of caring for what we already own.

Thanks for reading through my list of sustainable wardrobe tips for beginners. Did any of these points resonate? Are there any other tips you recommend trying? Excited to hear from you!