Your clothes are you; what you wear makes a statement. Your personality shines, or not, with what you wear. If you are looking to transform what is currently hanging in your closet and ‘go green’, here are some of the ways to achieve that.
•Be more informed
One of the most difficult things about trying to be more sustainable is knowing where to start – and more importantly, where to shop. Do a little investigative work to find a handful of brands you love and start from there. After a while, your portfolio of knowledge will have grown – and you’ll have a whole host of labels to choose from.
•Invest in evergreen clothes
Only buy items that you know are going to work for you all-year-round. Spend the bulk of your money on pieces that will see you through more than one season. Jeans, T-shirts, classic dresses, timeless coats and jackets will make for a much more sustainable wardrobe.
•Organise your Wardrobe
Organise your wardrobe and look after what you have so you can celebrate the pieces that you love. If you can actually see what’s in your closet, you’re much more likely to be inventive when styling outfits, meaning you’re less likely to buy new pieces. There is so much value in having less. With less, our minds are calmer and our headspace clearer.
•Say ‘Yes’ to Organic Cotton
Try to avoid fabrics that use micro fibres— these fabrics often end up polluting the oceans and are difficult to clean up because the particles are so tiny. Alternatively, choose an organic or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified cotton. GOTS certified cottons are monitored from the point of growth and monitor the fair trade of the farmers, the consumption of water used, regulate pesticides used and on a whole, monitor the full supply chain. Ensure you always do your research but try to ensure fabrics are taken from a source that can be replenished and always, always recycle!
•Start a love story with your costumes that needs a new life
Rediscover the connection you have with the clothing you already own. Start a love story with a piece of clothing that needs a new life, embroider into it and redefine what new means to you!
•Donate your unwanted clothes
Donating your unwanted clothes to a good cause, rather than leaving them hanging in your wardrobe will help others to be more sustainable, who will invest in your old pieces, rather than buying something new. A great way to do this is to have a one-in, one-out policy – live by the mantra that every time you buy something, you’ll donate something else in your wardrobe.