Tips for Ethical and Conscious Fashion Shopping
We’re all trying to make more conscious decisions in our everyday lives, from how we get to work to what we put on our plates. However, the fashion industry remains one of the most damaging production machines globally, being the second largest polluting industry, after oil. The fact that you’re reading this shows that you care about making ethical decisions regarding your fashion choices. Well done! Read on to find out just how to do that.
Pre-loved
Whether you’re in the market for an evening dress, a pair of jeans, or comfortable skate shoes, heading to pre-loved or thrift stores is an excellent place to start. You can go to physical stores or visit online platforms. Either way, you’ll be breathing new life into clothes and footwear that otherwise may have ended up in the trash. Buying second-hand also means that you’ll save money, and you may well find vintage items that soon come back around to being on-trend.
Avoid influencers
Just because your social media feed tells you that you need a particular item of clothing, that doesn’t mean it’s true. Due to influencer marketing, we are constantly bombarded by sneaky advertising every time we look at our phones or tablets. So instead, make your own style. Be comfortable with who you are and your own aesthetic. If you buy clothes that you really like and suit your style, you’re much more likely to continue wearing them.
Quality over quantity
Instead of buying ten $15 t-shirts, buy two $40 ones. If you’re buying higher-quality garments, they will last you longer. Also, your clothes won’t get lost in a wealth of material every time you open your closet. This is a critical idea in the movement towards ethical and sustainable clothing shopping.
Fix it
It’s a good idea to learn some basic sewing skills. That way, rather than dumping clothes with a slight tear in the trash, you can mend them yourself. You’ll be proud of what you’ve achieved, and you’ll save money. As well as that, you won’t be adding more harm to the environment through the production of even more brand new items.
Get informed
A great way of making more ethical and conscious fashion choices is to do some research. Find out about the sustainable credentials of brands by looking out for certifications such as B Corp or Fairtrade, or contact the brands using social media to ask them outright.
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