How to get a green wardrobe
A green wardrobe is one you open and feel excited and proud. You always have something to wear and your attitude towards fashion is mindful of its greater impacts. But this wardrobe can look very different from person to person. So let’s discuss some ideas!
The most sustainable clothing is the items we already own
It’s not the most exciting thing to read, but it’s true. The greenest clothing is what we already have in our wardrobe. Looking at what we already own is a good starting point to decide what we might actually need to purchase. For example, if there is something in your wardrobe that you wear hundreds of times, maybe getting another similar version might be an idea. Or if there is something you never wear, don’t buy anything similar because chances are you won’t wear that either and clutter and waste is created in the process.
Swap clothes with friends
Chances are, your friends will have some clothes they want to get rid of. It seems to be human nature that most of us own a surplus amount of stuff and we always want to declutter. As a first point of call to get new clothing, ask your friends what they want to get rid of and see if there’s anything you can take off their hands. This extends the life of garments that would otherwise be disposed of, and saves them from ending up in landfill.
Thrift in shops or online
Second-hand clothing is great because again, it extends the life of a garment and saves it from being trashed. A green wardrobe is one where every new purchase is as ethical as possible, so keep your wits about you when shopping second-hand, especially online. People on apps might be ‘drop shipping’ or selling new cheap items ordered in bulk from wholesalers in China instead of true vintage. A green wardrobe is also quite minimal, so remember not to get too excited and buy everything you see just because it’s cheap.
Purchase new items from sustainable and ethical suppliers
Hand-me-downs and vintage items are fantastic, but buying new can also be sustainable, if you’re looking in the right places. Collé Group and the sustainable fashion businesses that produce with us are transparent with where they manufacture, the labour they use and how they source their fabrics so you can investigate these sustainability credentials yourself and ensure you’re buying ethically. After some time, you’ll know exactly what to look for and be able to spot greenwashing a mile away!
Always consider quality
Some brands are renowned for making clothing so cheaply that it’s not even sustainable to buy them second-hand because they will only break down. Try to build a green wardrobe with quality clothing that will last for many wears and washes. The more you wear an item, the more sustainable it becomes. So avoid cheap brands and clothes made from plastic fibres and look for quality instead!
