How to Shop for Clothing Sustainably

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the fast fashion industry and the effect it has on the environment. The fast fashion industry produces mass amounts of low quality clothing that usually end up in landfills. So what is the solution to combating the fast fashion industry and its devastating effects on the environment? Sustainable clothing shopping habits. Below are my top 3 tips that have helped me to shop more sustainably:

Tip #1: Think Long Term

Tip number one to shop sustainably for clothing is to think long term. It can sometimes be hard to convince yourself to purchase a high quality piece of clothing because of the cost. However, if you can afford to spend a little extra money on a high quality clothing item, it will outlast a fast fashion equivalent and end up saving you money in the long run. Let's look at break down of this:

For example: a high quality athletic t-shirt purchase at Lululemon will cost you $50. Meanwhile, a low quality athletic t-shirt purchased at H&M may cost you $10. However, the high quality t-shirt will last you 10 years while the low quality shirt may only last 1. So if you have to purchase one low quality t-shirt every year for 10 years, the total cost will be $100 over those 10 years. While the cost of the high quality t-shirt is only $50 for 10 years of wear. So, while a $50 price tag may seem steep at the time, remember you are paying for quality so if you can afford to spend the extra money upfront, quality will never let you down and actually end up saving your wallet and the environment in the long run.

Tip #2: Buy Used High Quality Clothing

My second tip to shop for clothing sustainably is to purchase used high quality clothing. Remember, used does not necessarily mean lower quality. My favourite places to purchase used high quality clothing are:

1. Worn Wear

Worn Wear is an initiative started by Patagonia to ensure none of their clothes end up in landfills. You can purchase used Patagonia clothing at affordable prices as well as turn in your old Patagonia clothing to receive store credit. Check out the Worn Wear initiative here. 

2. Poshmark

Poshmark is a used clothing marketplace that connects buyers to sellers. I recommend seeking out brands on this sustainable brand list when purchasing clothing from Poshmark to ensure you are getting clothing that will last a lifetime. Find a wardrobe staple at Poshmark here. 

Tip #3: Swap Clothes with Friends

My third tip to shop more sustainably is to not shop at all, but rather swap clothes with friends. Oftentimes we feel the need to purchase new clothes because we get bored of our current closet. Fortunately, this problem can be solved in a way that doesn't break the bank or the planet. While this may not be everyone's cup of tea, sometimes swapping a shirt for a friend's shirt is just the thing you both need to combat the urge to purchase new clothes.

Conclusion

Fast fashion is destroying our planet. Being aware of your shopping habits and making efforts to make more sustainable choices when purchasing clothing is a great first step towards a healthier and happier planet.