Let’s face it, peeps: fast fashion may seem like a good deal at first, but it comes at a cost. Fast fashion is also not as great of a deal as it may appear to be. It is not only bad for the environment but also for the workers who produce it.
Fast fashion brings us clothes that fall apart, trends that become outdated, and the constant need to keep up with the latest styles. This can lead to a closet full of clothes we hardly wear and a bank account that’s taken a hit.
Fortunately, there’s a better way to shop that’s both kinder to the planet and our wallets. In this article, we’ll explore 7 ways to save money while shopping for sustainable clothing.
After all, affordable and sustainable clothing will not only make you feel good about your purchases but also about your bank balance.
Sustainable and Affordable Clothing Brands
What fashion brands are actually sustainable?
Brands like Levi’s, Adidas, Wholesome Culture, Patagonia, Christy Dawn, Reformation, The Classic T-shirt Company are sustainable fashion brands.
Etsy is the first site to offset 100% of the carbon emissions from delivery and packaging.
Is Zara more sustainable?
Every box, bag, and hanger is being recycled and reused by Zara. By 2025, Zara also plans to employ exclusively sustainable textiles and products.
Is sustainable clothing affordable?
Because of fast fashion, the fashion industry is currently one of the most polluting in the world, second only to oil. Purchasing clothing from sustainable clothing manufacturers can be more expensive than doing so from fast fashion retailers. This is because quality is preferred over quantity by sustainable brands.
Here are 7 Ways to Save Money While Shopping for Sustainable Clothing:
Own what you have:
Your current wardrobe is always the most affordable ethical clothing choice. The best course of action is to prolong the use of your existing clothing.
If you own it, wear it with pride, as throwing out (or donating) clothing that you still wear and have life in it is just wasteful.
By doing this, you’ll be minimizing environmental effects and waste from the overproduction of new goods.
Upcycle your existing or old garments:
Upcycling is a better option than throwing damaged ones away! For instance, you may upcycle used T-shirts into cushions, shower curtains, neckties, and bags.
In addition to being beneficial to the environment, upcycling can help you save money.
No! To do this, you don’t need to be a clothes doctor. You can hire a local tailor to fix it for you quite affordably.
Buy from thrift shops:
If you believe that cheap ethical clothing is untrue, shop at thrift stores to fill your closet with affordable sustainable clothing.
Outlets and thrift stores offer affordable sustainable fashion.
There are numerous options to shop second-hand, including physical thrift stores, online platforms, consignment shops, and vintage sources.
Don’t fall for trend-led purchases:
Instead of slavishly adhering to trends, start thinking about what you genuinely need and what items you can wear for years to come.
Buying cheap goods and following trends will eventually lead to higher spending. And this will encourage you to change them out more often.
Most high-quality products come with lifetime warranties. On the other hand, some cheap, popular things are just intended to be worn for a season before being discarded.
The production and disposal of Fast fashion has a negative impact on the environment.
Invest in few basics that you can mix and match:
Choose from affordable sustainable clothing companies that complement your sense of style and go well with what you already own.
Start by adding simple, multipurpose items to your closet to boost its adaptability. Consider whether you currently own a piece of clothing that is similar before making a purchase.
You can opt for timeless, high-quality garments made of sustainable materials that you can wear more than 30 times. If you won’t wear it that frequently, it isn’t a wardrobe need.
PACT, Hanna Anderson, Made Trade, and many other affordable ethical clothing brands often offer excellent items at competitive prices.
Leverage sales and newsletters:
The easiest approach to finding that dress you’ve been eyeing at a great price is to shop sales. Wait for a deal if you want to buy new items from an affordable sustainable clothing brand.
Most online shops will give you a little discount if you subscribe to their newsletter. It’s a simple method to get a discount on your initial purchase from them.
Receiving the emails and learning about deals and subscriber-only discounts is an added perk.
Exchange with neighbors and friends
A great way to get new outfits without spending money is to swap clothes with friends.
For instance, when the seasons change, you won’t need to buy clothes for your kids. You could just ask other mothers if they have any clothing that their children have outgrown.
Swapping clothes with neighbors who reside nearby or in your apartment building is an additional option.
By giving what you no longer need to others, you can both receive new clothes and benefit others.
The bottom line:
As the earth becomes more and more polluted, it’s high time to reconsider our fashion choices. Instead of depleting the earth’s limited resources, designers and consumers can see how waste can be actively converted into fiber and used in combination with recycled materials.
So, the next time you’re looking to add to your wardrobe, consider shopping for affordable sustainable clothing. Not only the planet and the people who make your clothes, but also your wallet, will thank you.
Remember, every purchase you make is a vote for the world you want to live in. Use your purchasing power wisely and make a positive impact on the world, one sustainable clothing item at a time.
Rethinking how things are manufactured and paying attention to a product’s complete life cycle are key components of sustainable fashion. Although having trendy clothing at lower costs may appear advantageous, we must ask ourselves what price we are willing to pay to destroy our planet.
