6 Tips for Making Your Style More Sustainable

In the fight for a healthier planet, even our smallest individual actions—from the foods we eat to the cleaning products we consume—add to the wave of collective change, but figuring out what’s best for ourselves and for planet can feel overwhelming. So we’ve compiled a simplified guide for tackling one major aspect of everyday life—the clothes we wear and the ways we shop and care for them—from an eco-conscious state of mind.

Tip 1: Opt for Organic Fibers

Choosing organic and natural fibers (versus synthetic or just natural alone) is a simple and effective way to make your wardrobe more eco-friendly while also reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals. Even some natural fibers are still grown using pesticides and fertilizers (which pollute our water and harm ecosystems), but organic fibers are not—and they also tend to create less static and require less water and energy compared to synthetic materials.

Tip 2: Shop Secondhand
There are so many reasons to shop secondhand (it’s fun, fashion is cyclical, it’s affordable, etc.) but one of our favorites is the fact that it’s incredibly sustainable. In a world of constant trends, fashion is one of the most wasteful of industries—high water and energy usage, toxic chemical output, synthetic materials, unethical labor practices, just to name a few—but giving a gently loved piece of clothing new life is an approachable and effective way to make a significant difference. (Learn more about Second Hand September)

Tip 3: Quality Over Quantity
Building a sustainable wardrobe also means buying quality, timeless pieces that are built to last for a long time. To cut down on clothing waste, adopt a thoughtful approach to buying clothes and choose items you’ll love for years to come instead of immediately buying into trends. If you are going to try out a trend, consider shopping secondhand instead!

Tip 4: Organize a Swap
Clothes swapping is a fun way to update your wardrobe without generating waste or spending a dollar. Gather up any clothes you’ve been thinking about getting rid of, encourage some friends and family to do the same, and get together for a clothing swap party!

Tip 5: Keep it Clean
Typical laundry detergents have potentially harmful ingredients like phosphates, sulfates, and strong fragrances (not to mention microplastics) that pollute our waterways, our environment, and ultimately our bodies. By switching to cleaner detergents with bio-based ingredients, you can stop sending these harmful byproducts down the drain. Look for options that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, and formulated without dyes or synthetic fragrances.

Tip 6: Make Clothes Last Longer
Extending the life of your clothes is sometimes as simple as learning a few basic skills—sewing on buttons, patching holes, or fixing loose seams. Not sure where to turn? You can find easy-to-follow tutorials online and your local library or community center might offer in-person classes! Take a leap and take control of your wardrobe by learning to mend clothes before you purchase something new.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Most Sustainable Clothing Materials?
Some of the best sustainable clothing materials are organic cotton, hemp, linen, wool and recycled materials. These choices focus on renewable fibers and help cut down the need for new resources.

How Do Second-Hand Clothes Contribute to Sustainability?
Buying secondhand clothing cuts down the need for new production which helps reduce textile waste. Plus, it lowers your carbon footprint linked to making and moving new garments.