We keep seeing the term “imperfect sustainability” pop up in sustainable communities on Instagram and we love it. There are a lot of people out there who want to get more involved in sustainability and incorporate a more eco-conscious lifestyle, but aren’t sure where they should begin.

We recommend making small changes, and slowly, those small habits can build lasting consistency in your routine. We want everyone to feel welcome and know that it’s okay if you are new and beginning to learn about incorporating a sustainable lifestyle.

9 Tips on How to Make Your Wardrobe More Sustainable

Your fashion and wardrobe choices are the best place to start in incorporating a more sustainable lifestyle. Below are some helpful tips on how to make your wardrobe more sustainable.

1. Guppyfriend Washing Bag

We recommend that you purchase the Guppyfriend washing bag. You can put your synthetic garments in the bag before running them through the wash to help catch synthetic fibers. When you wash polyester, nylon, spandex, or any other synthetic fibers the plastic microfibers are released into the water and can cause pollution in our oceans.

“With 35% washing the main culprit of microplastic pollution,” IUCN Primary Microplastics in the Ocean.

2. Try Thrifting

Visit local second-hand thrift shops before purchasing a brand new garment. Thrifting can be a fun and inexpensive way to help you expand your horizon! You can find great new pieces for your wardrobe and you can create your own unique look based on your personal style. This will help you reduce your carbon footprint to the extra waste created from the retail world.

3. Be AN OUTFIT Repeater

Never be afraid of rewearing outfits. We see a lot of influencers proudly rewearing outfits to reduce the stigma of “I can’t wear this again I already posted a picture in this.”

The new hashtag #proudoutfitrepeater is helping promote a positive stigma of rewearing outfits. The more people who join this positive movement the more people will feel excited to hop on this train. Re-wearing an item is a more sustainable option than purchasing cheaply made fast fashion garments to get a different outfit for each IG post.

4. DoneGood extension - it’s free!

Another way to start becoming more aware of incorporating shopping habits is by using the DoneGood Extension. Here’s how it works: Download the DoneGood Google Chrome Extension for free. This extension helps you discover eco-friendly and sustainable brands when you want to purchase new garments. They will also give you discount codes to help cut more premium costs.

5. Avoid “bracketing”

When you are making clothing purchases online you should avoid “bracketing.” Bracketing is when you purchase multiple pieces of the same garment in different sizes. This increases waste and pollution because most companies do not repackage and resell returned garments.

To solve this issue you can check the size charts for measurements and reviews to see if the garment is true to size.

6. FIX IT MEntality

To create a more sustainable wardrobe, attempt to mend a garment before tossing it. We all have that one top that we adore and have worn countless times, but eventually gets ripped or snagged.

Before tossing away a tried and true piece of your wardrobe, take a bit more time to repair it so you can continue to rock your favorite look. Let’s face it… it looks much better on you than it does in the bin!

7. Donate before Tossing

Donate your clothing instead of getting rid of it. There are so many people out there that would adore your clothing. It’s a gift that keeps on giving! Someone out there can find joy and beauty in something that isn’t meant for you anymore. Women’s shelters are a great place to start. Look for some near you.

8. USE APPS like Thredup & Poshmark

If you are ready to part with old garments, instead of throwing away your clothes, a great site you can use is Poshmark. You can sell your clothing and make a small profit that you can put towards your savings or your next sustainable purchase. Either way, it is a win-win.

You can also use ThredUp! They send you a Thredup kit for you to fill with clothing that you aren’t in love with anymore and you simply bring the pre-paid package to ship at any FedEx or USPS. They then go through your clothing. The one’s that are accepted will be sold on their marketplace and the clothes that are not accepted are donated. After your items are sold you can either cash out or redeem store credit. Not only do you have more space for sustainable items but you just found an easy way to clean out your closet in the future.

9. Host Clothing swaps

Last but not least, another great way to build a more sustainable wardrobe is to host a clothing swap with your friends! It is a great way to get new garments and have a fun night with the girls! Bring your clothing that you are ready to part with and get excited to watch it become someone’s brand new statement piece. Sharing is caring!

Get Ready For a More Sustainable Wardrobe!

With these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a sustainable wardrobe. Just remember that it’s okay to start small and eventually incorporate these changes to become part of your lifestyle.