We’re entering into a new normal, and this new normal is beyond exciting. The human race has been awakening to so many things this past year as we were locked down and living through a one-in-a-lifetime global health crisis. Even though we distanced from one another, in many ways, we became closer not only to the people in our immediate lives but to our local communities and the global community at large. Many of us took to loungewear while simultaneously shopping online for the latest trends on our couch in pajamas. But, one thing that truly stood out lesson-wise was that what each and every one of us on this planet does affects the rest of the people living on it.
When it comes to the way we choose to live – from the types of cars we drive, homes we live in, and the way we clothe our bodies, it’s time to make more sustainable choices. We know this now, but some of us may not know how to move forward with this information. So, here’s a list of things you can do as a fashion consumer to help make the world a better place.
Go Au Natural
Now, we’re not talking about walking around naked, which I guess you can if you so choose. But, when it comes to the clothes we’re buying and putting on our bodies, the more natural the fabrication, the better. Not just for the immediate wearer, but for the planet as well. If you have children, you’ve probably already done enough research on just what fabrics can do to our skin and what the dyes can do to our internal health as well. But, if you want to ignore all that, it can also just come down to comfort. Choose natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. Not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they also breathe better and feel like a dream. You’ll also look incredibly chic in classic fabrics like these. If this seems like a big step for you, start with small choices like bamboo women’s underwear and cotton pajamas, then move from there. Chances are, you’ll be sleeping on silk sheets in no time.
Pass on Fast
We’re talking about fast fashion here. The environmental impact of the harmful chemicals and dyes polluting the land and water in the countries these clothes are manufactured. To the humanitarian crisis of the hours the employees manufacturing these clothes are working; the conditions of the factories they’re being made in; and the long term health implications on said workers; when it comes down to it, fast fashions actual cost is exponentially higher than buying from sustainable and ethically made clothing. This might seem like it’s an expensive commitment to make, but the reality is, when you buy ethically produced fashion, they tend to be the favorites that you’ll wear over and over again. Ultimately the fast fashion is just taking up space in your closet as clothing you never wear and ends up being donated anyway. So, resist the temptation to buy something because it seems “cheap” because the reality is, a lot of bad things happened to create that fifteen-dollar dress.
Second Hand Savvy
Become a second-hand shopper. Not only are you recycling pre-loved clothing, but your pieces are also going to be much more unique than what your friends are wearing in the group photo. You’re likely to get a lot more compliments on that vintage pair of sequined wide-legged pants than you are from a mass-produced metallic dress you found online that 1000 other women own. Shopping second-hand also brings out the true sartorial siren in us all. When you’re constantly finding new to you unusual pieces, you’re forced to style yourself truly. You’re not wearing an outfit off the mannequin. You’re curating your own style, and there’s nothing more chic or cool than someone with their own strong esthetic.
DIY it
Still somewhat locked down? Or have you just realized after the last year that you prefer being at home more than going out? Why not go full-blown cottage core and start designing and sewing your own clothing? With treasure troves of online tutors on sites like Youtube and Tiktok, it’s easy to get essentially a free course in how to start sewing or how to start designing. Head to your local fabric shop and see what inspires you. It just may inspire you enough to start making your wardrobe. And, if generations were doing it for most of modern history before us, it really can’t be that hard once you pick up a few basics.
Hopefully, this list inspired you to start honestly thinking about where your clothing comes from and how you can make a difference in the lives of others by the way you shop for your clothing. It’s okay if it seems overwhelming; the trick is to take it one step and day at a time when making better choices. You can do it!
