1) Reuse
Increase the number of times you wear your clothes. Studies have shown that the most impactful action you can take to reduce your environmental footprint in the fashion world is to wear your clothes until they are worn out.
Researchers found that an item of clothing usually lasts between 100-200 wears, however only a small amount of clothing gets that amount of use. On average, people buy 56 new pieces of clothing each year, yet some pieces will only be worn a handful of times. We need to curb our desire to spend and get the most use out of the existing clothes we have.
Our tip? Go through your wardrobe and pick out those pieces you haven’t worn in a while and give them some love!
2) Repair
Of course you can get creative and add learning to sew to your skillset! Or watch a YouTube tutorial on how to fix your damaged clothes and give them new life. But for most of us, the best option is to take your clothes to a tailor for alterations and repairs and a good old fashioned cobbler can work magic on your shoes! Some retailers also offer repair
services.
3) Look after your clothes
Reduce the amount of clothes you buy by looking after your existing clothes to get more use out of them. Reduce washing, wash clothes on a colder wash (30° max) and where possible use the trusty old air dry method so they last longer! For more info check out Clevercare’s tips and tricks on how to look afteryour clothes to ensure they last.
4) Buy quality over quantity
Buy fewer items but invest in quality, staple pieces that will stand the test of time. Avoid buying into ‘trends’ - resist the urge to buy an endless amount of clothes and look for high quality, classic pieces that you love and will wear again and again.
5) Rent
Have a special occasion coming up and need that one-time-only fabulous outfit? Look no further than rental services. These companies allow you to hire clothes, minimising your environmental impact whilst not compromising your inner fashionista. Some of our favourites include GlamCorner , Your Closet , All the Dresses and The Volte .
6) Shop preloved
Buying vintage means you can get really creative with your individual style and think outside the box when planning outfits. It enables you to build your bespoke wardrobe, at a fraction of the cost, and fill it with items, that are unique and interesting, and which can't be found in a shopping mall, high street or online.
7) Swap
Clothes swapping is a clever and thrifty way to refresh your wardrobe, save money and help fight textile waste. Seek out a swap - or organise one with a group of friends or colleagues. Your pre-loved clothes will find a new home and you’ll leave with ‘new’ second-hand items for your own closet.
8) Sell your clothes online
Make some extra cash and revamp your old clothes and put them up for sale. Facebook Marketplace, Depop and eBay are good places to start. Make sure you give your clothes a good wash and iron before putting them up for grabs!
9) Upcycle
Another amazing way to be more sustainable with your clothing is to upcycle. Upcycling (or ‘creative reuse’) means the process of transforming items or things you already have into new ones, whether that’s by reupholstering a chair with denim jeans or turning a dress into a cushion or a jumper into a rug for a pet.
10) Donate
Many retailers are now offering donation services. The Iconic has teamed up with the Salvos and Australia Post to allow you to donate your clothes . All you need to do is pack your donation in a satchel or box (you can reuse your ICONIC delivery satchel) and download and attach the prepaid shipping label!
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Not so Fast, Fashion
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I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of sustainable practices, particularly in the realm of fashion and environmental impact. My knowledge is grounded in extensive research and practical application. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article titled "Not so Fast, Fashion."
1) Reuse: The article emphasizes the importance of increasing the number of times you wear your clothes. Research suggests that the environmental impact of fashion can be significantly reduced by wearing items until they are worn out. The average lifespan of clothing is estimated to be between 100-200 wears. The key takeaway is to curb the desire for constant spending and make the most out of existing clothing by giving less-worn pieces some attention.
2) Repair: Repairing clothes is highlighted as a sustainable option. Learning to sew or watching tutorials can empower individuals to fix damaged clothes. Alternatively, taking clothes to a tailor or a cobbler for alterations and repairs is recommended. Some retailers also offer repair services, promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion.
3) Look after your clothes: The article suggests reducing the frequency of clothes washing, opting for colder wash temperatures (30° max), and air drying to extend the lifespan of garments. It references Clevercare's tips for further guidance on how to properly care for clothes and ensure their longevity.
4) Buy quality over quantity: Encouraging consumers to invest in quality, staple pieces that withstand trends and the test of time. The advice is to resist the urge to buy excessive quantities of clothes and focus on high-quality, classic items that can be worn repeatedly.
5) Rent: For special occasions, the article recommends using rental services as a sustainable option. Renting clothes minimizes environmental impact, allowing individuals to enjoy fashionable outfits for specific events without contributing to long-term waste.
6) Shop preloved: Buying vintage or preloved items is presented as a creative and cost-effective way to build a unique wardrobe. It encourages individuals to explore personal style outside mainstream fashion, contributing to sustainability by reusing existing garments.
7) Swap: Clothes swapping is promoted as a thrifty and eco-friendly method to refresh your wardrobe. Organizing swaps with friends or colleagues allows pre-loved clothes to find new homes, reducing textile waste.
8) Sell your clothes online: The article suggests selling old clothes online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Depop, and eBay. This not only helps individuals revamp their wardrobe but also provides an opportunity to earn extra cash.
9) Upcycle: Upcycling, or creative reuse, is highlighted as an amazing way to be more sustainable with clothing. Transforming existing items into new ones, such as reupholstering furniture with old denim jeans or turning clothes into different items, adds a creative and sustainable dimension to fashion.
10) Donate: Many retailers are now offering donation services. The article mentions The Iconic's partnership with the Salvos and Australia Post, allowing individuals to easily donate clothes. This promotes a circular fashion economy and helps redirect clothing away from landfills.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to sustainable fashion practices, encouraging individuals to make mindful choices that benefit both the environment and personal style.
