With the fashion industry making up 10 percent of humanity’s carbon emissions, the need to be a sustainable consumer has never been greater. When looking into the industry it may feel all doom and gloom. But, as we understand more about the negative impact fashion is having on our planet, inspiring alternatives to the fast fashion movement keep appearing.
In this final instalment of our New Year’s Resolution series, we share three slow fashion movement tips to help you be the most sustainable consumer you can be in 2023.
Tip 1: Love what you’ve Got
It sounds obvious and cliché, but the most impactful way to be a sustainable fashion consumer is to return to what you already have in your wardrobe. It is estimated that we only wear 20 percent of our wardrobe 20 percent of the time - so the first step to sustainable consumption is looking through what you already have. If something doesn’t work for you now, think could it be repurposed? Or altered to fit better?
For those items that you do wear all the time, with proper clothing care, your beloved garments will last for years longer. Check out our website for natural products that refresh your wardrobe, for example our Leather Care Kit that prevents your leather from cracking, or our Knitwear Mist which keeps the moths away! For more detailed advice on the best ways to care for your clothes, head to our journals.
Tip 2: Rent your Clothes
A few years ago, clothing rental was practically unheard of, and it definitely was not mainstream; today, they are everywhere. With the pressure to always wear a new outfit, Britons throw away a crazy £140m worth of wearable clothes each year. Renting your clothes is a great way to keep showing off new styles, but sustainably.
Across the UK, there are so many companies offering subscription based rental services. After some research, Hurr Collective is one of the fashionista’s favourites for clothing, and Cocoon Club’s service is especially loved by handbag lovers.
Tip 3: Repair, Alter & Repurpose Mindset
In our throwaway culture, we often get rid of clothing when they are broken rather than investing time and energy into fixing them, as previous generations would have done. Adjusting your mindset will help you see value in the things you own rather than chucking stuff in the bin and reaching for the shops.
Repairing a hole, or replacing a zip can be done yourself. First, you have to buy a darning and mending set and find some threads that either match your fabric or tastefully contrast it! We have lots of video tutorials to help you repair - check one out here.
If you do not feel comfortable repairing something yourself, or you need something a little out of your skill range, then find a seamstress service. These are not as expensive as you think ( a replacement zip is definitely less than brand new jeans!). Clothes Doctor has a service that helps with repairs and alterations, and you don’t even have to leave your house. Find out more about our services here.
For more inspiring, yet achievable New Year’s Resolutions, read part 1 and part 2 of this series.
For more clothing care tips explore more of our blogs, such as our blog on how to hand wash merino wool, or how to hand wash a wool jumper. For our whole range of detergents, mists, tools and accessories that extend the life and improve the look, feel and smell, of your wardrobe favourites, explore our whole range.
