4 Ways To Build A More Sustainable Wardrobe

Source: Style by Savina

Rather than splurging on pieces that you would only wear for special occasions like weddings or parties, invest in good quality, timeless pieces that you will consistently use. Choosing timeless styles that won’t go out of fashion quickly will be more worth it in the long run, and classic pieces like a little black dress, a white blouse, and a good pair of jeans are always in style. 

Some good indicators of pieces to build your wardrobe would be:

• Wearability 👕: How many times do you see yourself wearing this piece?
• Versatility 🔄: Are you able to wear or style this piece in more than one way?
• Timelessness 🕰️: Do you see this piece being in style for a long time?
• Quality ⚡: Will this piece be able to stay in good condition?

As for special occasions, you could also consider fashion renting! Companies such as Style Theory and 18 Atelier are great, sustainable options if you want to get a specific piece for one-off events, without blowing the bank.

2. Do your research 👓

Source: Forbes

There are many sustainable fashion brands that are committed to reducing their environmental impact. Support brands whose messaging you resonate with by purchasing from them and spreading the word about their efforts 🌍 You can also look for clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled polyester, to reduce carbon footprint as well. Shopping locally is also more sustainable as there is less carbon produced in shipping something within Singapore, as compared to bringing an item in from overseas, and of course we should always try our best to support local businesses! 

Some of our favourite sustainable local brands include Source Collections, Esse and Wray Crafted, but there are many more hidden gems to be discovered as well!

3. Shop secondhand! 🤝

Source: REFASH

One of the most sustainable ways to buy new clothes is to buy clothes that are already made. No additional materials or energy is required to make them, making shopping second hand a great way to keep your wardrobe sustainable at an affordable price 🌈

That is where companies like REFASH come in! You can shop your favourite brands at much cheaper prices, and most clothes listed on our website are in like-new condition, allowing you to upgrade your wardrobe sustainably, at a fraction of the price ✨

4. Love your clothes and they will love you back ❣️ 

Source: Coats Group

Following care instructions on your clothes can do wonders for their durability, and can also allow you to wear them for a long time. Some other general tips that can help your clothes last longer include:

• Wash in lower temperatures
• Air drying instead of machine drying
• Avoid over washing or over drying

All these will also expend less energy, which helps reduce environmental impact even further! 💚

Even if your clothes do show signs of wear and tear, don’t be so quick to throw them away! Learning how to repair common defects such as small holes or broken zippers can extend the lifespan of your clothes. You can also upcycle your clothes to give them new life, or even turn them into something completely new, like a grocery bag!

(🤫 Psst.. Not sure where to start? REFASH will be collaborating with Alt.native to bring you an upcycling workshop, where you can learn how to rework your preloved T-shirts into grocery bags! Sign up here)

Selling or donating your clothes can also help them find new owners and extend their lifespan, to make sure they are well used and well loved before they finally find their way to the landfill. 

In conclusion, building a sustainable wardrobe requires conscious decision-making and a commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. By following these tips, you can build a wardrobe that is not only stylish and fashionable but also sustainable and eco-friendly 🌱

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the latest REFASH updates!