Sustainable Fashion: 6 Steps to Greener Style
The notion of having a sustainable fashion style is becoming increasingly popular, as people are starting to recognise the importance of reducing their environmental footprint. More often than not, this involves making a conscious effort to purchase eco-friendly items and regulate the use of products and materials that are damaging to the environment.
Whether you’re looking to pull off the streetwear style, rock the latest trends, or simply build your wardrobe in an environmentally-friendly manner, there are several steps you can take to make sure you’re doing your bit for the planet.
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What Are Examples of Sustainable Fashion?
In these modern times, there is an ever-growing list of sustainable options. Some require more effort than others, but all are worth considering if you’re seriously aiming to make a difference in the overall fashion industry.
Switch to Ethical Jewellery
Most people wouldn’t think twice about the origins of their accessories, as these items are often thought to be relatively harmless. After all, what could possibly be wrong with a pretty piece of jewellery?
However, many pieces are crafted with materials like gold and silver mined using unethical labour practices. This means that someone, somewhere, is being exploited and their labour is not fairly compensated. As such, the pieces they create are contributing to a cycle of social injustice. The only way to break this cycle is by investing in ethical minimal bracelets and other accessories to ensure that no one is being taken advantage of.
Plus, many sustainable bracelets and necklaces are designed with eco-friendly materials. This means that they can be traced back to their source, with no harm done to the environment or its inhabitants. All of the pieces are made with recycled metals and ethically-sourced gemstones, so you can be sure that your accessories will not only look great but also help to protect the planet.
Most of the eco-friendly minimal bracelets are completely tarnish-resistant and extremely durable, which means they’ll last longer and require less maintenance. All you need to do is clean them once in a while with a damp cloth or brush and they’ll look as good as new for years to come.
Moreover, they often feature trendy designs and intricate engravings to ensure that you have an array of options to choose from. Whether it’s a geometric bracelet, an abstract necklace, or anything in between, there is something for everyone who’s looking to add a unique flair to their ensemble.
Look for Vintage and Second-Hand Items
If you’re looking for sustainable fashion pieces that won’t break the bank, you should definitely consider going for vintage and second-hand items. This is a great way to give old garments a new life and help extend their lifespan.
The idea of thrifting already has its own devoted following, with more and more people taking advantage of this great resource. It’s a fun and exciting experience that can also yield great results in terms of style. Plus, it’s a good way to get access to pieces that are no longer available in the market, or the trendiest items without having to pay full price.
Find Trans-Seasonal Pieces
There’s hardly anyone today who doesn’t think of fashion in terms of trends and seasons. What feels right in the summer may look outdated and definitely not warm enough in the winter. But if you want to make your fashion more sustainable, you should purchase pieces that can be worn throughout different seasons without having to buy new items each time the temperature drops a degree or two.
This involves investing in items that are both stylish and versatile. Look for materials like wool, cashmere, linen, cotton, and silk that can help keep you warm during the cooler months while still providing a chic touch. You can also find trans-seasonal items such as a leather coat, trench, or blazer that can be worn in the springtime and beyond.
Make Informed Brand Decisions
It’s easy to get swept away by the marketing gimmicks of big brands and convince ourselves that we need to have their latest product. It’s often not until after the purchase is made that we realise how little thought was put into it.
The only way to make sure your fashion choices are not harming the environment is by looking for brands that are committed to sustainability. Do your research and make sure the brand is transparent about its sourcing, manufacturing processes, and any other relevant information.
Be Selective
It’s not just about going gung-ho with your clothing purchases. It’s also about being mindful and selective of what you buy and why. Try to limit yourself to only buying items that you know you’ll love for a long time, instead of going for the quick-fix approach.
Think about whether an item is something you can wear multiple times or mix it up with different pieces in your wardrobe. This is also a good way to make sure you don’t end up with an overstuffed closet full of items that no longer fit or are just plain outdated.
Take Proper Care of Your Clothes
Making your clothing items last as long as possible is an important part of keeping the environment safe. When we take proper care of our clothes, it reduces the number of resources needed to create new items.
This means taking the time to wash and store items properly, as well as doing simple repairs if you can. Even replacing a lost button or sewing up a loose hem can make all the difference in keeping your garments looking like new for a much longer period of time.
