How To Build an Eco-Friendly Wardrobe

 

An eco-friendly wardrobe probably looks a little something like this: natural fabrics, versatile styles, and durable materials. Beyond that, the price tags amount to what it costs for ethical production and fair wages. And not to mention, you won’t ever find yourself feeling “outdated” because your wardrobe has been carefully selected to fit your personal style, and no one elses!

On the other hand, an unsustainable wardrobe might look like a bunch of flimsy fabrics, noticeable wear, and tear, and pieces that you haven’t touched in years.
If your wardrobe sounded like the latter of the two, it’s probably time to do a little closet cleaning and slowly incorporate some new shopping habits moving forward. The best part is, we’re here to help you! We have a couple of tips to guide you on building the low-impact and budget-friendly wardrobe of your dreams!
 

Be Selective

One habit that the fast fashion industry has taught us is to shop for everything at once. We know how fun it can be to make massive purchases all at once and open a package with a brand new wardrobe. If you’ve done this before, you might have realized that you don’t always end up loving each piece as much as you should. Don’t worry; we’re here to help you break this habit!

By being selective with your wardrobe, it means that you focus on one piece at a time. Don’t shop for new pajamas, pants, and coats all in the same day. Instead, start with one group of clothing that you need the most. The more you focus on one piece of clothing, the better decision making you’ll have when you think about whether this item is perfect for you or not. 

Sustainable fashion is about expressing your own beauty. When you glance inside your wardrobe, you should see pieces that best reflect who you are as a person, the colors that make you feel alive, and fabrics that fit your silhouette! 

 

 

Look For Durable Materials

Speaking of fabrics, always keep your eye out for durability! The more durable the material, the more likely you are to wear it. Something might have the loveliest print, but the fabric makes all the difference in how it wears. 

Opt for plant-based fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, Lenzing modal, or linen. These fabrics are breathable, strong, planet-friendly, and non-toxic for your skin. Paying attention to the material is crucial when you’re shopping on a budget and trying to be eco-conscious. 

Cheaper fabrics are often synthetic and are likely to last you a solid year or two at the most. Depending on how often you wear and wash them, it’s doubtful that they’ll hold up in your closet for years. And the thing is, they aren’t meant to! Sustainable brands make their clothing with longevity in mind. Meaning, you can expect your clothes to last you years to a lifetime due to the most durable fabrics.

 

Timelessness Over Trends

As we said before, our wardrobe should reflect who we are. That’s why it’s essential to be selective when we shop for our clothing. Take a few moments to think about why you’re purchasing something. If it’s because you’ve seen it online, you’re most likely falling into the trend trap!

 

Instead, choose something timeless over the trend. As you’ll notice, your wardrobe won’t ever go out of style once you shop with this in mind. You won’t be shopping every few weeks for something new; you’ll be able to find something for any kind of event in your closet. Be as minimal and as mindful as you can here. Choose colors that are flattering for your skin tone and neutral enough to be paired with anything! 

Proper Care

Something we often forget about when we think of building our “green” wardrobe is how we care for our current clothes. Taking proper care is a significant part of building an eco-friendly wardrobe because it means we’re making fewer purchases over the years. Our clothes protect our skin, so it’s only fair that we protect them in the same way from damage, tears, and stains! 

 

To organize your closet, fold the heavier fabrics like pants, and hang the lighter ones like blouses. This way, you’ll sustain the life of your clothes, and you won’t have to repair them as often. For the items that need extra love like a sweater with a loose button, take it to a local tailor instead of considering it broken! There’s nothing like repairing our favourite pieces, especially if it means that we don’t need to buy an entirely new one, costing us extra money and putting more strain on the environment.

 

Building an eco-friendly wardrobe should be just as fun as your typical shopping spree, but it should also make you feel good for caring about the planet. Something as small as changing the way we shop has a huge environmental impact. Together, we are working towards a much more sustainable fashion industry! 

- The Woron Team