Shopping for clothes is one of the most exciting activities for anyone. Aside from finding beautiful, eye-catching pieces, nothing beats the thrill of spotting a shirt or a dress on sale.
When the price of the clothes is just a fraction of the original cost, most people will grab the opportunity to buy it even if there is no occasion. Some would also collect clothes that they would not even wear and end up in the trash after a few seasons.
Because of this practice, approximately 13 million tons of textile waste reaches landfills globally every year. It could harm the planet if this practice continues.
To avoid this, more brands begin to offer sustainable clothing that aims to provide fashionable outfits that promise to protect the earth.
Australian fashion house Arnhem clothing shared that their brand believes that it is vital to come up with clothes that use eco-friendly practices from the start, such as looking for fibres that provide low ecological impact.
It could eventually reduce the contribution of the fashion industry to water, plastic, and greenhouse gas emission pollution.
But shopping for sustainable clothes can be costlier compared to buying items from the sale rack. However, you can still purchase ethical garments without breaking the bank with the help of these smart tricks.
Tip #1: Buy Versatile, Durable Clothes with Classic Designs
One of the reasons why cheap clothes end up in the garbage in the first place is when the textile shows signs of wear and tear after using it several times.
But if you intend to buy sustainable outfits, look for something that is durable and can last for years. It will allow you to wear the same clothes repeatedly for a long time.
So invest in classic pieces that will never go out of trend if you want to save money from buying clothes regularly and avoid throwing substandard clothing in the trash.
Tip #2: Consider Buying Clothes from Brands That Uses Environment-Friendly Practices
The fashion industry has long been under criticism for using cruel manufacturing practices such as wasting tons of textiles every year and employing underaged and underpaid workers.
But new brands are now more determined than ever to end these practices. Some brands, like Arnhem clothing, have a strong commitment to recycling and use solar power during the manufacturing process. Opting to buy clothing that is made from sustainable materials like bamboo underwear can make a big environmental difference.
According to the Australian fashion house, they also support several local and international charity organisations that aim to address various environmental issues.
If you patronise brands like this, you will both feel and look good in the clothes that you purchase, which makes every cent that you spent worthwhile.
Tip #3: Look for Brands That Use Recycled Materials
More brands use the latest innovation using polyester fabric developed from recycled plastic bottles to create moisture-wicking clothes like swimsuits or gym fashion.
So instead of using virgin polyester derived from petroleum, sustainable fashion houses choose the recycled polyester fabric to keep plastic bottles from reaching the ocean or filling the landfills.
Some companies also reuse vintage clothing and redesign it to create a brand-new item that comes with collectable value.
Supporting sustainable brands when buying clothes may not be as cheap as purchasing items from large fashion retail brands that often offer items at extremely low price points.
But investing in eco-friendly garments will allow you to get lasting pieces that you can wear for years to come. It will help you save up on your shopping budget in the long run, and help save the environment as well.
