Table of Contents
Often discussions around sustainable wardrobes consist of pretty expensive suggestions, whether it’s investing in premium quality fabrics or buying only from sustainable shops with increased costs, which for many people, isn’t within their budget. That’s why this article is more centred around things you can do to make your wardrobe more sustainable, without needing to spend a fortune. From getting classics like little black dresses to renting for certain occasions, some of these things will even save you money, which is even better!
Simple, Affordable and Sustainable Wardrobe Changes
Rent For Special Occasions
We are big believers in buying for a staple wardrobe, so purchasing pieces that won’t go out of style and can be worn season after season. However, there are some pieces of clothing that you won’t wear all the time, and for special occasions, you might not just want one dress or suit that you keep rewearing.
So, renting your clothing for special occasions is a great choice to help you move towards zero waste fashion! Ideally you would utilise local rental companies to avoid the carbon produced through shipping. However, having a dress shipped to you that you wear and then send back for so many more people to enjoy is much more eco-friendly than buying brand new and wearing once. Not to mention, renting is a whole lot cheaper than choosing something completely new! Plus, trying lots of different types of clothes through renting is a great way to find your personal style.
Choose Brands You Will Wear and Love
One of the best things you can do to make your wardrobe more sustainable is to choose pieces of clothing you’ll wear and love year after year. For many people, they don’t want to break the bank. Luckily, brands are evolving with more of a focus on their sustainability, and buying a dress from a slightly less sustainable brand and wearing it 30 times is better than buying a more sustainable dress and wearing it once or twice.
So many brands that previously were known to be quite damaging in terms of their environmental impact are making clear steps to reduce their footprint, so it’s always worth continuing your research as your favourite brands that you know you will wear and love year after year may have turned a corner.
For example, Oh Polly who are famous for their going out dresses, have admitted they are constantly working to improve their sustainability focus, from low impact deliveries to using vegan materials and implementing solar panels on site. They have also introduced a “Donate For A Discount” initiative with their online clothing bank.
You could lend your favourite dresses to your friends and family for different occasions. They could do the same for you, then within a friendship group of 4 or 5, you could have a range of beautiful dresses to choose from and enjoy! Having a sustainable wardrobe is about more than just buying from sustainable brands sometimes, as it’s not always possible for some people, but making sure you wear and love the clothes you do buy for years is really important.