Following is some tips on how you can think more sustainably when shopping.
Have you lost your way in the jungle of environmental labels, environmental claims and greenwashing? Here are 10 simple rules that make it easier to take environmental considerations into account when shopping for clothes.
1. Only buy clothes you actually need.
Shopping for new clothes can be fun, but the joy is usually short-lived. The news value quickly disappears and even if the wardrobe grows, the feeling of "I have nothing to wear" always creeps back.
2. Avoid impulse shopping.
Be prepared when shopping. Write a list on your mobile of the clothes you need, and stick to the plan.
3. Look for second-hand finds.
Can the garment you need be bought used? In many cases the answer is yes, perhaps even in a finer version. Fashion is cyclical, why buy a cheap copy when you can get the original from a couple of decades back?
4. Get a clear conscience by borrowing clothes!
Can the garment be borrowed? Party clothes are often expensive, especially if they are only to be worn once or twice. Maybe you can borrow a dress instead?
5. Remember that quality is king.
When you're buying new - go for quality over quantity. Quality may feel more expensive at first comparison, but will always pay off in the long run as you can use the garment for longer and the cost-per-use goes down, while you avoid having to buy a new one after a short time.
6. Check the label.
What is the garment made of? Steer clear of pure synthetic garments unless you are buying workout clothes. Look for materials with high quality and a smaller environmental footprint such as recycled materials, wool, alpaca, organic cotton, Tencel, Lyocell, and newer materials such as Kapok.
7. Be aware of the manufacturer.
Do they provide unsolicited, clear and honest information about sustainability aspects of the clothes they sell and their own business?
8. Only accept 100% match.
It is tempting to overlook that the trousers are a little too small because the color is so nice. Unless you are a stickler for redesigning vintage finds, you should steer clear of garments that are not 100% correct in terms of size, design and fit. Clothes that are too small are left in the closet, and so is the crazy green sweater that doesn't go with anything.
9. Prioritize the "stayers".
Can the garment be used often, over a long period of time, and in combination with what you already own? If the answer is no, it's probably not worth the investment.
10. Love your clothes!
The advantage of following the 10 shopping commandments is that you save money, the environment and space in your closet, and it becomes easier to invest in the garments of your dreams when they rarely appear. The goal should be a closet full of lasting favorites!