Sustainable style looks at better options for our clothing.  When something is sustainable, it provides benefit socially, economically and environmentally.

For example, vintage clothing has many advantages over fast fashion. It is often made of better-quality fabric, superior construction to last and is likely to be a one-of-a-kind, just like you! Buying (and selling!) your clothes second-hand, gives them a second, third, fourth life.  The resources used to make them have already been used so no new natural resources are needed.

Fall back in love with your existing clothes with some simple styling techniques. You can also learn to care for your clothes to increase their longevity.  Mending is not just for our great-grandparents; it’s making a stylish come-back!   

Buy from brands that promote sustainability from their core. They ensure their supply chain is transparent and traceable, that textile production is ecologically safe, garment makers are not exploited and that they are not over-producing.  They will cost more than fast fashion but you do get what you pay for! Beware of the brands paying lip-service to sustainability (otherwise known as ‘green-washing’) i.e. fast fashion brands providing an “eco” product range that is made from recycled materials but you’ll find it’s still over-produced, of poor quality and there’s been no improvement in their supplier policy to ensure positive working conditions down the supply chain. 

If you love your clothes, you will care for them.  According to Fashion Revolution and WRAP, the average life of a garment is 2.2 years…. extending the life of your clothes by a further 9 months would reduce carbon, waste and water footprints by 20-30% each. If you can’t see yourself wearing something more than 30 times, don’t buy it!