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Sustainable fashion has a reputation for being expensive, but the most sustainable choices are often the cheapest ones. Here are ten simple ways to start, whatever your budget.
1. Wear What You Already Own
The lowest-impact garment is the one already in your wardrobe. Before buying anything new, see what you can restyle.
2. Buy Second-Hand First
Charity shops, car boot sales and online resale sites are full of good-quality clothes at low prices.
3. Choose Natural, Durable Fabrics
Fabrics like organic cotton, hemp and linen tend to last. See my Top 10 Sustainable Fabrics for more ideas.
4. Learn to Read Labels
Check the fibre content and look for genuine certifications. My guide to sustainable fabric labels helps you spot greenwashing.
5. Start With Everyday Basics
Items you wear weekly, such as T-shirts and socks, give you the most wear for your money. Options include Earth Wardrobe organic cotton T-shirts and Hundredpercent hemp T-shirts. Please check each listing for current price and fibre content.
6. Buy Fewer, Better Pieces
Cost per wear matters. A slightly dearer item you wear fifty times beats a cheap one you wear twice.
7. Wash Less and Wash Cooler
Washing less saves money, energy and fabric life. See how to care for hemp clothing for gentle-care tips.
8. Mend Instead of Replacing
Sewing on a button or fixing a hem takes minutes and can add years to a garment.
9. Swap With Friends
A clothes swap costs nothing and gives everyone something new to wear.
10. Do Not Chase Trends
Build a small wardrobe of pieces that go together and you will buy less overall.
Final Thoughts
You do not have to do everything at once. Pick one or two of these and build from there. You can find more ideas on my Shop Sustainable page.
Which tip will you try first? Tell me in the comments.