Nowadays, sustainable fashion is the trend that is not only gaining popularity but also impacting our planet in a positive way. From fast fashion to eco-friendly options, going green has never been easier — or more accessible. If shopping consciously is something you want to do but don’t have the funds to invest in ethically-sourced, sustainable items, you’re in luck. To help guide you on your journey to becoming a more sustainable shopper, we’re here with our top tips and tricks on how to balance your wallet and your ethical stance when it comes to updating your wardrobe. So, let’s get started on our quest for sustainable fashion on a budget!
1. Reclaimed & Refreshing: Sustainable Fashion on a Budget
Sustainability and fashion don’t always have to be mutually exclusive – you can create a chic look while still being conscious of the environment. Reclaimed and upcycled fashion is a great way to look fashionable on a budget without sacrificing your eco-friendly standards.
Find Affordable Vintage Clothing
Rummaging through second-hand stores and vintage shops can be the perfect way to add unique touches to your wardrobe. You’ll find yourself sifting through racks of designer pieces for a fraction of the price, and you’ll be contributing to the demand for vintage fashion items as well as repurposing garments that may have otherwise gone to waste.
Check Out Thrift Stores & Online Reselling Sites
Thrift stores offer high-quality clothes for a fraction of the cost. You can pick up some great hidden gems for a bargain. If you don’t have the time to go sourcing through local thrift stores, you can look for secondhand clothing online. Online reselling sites like Depop are a great place to find pre-loved items.
Invest in Fair Trade & Eco-Friendly Brands
Cotton, linen, and organic fabrics are becoming increasingly more accessible. The fashion industry is changing to meet the demand for eco-friendly and ethically-made clothing. There are a number of great labels that make wonderful, stylish pieces without the environmental cost. Look out for certified organic cotton, linen, and wool fabric.
- Shop for sustainable materials.
- Shop seasonally.
- Look for upcycled and up-vintage pieces.
- Resell and trade your clothes.
Reclaiming and refreshing your wardrobe with sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little bit of research and effort, you can have a stylish wardrobe that’s eco-friendly and wallet-friendly.
2. Smart Strategies for Affordable Conscious Shopping
It doesn’t have to be an endless cycle of overspending and accumulating debt. With a few smart strategies, you can shop affordably and remain conscious of your impact on the world around you. Here are a few approaches that can help you shop affordably and responsibly.
Set a budget-and stick to it
Determine how much money you have to spend on clothing and stick to that number. Before you hit the mall divide your funds into categories such as work clothing, formal wear and casual clothing. Make sure you allocate enough to cover basics and necessary items such as underwear, socks, and shoes.
Use Thrift Store and Consignment Shops
One of the smartest ways to shop with intention is to bypass the stores and opt for a more thrifty approach – thrift stores and consignment shops. You can find great deals and unique pieces. Taking the time to search for the right item at a lower cost is worth it. Plus, it’s good for the environment.
Research
Before buying anything do a little research. Scour the internet and blogs for deals, discounts and reviews of the product your interested in. Learning as much as you can about the product before you buy it will save you money in the long run.
Upcycle and Repair
Rather than buying something brand new why not try to upcycle or repair an existing item? Investing in upcycling materials such as fabric paint, glue and scissors could help revive pieces in your wardrobe. Repairs can save you from buying new garments. Taking the time to fix faster and extend the life of your clothes is a plus for the environment and your wardrobe.
3. Crafting an Eco-Friendly Closet Without Breaking the Bank
With sustainability initiatives taking centre stage, everyone’s trying to find ways to build an environmentally conscious wardrobe. And although it may be cheaper in the short-term to buy from fast fashion stores, in the long-run it also means adding to global pollution and waste. Here’s how you can build out a stylish and responsible wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Find Secondhand Options – Maybe your first instinct is to head to your local shopping mall and buy the latest trends, but why not check out thrift stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces? In the past couple of years, the secondhand industry has experienced tremendous growth, and there are now extensive options for shoppers of all styles. Offerings range from furniture, books, and art to shoes, bags, and clothing. Different sustainable living communities are active and permit you to borrow, buy secondhand, or rent items instead of buying new. In some cases, the preloved pieces are actually in better condition than their brand new counterparts at a fraction of the cost.
Swap Items with Friends – Have a Swap Party in which you and your friends clean out your closets and exchange unnecessary items. It’s such an easy and fun way to give your wardrobe a fresh injection of styles at no cost. You can either decide to exchange items you don’t use anymore, or hold a grab bag where each person donates an item in exchange for something else.
Choose Responsible Brands – Or why not explore sustainable fashion that’s available? An increasing number of brands are launching sustainable collections that consider the environment and people. Some of the most well-known are:
- Patagonia, which uses recycled plastic bottles to make its clothing
- Reformation, which uses deadstock fabrics and takes back old clothing to recycle
- Girlfriend Collective, which produces sportswear from recycled water bottles
- Kotn, which sources cotton from Egyptian farmers
It’s not only good for the environment, but you can look fabulous while supporting ethical brands.
4. How to Look Good and Do Good: Sustainable Fashion for All Budgets
It’s possible to look fashionable, stylish, and chic without impacting the environment negatively. Sustainable fashion for all budgets is now a reality and it’s never been easier to feel good by looking good and doing good at the same time. Here are some tips to help you stock up your wardrobe with sustainable fashion pieces.
Choose re-usable materials. Re-using materials creates environmental and societal benefits. They are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and can actually look better with age — think denim, leather, organic cotton, and linen. These will last longer than off-the-shelf garments, so will be worth the extra cost.
Support ethical and sustainable companies. Check the label to see if the garment was made fairly and sustainably. It should comply with a set of ethical standards, including fair wages and safe working conditions. Invest in well-made garments from certified sustainable companies.
Find a sustainable store. Research and find meaningful companies that make conscious clothing. Check local thrift stores that support eco-friendly initiatives. You can also add personal touches to items like upcycling old clothes, making or buying handmade products.
- Think of how you can wear items in more than one way.
- Consider only buying an item if you can wear it in more than 6 different styles.
- Give an item a second life and upcycle it.
- Shop handmade.
- Consciously buy and choose longer lasting items.
- Think of quality over quantity.
Sustainable fashion on a budget is totally possible! With the right know-how and determination, shopping for ethical clothes can be not only cost-effective, but a fulfilling experience. Make sure to do your research, consider secondhand options, and know what labels and materials align with your ethical values. A greener wardrobe is within reach – let’s all join the revolution!
