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Sustainability July 15, 2019
Dress to impress save the world.
Once upon a time, long long ago in 2013, I decided that I needed to re-examine my wardrobe with an eye towards sustainability. As a freshman in college, I didn’t exactly have the funds to shop some of the fancier brands in sustainable fashion like Rag & Bone or Stella McCartney.
Instead, I sought out eco friendly AND wallet friendly solutions for my closet. Here are some of the best places to find eco friendly clothing:
Remember in elementary school when the teachers made you learn the phrase, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”? Thrift shopping–or re-using clothes–is one of the most sustainable ways to find new clothes.
Are you going to discover exclusively eco friendly fabrics in the average thrift store? Nope. But you also won’t contribute more money directly to the production of unsustainable fabrics, or the pollution involved in the production of some materials.
You can also get in on the recycling side of things, by looking at stores like Buffalo Exchange or ThredUp, which allow you to go shopping and sell your old things for profit.
Try out some fashion recycling at home by having a clothing swap with your friends. You may be tired of that blouse staring back at you in the closet, but maybe your bestie can give it a new lease on life!
If you’re more into current trends, but don’t know which brands are eco friendly, then look no further. Here are some trendy brands that don’t break the bank or pollute the planet.
Klow is an online store that carries a variety of eco friendly brands. Their search tool even lets you check off which elements are most important to you: vegan, organic, ecological, ethical, and more.
They carry men and women’s clothing, accessories, and even beauty products.
I am in a committed relationship with Alternative Apparel‘s cotton T-shirts. They’re affordable, and they last for years. This is your one-stop eco friendly shop for men and women’s plain T-shirts, simple graphic T-shirts, and general comfy loungewear. They also dabble in activewear, should you wish to take your eco friendly initiative all the way to the gym.
If you’re someone who wants to save the planet one printed dress at a time, Mayamiko is for you. They also carry some classic everyday basics to add to your new eco friendly wardrobe.
Based in Malawi, thttps://media.giphy.com/media/DTJ6mFfHJ5ywM/giphy.gifhis brand promises that everything is ethically made in their solar-powered facility. Check out their site for more formal options, like outfits for work or a wedding.
Threads 4 Thought carries eco friendly activewear for men and women. Their patterned leggings are a particular favorite of mine, both in the gym and on a hike. The price point here is a bit higher, but the quality is worth it. Think of them as the eco friendly clothing alternative to Lululemon, but with more fun prints.
These tips are an amazing start to any eco friendly wardrobe. But don’t let the sustainable clothing momentum stop here, ask around, and maybe you’ll discover a local eco friendly brand trying to provide better fashion options for the environmentally concious near you!
