As consumers, what can we do to help make the textile industry more sustainable? The way we dress and our shopping habits need to change so that we become conscious consumers because small shrewdnesses in the way we shop can really make a difference.

But how can we go about having a more sustainable wardrobe? It is a simple process but one that requires time and intention. The basic rule to keep in mind is that quality is better than quantity!

Having a sustainable closet means buying consciously, not impulsively, and always asking yourself: who made these clothes and where? What materials are they made of?

If the information we are looking for is not available on the labels, then it should be looked for on the brand’s official website.

We learn to favor natural or recycled fibers that have less impact on the environment and choose a few garments to use often.

Here are some tips for having a sustainable wardrobe while saving time and money!

1. DECLUTTERING

Open your closet and select only the must-have items that you know you can wear for as long as possible. This way you can create a style that is consistent with your personality and also sustainable. As for the garments to be discarded, however, we can decide whether to sell or donate them.

2. VINTAGE OR SECOND HAND

Buying vintage or second-hand garments is one of the most sustainable choices we can make as we avoid putting a new product into circulation. There are many places to find real goodies, both physical and online: vintage stores, buying and selling apps, fixed or weekly markets, etc…

3. CONSCIOUS SHOPPING

It will often happen to us that we will not find what we want and need in the markets, so we will approach the purchase of a new garment. And this is where an important conscious choice begins: we focus on sustainable brands that offer quality clothing with low environmental impact fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo or recycled fibers.

4. AIM FOR BASIC GARMENTS

Do you know what “investment pieces” are? They are clothing items that represent an “investment,” that is, basic, quality items that are worth spending a little more on because they will pay off over time. So let’s choose them minimal, timeless and made from high-quality natural fibers. Examples are the classic white shirt, a jeans, coat or trench coat to wear and love forever.

5. BUY QUALITY GARMENTS

Choosing quality garments, so made with good fabrics and good finishing, will also allow us to enhance our figure because a well-made garment is also so in its cut, in its design.

6. REUSE AND CARE FOR YOUR GARMENTS

It is important to take good care of one’s clothing to preserve the quality of fabrics over time. Washing in an eco-friendly way means choosing eco-friendly detergents, avoiding the dryer, preferring hand washing and using as little hot water as possible. Extending the life of our clothes is essential to cut down on emissions and avoid waste, so let’s remember to make the most of all the garments in our wardrobe over time.

7. RECYCLE AND REPAIR

A key ingredient to having a sustainable wardrobe is learning how to repair. Why buy something new if we can repair an already purchased and loved garment instead? Get a sewing kit to keep on hand and look for contacts of seamstresses you can call if needed. Also always remember not to impulsively throw away garments you no longer wear: you can donate them to some charity, give them to a friend or sell them on one of the many online platforms.

Visit our online store to discover Simplicitas sustainable fashion items!