It's no secret: having a sustainable style that matches your values can be difficult.
It can be a real challenge when you consider budget, availability of styles, sizes, colors, materials, and the list goes on. There are many valid concerns about this lifestyle change, but the good news is that none of us are on this journey alone.
Here are five of the most common obstacles we must overcome on our journey towards a sustainable lifestyle!
1. Sustainable shopping is expensive.
Sustainable shopping can be expensive. When we buy from sustainable, local, or organic brands, the cost of clothes can be higher. This is because sustainable brands also take into account the quality of life of the people involved in the production process.
The good news is that there are some tried and tested methods to save money when we want to buy sustainable products.
The first and most important strategy is to slow down . Instead of buying impulsively every season, add one or two thoughtful items. Yes, you will spend a little more on each item, but this way you will keep your chosen clothes better and appreciate them more over time.
Another strategy is to buy timeless, seasonless pieces that will stand the test of time and can be worn for years to come. This way, we won't have to replace essential pieces in our wardrobe as often.
Another way to shop sustainably on a budget is through second-hand and vintage shopping. While this comes with more options, it also comes with a time cost to find the perfect piece. Pairing second-hand shopping with a slow-fashion mindset is the perfect way to cut costs and shop sustainably.
2. I can't find the right size for me.
Sustainable fashion, and fashion in general, has been slow to move when it comes to size diversity. While there are a few sustainable brands that create more inclusive size clothing, this aspect is not always considered from the start. Unfortunately, this is not a problem that can be easily solved with alternative approaches, as even secondhand shopping is not always a consistent option for a wide range of sizes.
3. How do I know that a brand is truly sustainable?
Thanks to the internet, this problem is easily overcome! Yes, sustainable fashion can be overwhelming - there are so many values to consider, and it can feel like a treasure hunt when finding brands that meet all your criteria. But there are so many resources and bloggers in the sustainable fashion space that it's easier than ever to access brands that live up to our values.
If you don't have time to research each brand individually, find a few sustainable fashion bloggers and influencers with a style and values that match yours. That way, when it comes to updating your wardrobe with a new piece, you can get inspired and see what their favorite brands are.
4. My behavior will not help the fashion industry at all.
Once you learn about the injustice and environmental impact of the fast-fashion industry, you'll be convinced you need to do something. The facts are staggering and just as daunting as trying to find the right sustainable brand to support it.
We believe the most important thing is to get involved and not avoid the whole concept just because things get complicated.
By supporting a truly sustainable brand, your actions will have long-term effects. Share why you bought sustainable clothes instead of fast-fashion, tell your friends when you find a truly sustainable brand, support your favorite brand on social media, and let your style decisions advocate for better labor and environmental standards.
Try to make that change with every piece of clothing you choose, no matter how small the effect of your decision may seem now.
5. Sustainable fashion limits my style .
Fashion is a form of expression, both visual and artistic - and many of us like to change our style more frequently than the minimalist approach deems "appropriate." The beauty of slow fashion is that there really is no magic number that creates the perfect wardrobe: it all comes down to how and how often we consume.
One of the best things about sustainable style is that there’s no rule about giving up what you already own. So we can refresh our existing wardrobe by mixing-and-matching with what we already have, repairing worn-out favorites, and repurposing anything that’s cute but not quite right. Challenge seasonal trends by wearing and layering your favorite pieces, and experimenting with accessories to create different looks.
If you have a bigger budget, you could order made-to-measure or bespoke clothes made especially for you. Most importantly, try to know your own style so that you can be confident when you add those second-hand sequined pants to your wardrobe that you will wear them dozens of times.
Final note
When it comes to sustainable style, most barriers can be overcome by slowing down the pace at which we buy and who we buy from.
By gaining a deeper and better understanding of our own style and clothing needs, we can make more conscious choices about our wardrobe. So, by exercising self-awareness and becoming more thoughtful about how and why we buy clothes, we can make a significant change for ourselves first and foremost, but also for future generations.
"Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well."
Vivienne Westwood
