FOUNDINFASHION

Does it ever concern you how much clothes are produced—it is massive—, and consumed per year… yet we still can’t get enough?!

It should.

The fashion industry has been named among the top three most polluting industries in the world. From the raw materials used to energy consumption to waste water, the depletion is faster than the solution.

In her book “The End of Fashion”, author and Wall Street Journal columnist Teri Agins stated how “traditionally, the fashion system has revolved around the imperative of planned obsolescence…”

Planned obsolescence is a deliberate tactic. Brands sell products with shorter shelf lives to makes consumers crave new or improved versions of the same products. This is where the fashion marketing machine cleverly helps to boost sales and lure customers to keep the cycle going.

The path to a greener world is not left to the big manufacturers alone. We as consumers have a role to play by making informed choices for a more environmentally friendly wardrobe (world?). Below are some options (not exhaustive by any means) we can choose.

1. Repair your clothes – how you treat the items you have now says a lot. Put in some needle work. Wax your shoes more intentionally. Do all you can to prolong the lifespan of your loved items. Loved clothes last.
2. Give away – whatever you haven’t worn for upwards of 6 months, you can probably do without it. If you’re not a hoarder… you’re doing well.
3. Good tailors – who understand their craft can help create bespoke garments or make amendments for better fitting clothes. If you look good in a well-constructed suit, chances are you’ll keep wearing it for some time.
4. Support – conscious brands who source sustainable, local, or recycled materials. These independent designers have better control of the value chain, use traditional techniques, and are likely to engage in ethical behaviour.
5. Thrift more – let’s expand the meaning of the word. It is beyond just buying cheap stuff. It is more like a philosophy of buy once, buy well. Or preventing waste. Or swap with friends or relatives. People do the same with books.
6. Adopt a consistent style – having a go-to style makes shopping for clothes easier. And it reflects on us as better dressed individuals. It also prevents you from the pressure to follow latest trends, something many have regretted.
7. Slow down and be absolutely sure you really need to make that purchase. One sure misery of adulthood is impulsive spending, it can have nasty consequences.
8. Save water.
9. Know your fabrics and how to care for them. You may have to do some research here. There are natural and synthetic fibers. There are also several ways to clean and preserve them appropriately. Start with the care labels that come with your clothes.
10. Do more research. Read. In fact, start something in your corner of the globe. That’s the most beneficial acts in my opinion.