How to make more sustainable fashion choices

As someone that believes a lot in a sustainable lifestyle, I have found it hard to apply this to fashion. Sustainable brands are often very expensive and when you’re living on a student budget, it can be so difficult to not fall into the trap of fast fashion.

During Fashion Revolution Week, now a few weeks ago, they released their #Haulternative campaign, showing their audience how you can update your wardrobe in an eco-friendly way. With such an uncertain future in the fashion industry, in light of the current situation, these methods could turn out to be more relevant than ever. This has definitely inspired me to look into different alternatives when I’m looking to update my wardrobe, and I hope it does for you too! To find out more about Fashion Revolution, head over to their website, or read our discussion titled Green is the New Black.

Broken and Beautiful:

If something you love is now full of hole, tears and even stains, why not update it? Look on YouTube for visible mending and customisation tutorials. Turn something that has seen better days into something fresh and new!

Clothes Swaps:

There are constantly clothes swap events happening in most cities, all you need to do is search for them (they’re often listed on Facebook). If you are in Southampton, there is often a Tiny Flea event, as well as regular events hosted by Southampton Clothes Swaps. Read our guest post by Alexia Parks on a clothes swap event she attended back in February.

In the current circumstances, why not hold a virtual clothes swap? Who doesn’t love to receive clothes in the post!

Do it Yourself:

Think alterations, customisations, embellishments, dying, cropping, embroidery. Search “thrift flip” on YouTube for inspiration.

Love Story:

Fall in love with what you already own. Remember the story of why you purchased an item, write a love letter about it to bring it back to your wardrobe.

Second Hand/Vintage:

The classic. I always find it so hard to find a gem at a charity shop. Vintage kilo sales are the next big thing. Read our blog post to find out more and discover if kilo sales are worth it?

Renting:

Need an outfit you can only be seen in once? Why not rent! There are so many sites available – Onloan, Hurr Collective, Higher Studio, Rent the Runway, to name a few.

Slow:

Embrace the handmade, support young designers. This step is so important at the moment. Without us, so many breaking designers won’t be able to continue their businesses!

I hope this post has helped you to reflect on your fashion purchasing options, as much as it has for me. If you end up using any of these methods, make sure to tag Fashion Revolution and #haulternative, and why not tag us @SGFS20, we’d love to see your steps towards a more sustainable future!

Take care!

- Amelia x