5 Ways to Make Your Closet More Sustainable

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What is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion refers to clothing and accessories that are produced with consideration for the environment, social responsibility, and ethical labor practices. This includes using environmentally friendly materials, reducing waste and pollution during production, and ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for those involved in the supply chain.

Sustainable fashion promotes slow fashion, which encourages consumers to buy less and choose high-quality, timeless pieces that will last a long time. Additionally, sustainable fashion brands often prioritize transparency and accountability in their operations.

How to Make Your Closet More Sustainable

The key to making your closet more sustainable is leading with intention. Whenever you need a new item, think of the least harmful way to acquire it. Whenever you find a new brand, consider their practices when it comes to sustainable material, production and waste.

The truth is the most sustainable item you can own is already in your closet. Meaning you don’t need to buy new to have a fresh wardrobe. Get creative with what you have! Some light embroidery, a new hem or even a new way of layering can turn an item you’ve had for years into something new.

Additionally, make use of what you have for a more sustainable closet. Your clothes are meant to be worn for years, not once for an Instagram photoshoot. Wear what you have until the very end of its life, and once its life has completed for you, give it to a thrift store or textile recycler for it to start a new life.

By changing your mindset and closet to be more sustainable, you are the start of much needed change to the fashion industry. It is from your intentional decisions that others will follow. Eventually sustainable fashion practices will be normalized and more widespread than these horrible fast fashion behemoths that have put us in this mess.

Don’t worry, we’ll clean it up together!

1. Choose Quality over Quantity

Invest in well-made, durable pieces that will last longer and withstand multiple wears and washes. This means buying fewer items overall, but ones that will hold up over time and not need to be replaced as frequently.

2. Buy Vintage, Not New

Instead of always purchasing new clothes, consider shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online resale platforms to give clothing a second life. This reduces the demand for new clothing production and helps to keep garments out of landfills.

Some of my favorite online thrift stores are Poshmark and Vestiaire Collective. Although in-person thrift stores are the best! Plus there are so many around the world.

Next time you have a trip, plan to visit some local thrift stores and markets. It’s a great way to explore the city and learn more about each place’s individual style.

3. Engage in Clothing Swaps/Rental Services

Host clothing swaps with friends or family members to exchange clothes that you no longer wear for something new-to-you. This allows for a rotation of items without constantly buying new clothes.

Clothing rental services are great options if you need something for a special occasion. I use Rent the Runway to rent dresses for weddings I attend – it’s a great sustainable alternative to the wasteful approach of buying a new dress for every wedding.

4. Make Creative Use of What you Already Have

Get creative with your clothing by finding new ways to wear or style pieces, or by repurposing items into new garments or accessories. This can breathe new life into old clothes and reduce the need to purchase new items.

Find a local tailor and show them your garments that need a refresh. They can make suggestions and alterations that will transform your tired clothes into fresh options!

Additionally, layering a shirt a new way or even cuffing your pants can make a big difference when styling. Take risks with your clothes and find what works. That’s the fun of fashion!

5. Recycle your Garments Responsibly

Once a garment reaches the end of its life in your closet, do not throw it away. You have plenty of options to recycle the item. If it’s a need for alteration, take it to a tailor. If it’s still wearable just not your style or size anymore, give it to a local thrift store.

If its only problem is that it’s ugly, use it as a dish rag. If it’s stained or damaged beyond repair, recycle it.

Having a sustainable closet means you consider the garment’s lifespan from start to finish not just when you’re wearing it. It is everyone’s responsibility to recycle their clothes responsibly to minimize textile waste.