Whether you’re a conscious consumer looking to add some sustainable pieces to your wardrobe, or a budget-savvy thrifter, there’s no doubt that it’s possible to achieve both goals at once. Sustainable fashion has quickly become a popular and accessible process, and North America is leading the movement. Let’s explore how you can dress with style, purpose, and affordability all at the same time.
1. Sew Your Way to Sustainable Style
Sewing your own clothes is a great way to save money – but did you know it can also help you look after the planet? This is because fast fashion trends create unsustainable waste, with tonnes of clothes going straight to landfill each year. By ditching the fashion-cycle in favour of creating your own garments, you can:
- Ensure your clothes last longer
- Reduce your environmental impact
- Embrace your creativity
From evening wear to hats and handbags, by deciding to sew your own clothes, you can be sure of a one-of-a-kind wardrobe that is both unique and planet-friendly. Also, you can tailor garments to flatter your body shape, creating the perfect fit for you!
Start off by sourcing the right materials, from sustainable textiles to recycled vintage pieces, and you’ll be well on your way with your wardrobe revolution. For eco-friendly, fairly-traded organic fabrics, look to companies like Usual People. Also, don’t forget to consider animal-friendly, synthetic leather or vegan-friendly cork as alternatives to traditional materials.
By understanding the basics of fashion sewing, you’ll soon be able to create unique outfits that withstand the test of time. For help with garment construction and techniques, look to online tutorials or join a local workshop. If you’re limited for space or time, an electric sewing machine could help you make the most of a small workspace.
Clothing your family in sustainable style couldn’t be simpler – all you need to get started is a sewing machine and the right attitude. Sewing is the perfect way to make fashion choices that are both wallet-friendly and sustainable. So what are you waiting for? Sew your sustainable style today!
2. Dressing Eco-Consciously on a Budget
One of the biggest indicators of a person’s eco-consciousness is the type of clothing they choose to wear. It may seem impossible to dress with an eco-friendly mindset when on a budget, since most environmentally friendly options can be pricey. However, with a little research and the right resources, you can curate a wardrobe of sustainable clothing that won’t break the bank.
To start, find thrift stores or consignment shops in your area. Shopping second-hand is often the most thrifty way to build an eco-friendly wardrobe. You can find quality clothing and shoes for much cheaper than buying brand new items from a mainstream store. This also reduces the use of resources to create an item from scratch when it can be repurposed from a thrift store.
When shopping for more classic items, focus on pieces made from natural materials like organic cotton, linen, wool, silk, and other natural fabrics. It’s worth the extra investment when possible, as these natural materials are more sustainable and often more durable in the long run. When it doubt, choose clothing made of natural materials over synthetics anytime.
On the other hand, there are plenty of sustainable synthetic fabrics available on the market as well. If you do choose to buy synthetic fabrics, look for options made from recycled polyester or recycled polyester blends, such as recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fabrics. This takes plastic waste and turns it into new materials for manufacturers.
When shopping, make sure you read up on the company’s sustainability policies and production processes. And don’t forget to research what kind of materials were used, where it was made, and how it was produced. You can also take into account what kind of certifications the clothing has, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX certification.
- Shop second-hand to start building an eco-friendly wardrobe.
- Choose clothing made of natural materials over synthetics.
- Look for options made from recycled polyester.
- Read up on the company’s sustainability policies and production processes.
- Research what kind of materials were used, where it was made, and how it was produced.
- Take into account what kind of certifications the clothing has (e.g. GOTS, OEKO-TEX).
3. Time to Shop Local for Sustainable Fashion
The countdown to a more sustainable wardrobe has started! Shopping ethically and responsibly has never been as accessible. There’s no need to leave the comfort of our homes – with the power of the internet we can now choose from an amazing range of local brands, where quality and sustainability come front and centre.
First, it’s important to be mindful with our purchases and only purchase items that we actually need. Consider if a certain garment is something that you actually need in your wardrobe, and not something that you are simply impulsive buying. Most local stores will have great quality items that will last you for years.
It is essential to think about the materials, processes, and practices that go into creating that piece. The best way to do this is to do research on the local brands that we are considering to purchase from. Most brands will make sure to let us know about their sustainability mission, their fabrics choices, and the way they construct their clothing. When you look carefully, you will be able to find the right piece that suits both your style and your values.
We can look beyond the basics too. A great range of products can be found both in physical stores and online – such as:
- Upcycled and vintage pieces
- Organic and recycled fabrics
- Sustainable leather and faux leather
- Ethically made shoes
- Plant-based clothing
It’s time to break out of our Shell and fill our wardrobe with items that we have researched, loved, and that are conscious of the environment. Shopping Local for Sustainable Fashion is the least we can do to help make our world a better place!
4. Conscious Clothing Choice for the Savvy Shopper
In this day and age, making conscious clothing choices is an important part of maintaining an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. As a savvy shopper, you have the power to make an impact for the better. Here are a few tips on how to make smart clothing choices while still embracing your own personal style:
- Shop at Secondhand and Thrift Stores: Visiting your local thrift store can be a great way for finding stylish pieces with minor flaws that you can tailor to your liking. Not only will you find pieces that are less expensive than those at the mall, but you’ll also be helping the environment by buying pre-existing items and keeping them out of the landfill.
- Purchase Fair Trade Products: Paying a bit more upfront for fair trade products can go a long way. This will ensure that your clothing is made without the use of unethical labor practices, and that the people who made it are getting a fair wage.
When buying clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, look for certification labels that guarantee ethical production. This indicates that the item was produced in factories that meet certain standards of quality and fair wages. Also when you can, opt for organic material offerings by a certified brand.
Another great option when buying clothing is to seek out locally made products or independent designers and makers. This can be a great way to support local artists, and help the local economy. You can often find vintage or handcrafted items that are unique and special.
Finally, make sure you’re making clothing purchases with an eye toward durability. Investing in high-quality pieces that are built to last will not only save you money in the long run, but help keep unwanted clothing from ending up in the landfill.
By applying these tips, you can take an active stance in making conscious clothing choices that support your personal style and the environment.
We hope this article has introduced you to the world of sustainable fashion and highlighted our favorite sustainable fashion for those on a budget. With careful research and dedication to eco-friendly materials, you can find unique and stylish clothing that won’t break your bank account or the planet. Who said sustainable fashion couldn’t also be fashionable?
