The Best Sustainable Clothes Shopping Tips

Have you recently cleaned out your wardrobe, but now need to update your clothes? In 2022, people are rightly concerned about fast fashion and its effects on the environment. Mindlessly buying new clothes just to throw them away after a few wears is definitely not fashionable anymore. But what steps can you take when you go online or out shopping for clothes to make sure your wardrobe isn’t killing the world? Here are some of the best shopping tips to keep your wardrobe as sustainable as possible. 

‘The Ex Test’

Before buying anything, do the ‘ex test.’ Try on every item you want to buy, and look in the mirror. If you bumped into your ex wearing this, would you feel confident, fashionable and attractive? If the answer is no, put it back on the rack. Reducing the amount of clothes you buy which you won’t wear can save the environment so much. By making yourself consider whether you actually want an item of clothing, you can streamline your wardrobe. It’s better to have a smaller selection of pieces you actually wear, rather than a lot of clothes you don’t, and will only end up in a landfill eventually. 

Ask Brands Questions

If you like a brand’s style, but are unsure about their ecological practices, don’t be afraid to ask them questions before you buy. Find their customer service contact details and you can ask them what their recycling policy is like, or what they do with excess stock that they don’t end up selling. The brand might also have an FAQ section on their website which might answer all of your questions. By asking these questions you can make the decision of whether a brand deserves your money and business or not. It is better to wait a few days to know the brand’s eco-policy, than panic buy and contribute to a non-sustainable brand. 

Check The Fabric

The fabric used in your clothing is incredibly important when it comes to sustainability. Try your best to avoid fabrics that use micro-fibres, as these fabrics end up polluting the ocean and are notoriously difficult to clean up because the particles are so tiny. Try to use fabrics that use organic cotton. Organic and GOTS-certified fabrics are monitored from the point of growth, and are carefully regulated in terms of the water and pesticides used. By always doing your research you can ensure that your wardrobe stays as sustainable as possible. 

Read the labels 

Always make sure to check the labels thoroughly before you buy. For example, if you’re looking at seamless gymwear, the label might be more difficult to find. If this is the case, you can look up the brand online. Furthermore, check the back of the waistband and the entirety of the leg inseam. The label will often list the brand’s sustainability policies, such as water reduction practices and whether or not they use recycled fabric. By checking the labels you can ensure that you’re buying sustainably.

It is often difficult to navigate sustainability and updating your wardrobe. By keeping these tips in mind, you can make sure that your next shopping spree is kind to the planet.