Sustainable fashion is an incredibly complex topic, but third law is here to break it down for you in simple terms. it’s not just about how you shop, but what you do before you go out and shop. it’s about how you think about your wardrobe as a whole that matters.
TO GET YOU STARTED, HERE ARE OUR TOP FIVE TIPS
(or watch the video here)
STEP 1: REFRAIN
Try to refrain from spontaneously buying things you don’t need. Evaluate what you have in your current wardrobe and outline what items are truly essential to buy new. Then make it a goal to shop intentionally. If you see something that catches your eye, try to wait a day or two before purchasing it. Ask yourself if you will wear it more than 30 times. Is it high quality? Does it align with my vision of who I am today? If not, try to resist the instant gratification of a new purchase. This is a great first step into sustainable fashion and it will help your wallet as well.
The average person buys 60% more items of clothing and keeps them for about half as long as 15 years ago.
STEP 2: REPAIR
Before you throw something out or decide to buy something new, determine what you already own that can be repaired. Is there something you can get tailored to fit better? Can something be mended to last longer? Is there a well-loved item that you can upcycle to give it a new life?
STEP 3: RECYCLE
Instead of throwing things out that you no longer need, try to find an organization that does textile recycling. Often times there will be drop-off locations in your neighborhood or some organizations offer pick-up. Fashion is the #2 global pollutant behind oil, so try to avoid having your clothing end up in landfills.
The average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every year.
STEP 4: BUY THRIFTED/VINTAGE OR SUSTAINABLE/ETHICAL
The most sustainable place to shop is thrifted or vintage, because you are not creating anything new. If that is not quite your taste, opt for sustainable or ethical brands that use eco-friendly materials and practices, which reduce your personal impact overall. Another option to consider is simply shopping high-quality brands that will wear well and last longer. Sustainable fashion is about finding things you love, getting great use out of them and passing them along to be loved by someone new. The longer the life of the item, the less impact on our planet.
STEP 5: GARMENT CARE
Read the labels of your garments to ensure proper care. Wash clothing in cold water and hang dry when possible. Refrain from washing items after every use. If they are not soiled you can hang them to air out, steam them in between wears if the material calls for it or spot clean when possible.
For more tips like these, follow @shopthirdlaw on Instagram.
