Sustainable Fashion in Saint John: Tips for a More Environmentally Friendly Wardrobe

Photo Credit: Current Boutique Website

The fast fashion industry contributes directly to a variety of environmental and human rights issues. Excessive water use, production of microfibres, massive amounts of discarded clothing, high carbon emissions, and worker abuse represent a fraction of those issues. There are many ways to combat this industry while maintaining your style. Hopefully, this guide can help you reduce your consumption and reinvigorate your wardrobe.

Repair before Repurchasing

Most people’s first instinct when their clothing has been damaged is to discard it and move on. However, there are many ways to reuse an old item before taking this step. Stained clothes can be dyed a new colour while tears can be stitched back together or covered by a fun patch. You can always look for a local tailor if you don’t have time to do the repair on your own. If the piece is truly too far gone, you can find an organization that recycles textiles or find a way to use the fabric yourself.

Take Care of Your Clothes

Clothing must be taken care of properly in order to extend its lifetime. You can avoid wear and tear by not over-washing your clothes and by using a drying rack, both of which also reduce energy costs. Cold water and eco-friendly laundry products are favourable. You may also install a micro-fibre filter on your washing machine! Heavy items should be folded and shelved to avoid stretching.

Remember What You Have

It’s sometimes easy to feel as if you “have nothing to wear”. It can be helpful to organize your clothing in a way so that everything is visible and readily accessible. When your drawers are jumbled and in layers, pieces can be forgotten. Another trick is to plan and document outfit ideas in advance. This creates excitement around outfits and makes getting ready for the day a lot smoother. It can be fun to search for fashion inspiration and try to recreate looks with what you have in your closet.

Make Your Own Clothing

The task of learning how to make your own clothing can feel daunting. However, in the age of the internet, it has never been easier. There are countless tutorials on how to crochet, knit, sew, embroider, or make jewelry. These crafts are relatively simple to begin and allow you to create one-of-a-kind pieces. It has been shown that these art forms are also great for relaxation and improving your mental health. Try your best to buy materials ethically and enjoy your new hobby while making eye-catching pieces!

Buy Ethically

Of course, we all want or need new clothes from time to time. There are many ways to be sure that you’re buying responsibly. Firstly, attempt to buy second-hand. Searching thrift stores, consignment shops and online platforms can be entertaining and a good way to curate a unique wardrobe. You can also host or attend clothing swaps. When buying new, it is best to research ethical brands and buy high-quality pieces when possible (“buy nice or buy twice”). Try to choose clothes that can be layered and worn throughout the seasons and avoid microtrends and synthetic materials. Another option is to rent clothing for one-time events.

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