One of the most effective ways to contribute to circular fashion is by shifting your mindset from quantity to quality. Fast fashion has influenced society to prioritize having large quantities of trendy, inexpensive garments, designed to be as cheap. This approach often leads to excessive waste and poor-quality garments that quickly end up discarded and in landfills.
Fashion consumers must change their mindset and focus on creating wardrobes of high-quality, timeless pieces that will last for years. While these items may have a higher upfront cost, they often prove more economical in the long run due to their longevity.
Consider classic styles that transcend seasonal trends:
When evaluating a potential purchase, think about the cost per wear. A 200€ jacket that you wear 100 times over several years is more cost-effective and sustainable than a 20€ top worn only once or twice. This approach not only saves you money in the long term but also reduces the overall consumption of clothing.
To calculate cost per wear, consumers can:
Versatile pieces can be styled in multiple ways. A well-curated wardrobe with fewer, more versatile items can offer more outfit combinations than a closet full of single-purpose garments. This approach aligns perfectly with the principles of circular fashion by maximizing the utility of each item. Embracing quality over quantity contributes to circular fashion and develops more sustainable fashion consumption.
Before making a purchase, take the time to research a brand's sustainability practices. Look for companies that are transparent about their supply chain, use eco-friendly materials, and have clear sustainability goals. Many sustainable brands provide detailed information about their practices on their websites or through third-party certifications such as Recovo, which provides data about their marketplace fabrics’ environmental data, origin, and composition.
Key factors to consider when researching brands:
Some sustainable fashion brands have implemented circular initiatives such as take-back programs, where they collect and recycle old garments. Others offer rental or subscription services, allowing consumers to enjoy fashion without the need for permanent ownership. Supporting these initiatives encourages more brands to adopt similar practices.
Examples of circular initiatives to look out for:
Shopping second-hand or vintage is an excellent way to support circular fashion. By giving pre-loved items a new life, you're extending their lifecycle and reducing demand for new production. Many online platforms and local stores now specialize in curated second-hand fashion, making it easier than ever to find quality pre-owned pieces.
Benefits of second-hand shopping:
Acquiring some basic sewing skills can go a long way in maintaining your clothes. Simple repairs like sewing on buttons, fixing small tears, or hemming pants can significantly extend the life of your garments. There are numerous online tutorials and local workshops that can help you learn these valuable skills.
Essential repair skills to learn:
For more complex repairs, don't hesitate to seek professional services. Many dry cleaners offer repair services, and some cities have specialized repair cafes or alteration shops. By choosing to repair rather than replace, you actively participate circularly and reduce textile waste.
When to consider professional repair:
Upcycling involves transforming old or unwanted clothing into new, useful items. This could be as simple as turning an old t-shirt into a cleaning rag or as creative as transforming a dress into a skirt. Upcycling not only gives new life to old clothes but also allows you to express your creativity and develop unique pieces.
Upcycling ideas to try:
Sometimes, all a garment needs is a little personalization to make it feel new again. Adding embroidery, patches, or even dyeing can breathe new life into clothes you might otherwise discard. This approach not only extends the life of your clothes but also results in unique, personalized pieces.
Personalization techniques to explore:
Not all donation centres are created equal. Research local options to find organizations that will make the best use of your donations. Some specialize in professional clothing for job seekers, while others focus on providing for families in need. By choosing the right donation centre, you can ensure your clothes find a new home where they're truly needed.
Tips for responsible donation:
For items that are no longer wearable, textile recycling is an excellent option. Many cities now have textile recycling programs, and some clothing retailers offer in-store recycling bins. These programs can turn old textiles into insulation, cleaning cloths, or even new fabric, keeping them out of landfills.
Types of items suitable for textile recycling:
Clothing swaps are a fun and social way to refresh your wardrobe without buying new items. Organize a swap with friends, family, or community members. This not only gives your unwanted items a new home but also allows you to discover "new" pieces without contributing to additional production.
How to organize a successful clothing swap:
For higher-quality items in good condition, consider selling them through consignment shops or online platforms. This not only gives your clothes a second life but also allows you to recoup some of their value. It's a win-win situation that supports the circular fashion economy.
Popular platforms for selling used clothing:
Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in a circular fashion. Follow sustainable fashion blogs, attend webinars or workshops, and read books on the topic. Understanding the principles and challenges of circular fashion will help you make more informed decisions and identify new ways to contribute.
Resources for staying informed:
Use your social media platforms or personal interactions to share information about circular fashion. This could involve posting about your sustainable fashion choices, sharing articles on the topic, or discussing the importance of circular fashion with friends and family. Your voice can inspire others to make more sustainable choices.
Ways to share knowledge effectively:
Many organizations are working to promote circular fashion. Engage with these initiatives by following their social media, participating in their events, or volunteering if possible. This not only broadens your knowledge but also contributes to the growth of the circular fashion movement.
Types of initiatives to look out for:
Use your voice as a consumer to advocate for more sustainable practices in the fashion industry. This could involve writing to your favourite brands asking about their sustainability practices, supporting legislation that promotes circular fashion, or participating in campaigns for sustainable fashion.
Ways to advocate for change:
Before making a purchase, take a moment to assess whether you really need the item. Consider your existing wardrobe and how the new piece will fit in. Ask yourself:
When you do decide to make a purchase, research the materials and production methods used. Look for:
Choose items that are built to last and can be styled in multiple ways. Look for:
For occasion wear or items you'll only use infrequently, consider renting or borrowing instead of buying. Many platforms now offer clothing rental services, allowing you to enjoy fashion without a long-term commitment.
Benefits of renting include:
Recovo creates circular solutions for the fashion industry. We cover various aspects of the circular economy for brands:
Based in Barcelona, we have a global mission with our websites in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, French, dutch, German
If you want to know more, please contact us
