https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:46:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles/page/2#post-2313181 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 13:41:47 +0000 Irina 2313181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you very much for your comments.&nbsp;<div>I’m glad that we all do what we can to keep our wardrobes and homes sustainable. I’m going to buy a laundry bag for my polyester gear and I thank&nbsp;<b>BlueJay, LaPed and kkards&nbsp;</b>for introducing it to me.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles/page/2#post-2313153 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 02:35:41 +0000 Jaime 2313153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am impressed with everyone's sustainability efforts! I think some aspects of our lifestyle are better than others. At this point, my wardrobe is over 90% second hand, as is my son's. My daughters' and DH are wearing more and more second hand as well. We have only one car and all use public transportation a lot. We don't eat tons of packaged foods, but we do seem to create a lot of garbage none the less. Regarding polyester, thrift stores are full of it - polyester presents better after being tossed in a donation window but it will all end up as someone's trash eventually.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles/page/2#post-2313083 Sat, 11 Mar 2023 18:02:22 +0000 Angie 2313083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Irina,</b> my strategies are similar to yours, <b>Tanya's</b>, and <b>Jenn's. </b>HIGH FIVE :)</p> <p><b></b>I&nbsp;<b></b>barely wear&nbsp;workout wear &nbsp;-&nbsp;only&nbsp;for yoga - and have very few&nbsp;items. 3 sets to avoid laundry bottlenecks and they last for years. So I avoid polyester and nylon quite successfully that way. That said, I do buy and wear a few recycled polyester blouses because they work for me. They are very robust - and that in itself is a sustainable strategy.&nbsp;</p> <p>We have very limited storage space in our loft, so I don't have a large wardrobe. That keeps the shopping even more disciplined! </p> <p>I de-pill the living daylights out of my knitwear to make it look new. Unlike some, I am not okay wearing worn items unless they are jeans and I'm on a trail or at the beach with the doggies. I recycle what I can when I pass on.</p> <p>I am a big outfit repeater and wear my pretty clothes! I enjoy it.</p> <p>Actually, my non-style life is more sustainable, and I'm nodding along with<b> kkards</b>. We walk to most places. We are also HUGE ON ZERO FOOD WASTE. &nbsp;I could start a blog about that. My strategies on how to use food so that you don't waste it is something I am passionate about. Surprisingly, the food waste in the US accounts for a much higher percentage of carbon emissions than airplane travel. Food does not decompose as well as we think it does, and releases loads of toxins.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles/page/2#post-2313064 Sat, 11 Mar 2023 16:52:51 +0000 Irina 2313064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Kkards,&nbsp;</b>great that you shared your strategies in other areas in your life.&nbsp;<br /><div>I like to try new things when possible. Our kids gave us hand made bee-waxed reusable cotton sheets for wrapping small things like cheese, brad and to use it instead of a Saran wrap.&nbsp;</div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.mindyourbeeswraps.com/">https://www.mindyourbeeswraps.com/</a><br /></div><div>I don’t drive and we are generally not car people although my DH has no choice but to drive to work.&nbsp;</div><div>I wash almost everything on cold and now trying some Green Earth or something like it home cleaning detergents (also a gift from kinds).&nbsp;</div><div>I line dry my laundry all summer long and love it!<br />We don’t buy more food than we need for a week.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles/page/2#post-2313058 Sat, 11 Mar 2023 16:34:28 +0000 kkards 2313058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I realized I never actually tried to answer the question, what do I do.&nbsp;<div>1st I kind of take the carbon offset approach and try to be sustainable in other parts of my life<br />&nbsp;I only use cloth napkins, even carrying them to work with my lunch, in glass containers and a lunch bag with reusable ice pack. &nbsp;I stopped using sponges and use dish rags that can be washed and reused. Yes, extra laundry but overall doesn’t increase the number of loads I’m doing.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;speaking of laundry, I wash everything but towels, sheets and above napkins and dish rags in cold. &nbsp;And these are the only things that go into the dryer. &nbsp;I only wash jeans, sweaters and outer layers when they are actually dirty&nbsp;<br />I keep my electronics and TV until they no longer work and/or the battery will no longer hold a charge. &nbsp;Where possible i walk. (My city is not public transport friendly and it’s absolutely not possible to use it to get to my office, so that’s not an option).&nbsp;</div><div>And finally, I’m working really hard to eliminate food waste. I don’t meal prep, but I’m getting better at figuring out how to meal plan in a way that reduces waste. And I’m figuring what can be frozen and what actually works best if I buy it frozen (thus reducing waste, and trips to the grocery).&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2313045 Sat, 11 Mar 2023 14:26:21 +0000 Irina 2313045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Kkards</b>, I ask myself those questions, too. unprocessed linen is better for the environment than cotton but it’s not even widely available. Denim production is awful, wool is questionable. It makes my head hurt. I decided for myself - no fur, no polyester or other synthetic fibers if it can be avoided, no angora. I wear leather shoes and carry leather bags but regret buying a leather jacket a few years ago. It’s too small now anyway, so it’s on the list for sale. I decided not to purchase &nbsp;leather clothes anymore.&nbsp;</p> <p>Wool works for me because it kind of self cleaning and doesn’t require washing as much &nbsp;I hand wash my woolen things but it’s too much water, I try to do it now only when necessary. I have enough to rotate and air out my knitwear &nbsp;</p> <div>Thanks for a link to Patagonia. It cost the same but I would rather buy from them, also the store is on my way to my office.&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2313041 Sat, 11 Mar 2023 13:48:05 +0000 kkards 2313041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.patagonia.com/product/guppyfriend-microplastic-washing-bag/4260750820839.html?s_kwcid=17928&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=Performance+Max+-+Evergreen&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6bPxrvzT_QIVltjICh0Phw0jEAQYBSABEgIt-PD_BwE">https://www.patagonia.com/prod.....s_kwcid=17</a></p> <div>Still not cheap but from the a company that I am &nbsp;comfortable saying walks the talk&nbsp;<br />which brings me to greenwashing. &nbsp;As I’ve thought about sustainability over time this is the thing that’s tripped me up time over time. &nbsp;What’s real and what’s just good PR? &nbsp;</div><div>Are natural fibers really better? Cotton is natural, but the amount of water it takes to grow is huge, and turning it into fabric generally requires toxic chemicals and dyes. &nbsp;Organic cotton might be better, but from what I’ve read, there’s at lot of greenwashing and out and out mislabeling there&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;ved=2ahUKEwibtPqAgNT9AhXeEFkFHfUgB-0QFnoECA4QAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2022%2F02%2F13%2Fworld%2Fasia%2Forganic-cotton-fraud-india.html&amp;usg=AOvVaw3esx0k07W3FTwfw1Amm8cq">https://www.google.com/url?sa=.....=2ahUKEwib</a></div><div>And what about wool? It seems better, until I start to read about how the washable wool is made… and then, &nbsp;well I stop now. &nbsp; Because I don’t mean to be Debbie downer this morning. &nbsp;</div><div>I guess I’ll just say that I think you need to find what ever works for you, and what you define as sustainable and/or what works &nbsp;for your values&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2313039 Sat, 11 Mar 2023 13:23:10 +0000 Irina 2313039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LaPed</b>, thanks! This is something new to me. I wash my gym joggers, sports bras and sweatpants, occasionally running tops (I have 2) weekly. It’s not a lot but still.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2313037 Sat, 11 Mar 2023 13:13:22 +0000 LaPed 2313037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina, they're very easy to use. Fill loosely with clothes (no more than halfway), zip tightly, and put it in the washing machine. I have a front loader with no agitator; it might be more troublesome with a top-loader with a central agitator? I haven't seen any difference in how well the clothes get washed. I received mine as a gift a few years ago and really like it.&nbsp;Another option is the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.coraball.com/collections/all-products/products/cora-ball">Cora Ball</a>, which stays in the washer. The nice thing about the bag, though, is that it basically acts as a delicates bag and prevents fiber breakage. I find my fleeces pill a lot less since I started using it.&nbsp;It's weird to buy a piece of plastic to catch other plastics, but the material they're made of supposedly doesn't shed the way textiles do.&nbsp;It's an imperfect solution, though. The current recommendation is to put the lint these devices catch into the trash (in a sealed container rather than loose), the reasoning being that it's less harmful in a landfill than in waterways. But it's still plastic trash... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312999 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 23:52:30 +0000 Anonymous 2312999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do lots of this: preference for natural fibers, trying to be very mindful when I shop, some consignment, preference for repairing as possible, and donating unwearables into the used clothing bins instead of trashing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312987 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 23:16:12 +0000 Irina 2312987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LaPed,&nbsp;</b>can you, please, share your experience using a Guppy Friend bag?&nbsp;<br /><div><b>Tanya</b>, I did check the city website and no textile recycling is available, unfortunately.&nbsp;<br /></div><div>&nbsp;I could’ve put more effort, I guess, into a second hand shopping but I have doubts about its benefits.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312986 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 23:06:33 +0000 Sal 2312986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me what works is</p> <p>1. Trying to enjoy and wear what I have.<br /> 2. Looking after my clothes so they last.<br /> 3. Buying better so they last a long time<br /> 4. Some second hand - mostly blazers and handbags for me. And the odd wildcard.<br /> 5. Tracking is helping me learn a few things about how much I really do and don’t wear things. My shoes last a long time - outside trainers - so expensive quality is worth it. Same with gear, pants and outerwear.<br /> 6. Some wear is okay- but it’s the choice when buying that helps that. Eg denim with wear looks fine but saggy knees on work trousers look awful. </p> <p>My hardest thing is to stop the temptation to buy more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312978 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 22:32:29 +0000 Tanya 2312978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great thread, thank you for starting it, Irina.</p> <p>There are a lot of similarities between your and my strategies: I too avoid polyester, acrylic and similar fibers, 2nd hand shopping does not work me either, and of course, I love to shop and love clothes on general.</p> <p>Recently I finished a huge closet edit, and similarly to you, divided the rejected items in thee groups, to try to consign, donate and recycle.&nbsp; I did a little bit of research and found a nice small local charity shops that sells donated clothes and the profit goes to local charities. Whatever the consignment stores don't take will go to them as well.&nbsp; I was also much pickier about the condition of the clothes I donated - anything that was slightly questionable went into recycle pile.&nbsp; &nbsp;It turns out that my county has large recycle bins when one can donate old/unwearable clothes ( as long as they don't have mildew, everything else is fine) and shoes.&nbsp; &nbsp;They will then recycle the fabric and leather.&nbsp; &nbsp;I felt much better about doing this than throwing them away.&nbsp; &nbsp;Perhaps your county has a similar program? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312970 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 21:42:13 +0000 LaPed 2312970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, simply buying less is probably the biggest one, and the one I have to work the hardest at. I really enjoy novelty and variety! I've managed to go from 30-40 new items a year to 20-30, but would like to cut that down even further. </p> <p>I do buy a lot of preowned clothing, always have. My ratio in 2022 was about 50:50 used:new, and I'd like to get it even higher than that. The danger with secondhand is that if you're not really mindful about it, you can rationalize a lot of purchases you don't really need because it's less costly to you and the environment--but still not zero! And thrifting is much easier to do if you have a functional wardrobe with a solid base of essentials. I definitely bought more at retail when I was in a serious wardrobe building phase (2015-2018, roughly). I still have a lot of what I bought new then, which gives me the freedom and flexibility to wait for just the right items to show up secondhand.</p> <p>Reminding myself to wear things to death as much as possible, but also to be honest about mistakes and get rid of them while they're still useful to others, is another big one. If I wear something a few times and discover it really doesn't work for me, I cut my losses and sell/trade/donate right away so it can (I hope) go have a long second life with someone else.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do as much mending as my limited skillset allows (just patched a beloved pair of pants for DS last night) but I'm also okay with sending things to textile recycling once they have holes or busted seams. What I won't get rid of is something nearly-new and fully functional that has a small stain or other cosmetic blemish. I either demote it to at-home casual wear, keep wearing it, or find a way to patch/dye/etc to mitigate the damage. I'm pretty comfortable embracing visible wear, and feel a bit uncomfortable when every component of my outfit is pristine.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've accepted that I'll probably always have a bunch of synthetic clothing, since I'm quite reliant on gear year round (ski, swim, bike, hike, etc.). As others have noted, these items have the benefit of generally being very durable and lasting forever (I'll do wool and silk for certain items, but they definitely don't have the longevity of poly or nylon; even a tiny bit of nylon blended with merino offers a huge increase in durability). Brands like Patagonia and Arc'teryx hold their resale value and it's pretty easy to re-home gear that doesn't fit anymore (or when I just want to upgrade something! ). I also buy a lot of these items secondhand from REI garage sales or local gear consignment shops.&nbsp;I launder anything synthetic in a Guppy Friend bag to keep microplastics out of the watershed.&nbsp;</p> <p>My biggest problem is running shoes. Completely synthetic, need to be replaced every season, and buying secondhand isn't really an option. When they're worn out I take them to the local sports store, which offers recycling, but I still don't like to contemplate the climate impact of the initial manufacturing process. :(&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312964 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 21:06:13 +0000 BlueJay 2312964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, it is pricey! I haven't researched it further. It would be interesting to find out if there are any Consumer Reports about "microfiber trapping washing bags" or similar? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312962 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 21:03:58 +0000 Irina 2312962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>BlueJay</b>, interesting! It costs $50, maybe there are budget friendly alternatives.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312960 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:53:29 +0000 rachylou 2312960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Guppyfriend is really intriguing… gosh(!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312959 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:46:37 +0000 BlueJay 2312959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to do many of these things such as pass along clothes, for example, passing along DD's clothes (she's only 7 and still growing), to a friend who has a younger DD. My DS, gives me clothes from her kids for my kid. I try to consign, or donate the good ones, from DD and myself too. Salvation Army in Toronto will try to recycle the textiles, but yes, many end up in lots to be sold elsewhere and the mixed textiles is problematic.</p> <p>As <b>ChristieIJ</b> mentioned, returning things within the return window, but I can see <b>rachylou's</b> point that it's too late because the items are already made. The world is all about "growth" as a measurement of "success", unfortunately.&nbsp;</p> <p>Buying more mindfully, or just trying to be more creative and re-mixing clothes I have owned for a long time.&nbsp;I am particular for washing and taking care of my clothes so they will last (and maybe even not washing after one wear, such as jeans that you're not supposed to overwash anyway), or just airing things out, mending small repairs and resoling/reheeling shoes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Has anyone tried the Guppyfriend washing bag sold by Reformation? "The Guppyfriend Washing Bag is a patented solution that filters out microfibers released from synthetic materials during washing." Just wondering if it's worth the hype, or is "greenwashing"?<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.thereformation.com/products/guppyfriend-washing-bag/1304884CLR.html">https://www.thereformation.com.....84CLR.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312956 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:33:29 +0000 Irina 2312956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Dee</b>, thanks, I appreciate so much your support! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312952 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:11:10 +0000 Dee 2312952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh <b>Irina,</b><b></b><b></b> I so identify with what you’re saying and admire anyone who is taking serious steps to be more sustainable. The environmental impact of fashion is very real and shouldn’t be ignored. I love fashion and shopping but I too, don’t want to add to this problem.</p> <p>Sustainable shopping isn’t easy, it takes a lot of effort to figure out how and where new items are being made and it can be rather expensive too.</p> <p>Even second-hand shopping wont necessarily solve the problem, there is such a ridiculous amount of clothes in these thrift stores now and we know that aren’t all going to sell, so they’ll likely just end up in a landfill somewhere. Recycling clothing is also fraught with issues of mixed fabric content that can’t actually be used anymore.</p> <p>For our part, I think the best we can do, is most of what you are already doing and that is to purchase very carefully, thinking of what you already have so that you can mix and match, and of course selecting natural/ organic fibres whenever possible. </p> <p>Buy second hand if you can (I enjoy shopping in consignment stores, as they are much more particular about what they accept) and wear your purchases as much as possible.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think creating our own unique personal style and having some timeless quality basics can help us avoid succumbing to all the fashion trends that are constantly being paraded out there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312951 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:09:23 +0000 Irina 2312951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenn</b>, the second hand shopping doesn’t work for me, either. I haven’t tried to buy it online and probably will not. Too hard to attest a condition of a garment and returns are problematic. Even if price is low, I’m not inclined to keep a questionable item. My main issue is how to arrive to a smaller number of purchases, that means a thoughtful additions only.&nbsp;<br /><div><b>judy,&nbsp;</b>I admire people who wear things with patina well. I always thought I’m not one of them.&nbsp;</div><div><b>Indigoprint</b>, I actually tried that. Some years ago I made pillows from sweaters that were victims of moths. But I’m lacking skills to make it perfect. I’m interested in taking a sewing class when I have time. I do small mending, nothing major though.&nbsp;<b><br /></b><b>phoebe</b>, great to have a textile recycling facility in town!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312950 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:53:16 +0000 Irina 2312950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>ChristelJ,&nbsp;</b>yes, it’s a powerful image. I also worked at a thrift store and remembered seeing a sorting facility. It was more than 20 years ago before cheap production of things really exploded.&nbsp;<br /><div><b>Sarah,&nbsp;</b>I had to buy synthetic gear, too and the only consolation is that it lasts long and I buy a minimum. For working out at a gym, I repurposed older t-shirts. I’m not into buying fun athletic outfits.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><b>Jenni NZ</b>, I do laundry once a week so my goal with gear is to have enough gym clothes to last a week. But I also aware of micro plastic fibers and particles. So, my compromise is to wear synthetic bottoms and cotton tops.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><b>Rachylou,&nbsp;</b>it’s a chicken and an egg argument - what is first, overproduction or overconsumption?<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312949 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:36:20 +0000 phoebe 2312949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heavy leaning towards cotton and wool whenever possible, you described some of the challenge categories but no compromising on tops. Eliminates many, many items but too much choice is not enjoyable anyway.</p> <p>The town offers textile recycling so any and all textiles regardless of condition can be donated.</p> <p>Items are replaced seasonally and the process is very deliberate as having made many, I am very averse to mistakes.</p> <p>I agree completely with Rachylou about overproduction.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312946 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:26:01 +0000 Indigoprint 2312946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I to love clothes and am sentimental to boot so I hang onto clothes from emotion. I am into fiber arts, I like to knit, sew, quilt,weave and love to mend.( I turn collars on shirts, add elbow patches, replace buttons/ coat linings, patch jeans over and over, patch linens until there is nothing left)<br /> Many unwearable items get transformed into other things...pillows, quilts, rag rugs etc. When my parents passed away I made pillows for the grandkids out of sweaters/ flannel shirts. But even with those efforts we have more rags than we need and one only needs so many decorative pillows! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312945 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:25:00 +0000 Jenni NZ 2312945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou is right about the over-production. I don’t know what we can do about that as consumers?!<br /> Just buy less? But if it’s already made someone else might buy it?<br /> I guess this is what led to the infamous burning of unsold clothes a while back by some brands? Because not enough people did buy them? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312944 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:17:50 +0000 judy 2312944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Things that work for me: </p> <p>Living somewhere where there really are no good stores :).&nbsp;</p> <p>Shopping carefully online.</p> <p>Enjoying clothes that look worn in.&nbsp; And I've started mending some.</p> <p>Having a limited budget.&nbsp;</p> <p>Having two friends, one in a smaller size, one in a larger size, who like my castoffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Last year I bought 8 new things, gave away four or five old ones, this year I've bought two so far.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Striking a good balance between the comfort of the old well loved things and the novelty of something fresh to give them all new life. </p> <p>Oh, one more...Knowing I can enjoy browsing online at new shapes and colors and textures and I don't need to own it all.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312941 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:06:37 +0000 Jenn 2312941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you're on the right track, figuring out the things that work for you and the things that don't! I feel like if we each make the changes that we can make simply by being a bit more mindful, we're already making a big difference. Stretching beyond that is even better, but that can come one small change at a time.</p> <p>What currently works for me: </p> <ol> <li>Buying mostly natural fibers. Like others, I make exceptions for athletic and functional gear, but those things last FOREVER and there's really no good substitute at this point in time.</li> <li>Choosing companies with sustainable business models. Am I 100% on this? No, but I try to always check my ever-growing <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-updated-sustainable-brand-list">list of trusted businesses</a> first, and, more often than not, I can find what I'm looking for there. As I experiment with more brands, my list and my options keep growing.</li> <li>Wearing what I have A LOT and wearing items and outfits on repeat.</li> <li>Being mindful about what I buy. #3 is only possible when I'm really careful to only buy clothing that I adore. This is true even of functional items. &nbsp;Right now, I can say that I unequivocally love everything in my closet and there's nothing there that I don't enjoy wearing.</li> <li>Being okay with showing wear, including visible repairs. I try to take care of my clothing, but eventually wear will show, and not needing to be pristine means I can wear my clothing for longer.</li> </ol> <p><div>What doesn't work for me:</p> <ol> <li>Secondhand shopping. I try to do a bit here and there, but I don't think it's ever going to be a regular first option for me. My son, on the other hand, adores secondhand shopping and I'm always impressed with what he brings home.</li> <li>No-shop or buying a lot less. I'm not talking about buying less than others here, but about reducing my own shopping. I enjoy having a closet full of beautiful textiles and a functional mid-and-match wardrobe and I don't see becoming a person who isn't always in the process of reinventing that. I'm generally comfortable with the amount of shopping I do and don't have a particular goal to scale back.</li> </ol> <p> </div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312940 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:58:45 +0000 rachylou 2312940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The one good thing about working in a bakery is you can still wear tired things; you only need to be clean and neat. The one bad thing is, you get a detailed view into how the human race is going down… surviving until tomorrow is completely at odds with surviving 30 years from now. The chore is massive and there are a lot of fronts in this war.</p> <p>Anyways, ok, yes, I’ve been reading about food safety again.</p> <p>I think about outfits and looks before I think about items and that has helped, I feel, my over-consumption. </p> <p>Over production tho is in my mind a bigger problem than over buying, if that makes sense. We manufacture based on projections and once something is made, it’s too late. We made the decision at work not to expand, you know, because we want a sustainable business. We sort of have to work less… I’m still thinking about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312939 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:47:27 +0000 Jenni NZ 2312939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s a personal goal of mine to be more sustainable too, and it has been for 6 years now. But I agree it is a struggle. I feel I am making progress.<br /> The biggest thing I am doing is buying less and wearing what I have. Not buying as much is hard when I have been an unabashed lover of clothing and shoes in the past.<br /> I’m watching my husband buy lots of polyester because he cycles to work every day and has a lot of technical fabric shirts. I am not telling him not to. At least he wears them and wears them and he is helping the environment by not driving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sustainable-wardrobe---ideas-and-struggles#post-2312937 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:37:04 +0000 sarah 2312937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admire your efforts. I've also been trying to reduce my purchase of synthetics like acrylic, and have been distressed that *so many* sweaters for sale this year are acrylic. I've been having a harder time avoiding polyester because it's so pervasive in workout gear, and I do a lot of cross-country skiing and pilates. But, it's a goal...thanks for sharing your strategies. </p>