The fashion industry is constantly evolving. In order to keep up with the latest styles, you often have to shop for new clothes every season. Finding fashionable clothes can feel like a financial burden, and many shoppers turn to affordable clothing that may not be made in a sustainable manner. However, by using the following suggestions, you can make your clothes buying journey an eco-friendly adventure. Where to buy clothes
Look for Clothes in Thrift Stores
Shopping at thrift stores is a great way to find affordable and fashionable clothes. Secondhand clothes don’t require new materials, energy, or water to make them, which lowers their impact on the environment. Savvy shoppers can find affordable, next-to-new, fashionable clothes by going to thrift shops and taking a bit of time searching through the racks.
Go to Garage Sales or Swap Meets
Similar to shopping at thrift shops, going to garage sales and swap meets gives you the opportunity to buy secondhand clothes. When people are selling clothes, they often take the time to present them in an attractive way and you can often find pieces without stains, tears, or damage.
The seller will generally arrange the clothing items so that you can easily go through the racks or piles to see what’s available. Not only is buying secondhand clothes from a vendor at a garage sale or swap meet helpful for the environment, but you’re also helping the seller make a bit of money.
Shop Brands That Use Sustainable Fabrics
One of the keys to shopping for eco-friendly clothing is to look for items made with sustainable fabrics and materials. Sustainable and environmentally friendly fabrics come from sources that are easily renewable, have a smaller impact on the environment, and come from responsibly sourced farms. Fabrics to look for include organic cotton, bamboo, recycled cotton, organic hemp and linen, silk, and sustainably raised animal wool.
Upcycle or Repurpose Old Clothing
Upcycling or repurposing means taking old or worn-out clothes and making them into new garments. Upcycled clothes are gaining popularity in the fashion industry, and several clothing brands will take back old clothes and repurpose them into a modern style. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, upcycling your older clothes can be a fun and environmentally friendly hobby.
Shop Flash Sales
Sustainable and ethical brands will sometimes hold flash sales to reduce inventory or to get some visibility. You can pick up new, high-quality clothing and outerwear at a fraction of the cost of the brand’s new clothes. Some stores will even hold sales of returned items at a deeply discounted price. The store will often sell gently used or returned apparel from top retailers who’ve built their brands on sustainable practices.
Avoid the fast-fashion trend of waste and harmful practices by shopping at thrift stores, supporting brands that use sustainable and ethical practices, and buying from companies that offer upcycled apparel. Shopping for eco-friendly clothes can help reduce the fashion industry’s impact on the environment. In addition, you can find unique pieces of clothing to create your own fashion statement.
