Sustainability in fashion isn’t just about how your clothes are made, but their entire lifecycle.
When you choose a dress made from regenerative cotton over polyester, you’ve made a decision with the planet in mind, and we couldn’t be happier! But, it’s only the start of the journey. How you wear, wash, and dispose of the dress is all going to factor into how sustainable your purchase will turn out to be; where your clothes end up is just as important as where they began.
Luckily for all of us, there’s a quick way you can instantly create a more eco-friendly wardrobe, and that’s by making your clothes last longer. To help you get started, we’ve put together some top tips to extend the life of your favourite pieces, creating a wardrobe that’s not just for a season, but for a lifetime (well, almost).
1. Start Washing Your Clothes Inside Out
Did you know that washing your clothes inside out could be better for the planet? It sounds bizarre, we know, but this simple trick can prevent damage and colour loss as your garments tumble around in the washing machine. If there are any embellishments on your clothes, it’ll stop them from snagging on other pieces, too, helping everything you own last a little longer.
2. Dye Your Fading Jeans
Black jeans are notorious for losing their colour over time. Even well-made pairs can become faded after one too many washes! Rather than chucking them out, buy a box of plant-based black dye and refresh your favourite pair in the comfort of your own home. It’s cheaper and better for the planet, making it an undeniable win-win.
3. Repair Rather Than Replace
Just because an item has a hole in it doesn’t mean it deserves the landfill. It’s far more eco-friendly to repair than replace. If you can, try your hand at sewing and reattach loose buttons or close up an unravelling seam. Or, for a more time-savvy option, take your quality pieces for professional repairs. There’s a fantastic app called SoJo that makes sending your clothes to be altered as easy as ordering a takeaway, and it could be just what you need to keep your clothes looking their best.
4. Always Opt For Air Drying
Throwing wet clothing into the dryer might be convenient, but it’s definitely not going to help them last longer. The intense heat used to evaporate water can easily shrink and damage fibres, leading to more fragile garments. If you can, hang your clothes out on the line on a sunny day or on a drying rack indoors to keep those fibres safe from harm.
5. Try Out a Stain Remover Pen
We can all be a little clumsy at times, but our clothes shouldn’t have to suffer because of it! If you’ve spoilt tomato soup on your top, a stain remover pen will treat the mark quickly. Look into eco-friendly options, like Ecovers stain remover pen and save your clothes from unfortunate ruin.
6. Wear Quality Clothing For a Long-Lasting Wardrobe
Clothes that are made to higher standards of quality are likely to last much longer. A lot of brands follow a throw-away culture of making cheap garments quickly so that they can sell at low prices, and you’ll keep coming back for more. Try to avoid these clothes, opting instead for better materials and good craftsmanship.
Find High-Quality Clothing at Finsu
At Finsu, we collect all the best fashion from trusted, ethical brands and put them together on one intuitive website. You can browse everything from responsibly sourced silk gowns to organic socks and know that you’re shopping with the planet, people, and animals in mind. Join the community to start shopping better together!