Want Sustainable Clothes, But You're on a Budget? Here's What to Do
Indeed, it is possible to be eco-friendly and economical.
Picture this: It's Tuesday night. You have a job interview on Friday morning and are in desperate need of a sophisticated blouse to wear. You meant to go shopping over the weekend and check out that new sustainable fashion boutique at the mall, but you got called into work and couldn't turn down the extra money. Now you have two days to put together an outfit that will impress a prospective boss. Feeling like you're out of options, you succumb to your New Year's goal of boycotting fast fashion and rapidly type in forever21.com to your Google search bar. Twenty minutes later, you have a frilly pink blouse on the way via expedited shipping. Simple and easy. The truth is that digital fast fashion makes it possible to purchase at our fingertips, but at what cost?
We've all been there before. Whether you buy fast fashion out of necessity and time constraints or because you genuinely like the clothes, there is no question that fast fashion brands are the most accessible and affordable to consumers. Take brands like SHEIN, Fashion Nova, or ASOS. All of these brands have one thing in common– inexpensive, reasonably fast delivery, and a plethora of options. In our busy lives, many of us don't have the time–or income– to spend time shopping for an environmentally conscious brand that will meet our needs. Fast fashion is right there, and its simplicity draws us in. Fast fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry. The effects of fast fashion on the planet, however, can be devastating.
It's no secret that there is an abundance of environmental concerns when it comes to fast fashion. The amount of water used in textile factories is insane, not to mention the substantial carbon emissions these factories unleash upon our environment. Plus, many of the companies use cheap polyester fibers and fabrics that wear down very quickly. There are also problems with ethical working conditions when it comes to fast fashion brands. Producing a tremendous amount of clothes in a short period of time causes some companies to not prioritize the working environment. Fast fashion drastically harms our environment, exploits workers, and doesn't produce quality products at the end of the day. With all of these concerns a natural question would be “Why are these companies still in business?” It may seem obvious, but there is a simple answer to why these brands dominate the fashion industry: convenience and money.
Most of us, especially college students, don't have $200 to drop on a simple cropped hoodie and matching sweat set. This is why we turn to sites like Boohoo or Nasty Gal because we can get a cute outfit for a more wallet-friendly price. While convenient, many people are now recognizing the true cost fast fashion has on our planet. Sustainable clothing companies and brands that are pledging to be more "green" are extremely popular and important to consumers right now.
Many of us want to shop more eco-consciously, but we just can't commit to those higher prices. Maybe if sustainable fashion brands were more affordable, we wouldn't have the problems we do with the fast fashion industry. However, it takes money and time to be more eco-friendly, thus the higher prices of these sustainable brands. There is obviously a multi-layered conflict here with no real answer. But how can we meet in the middle? How can you shop sustainably when you don't have hundreds of dollars to throw on conscious brands? While they don't completely fix the wide scope of the problem, there are simple things you can do to be more fashionably eco-friendly while making sure your bank account stays happy.
One of the best ways to practice being sustainable while on a budget is to thrift shop. Thrift stores have a myriad of clothes, and there is no shortage when it comes to items. Many thrift stores even have to turn away donations because the mounds of items they house become overwhelming. You can find clothes at the thrift store that are in excellent quality condition. Some thrift clothes may be a little older, but if they were made before the age of online fast fashion, chances are the condition of the piece will be impeccable. A jean jacket from 20 years ago can still be in great shape and be anxiously waiting to embrace a new owner. Even if some pieces you locate need a little help–like changing out a button or cropping the length–you will find that you have various more options to explore at a thrift store than a fast-fashion brand. Doing a little DIY on an article will allow you to incorporate your own little touch and make it more personal. The best part? You are helping the earth. Recycling clothes by donating and making an effort to purchase some wardrobe pieces at thrift shops will not only help you do your part for the planet, but your wallet will thank you.
Another method of ensuring sustainable fashion practices is to assemble a collection of staple pieces. When you have staple pieces, it makes it simpler to mix and match to create outfits. The purpose of these items is to decrease your need to constantly buy new clothes, as the mixing and matching allow for an unlimited amount of outfits to be created. Staple pieces for your closet will depend on your unique style, but there are a few options across the board that are fitting to most everyone. You can never go wrong with jean jackets, white and black turtle necks and tee shirts, a solid pair of skinny or mom jeans, a tan blazer, and white sneakers. Other options could include a little black dress, hoop earrings, sleek black jeans, and different shades of neutral-colored blouses. When you have solid pieces, you can pick-and-choose from and rotate around, and the possibilities to showcase your style are limitless.
Lastly, if you wish to sport more eco-friendly clothing, refrain from immediately throwing all of your money on the latest trends. This doesn't mean that you can't buy a few items that reflect popular styles of the moment, but you shouldn't revamp your whole wardrobe for a fad that will most likely go away in a few months. Doing this can be highly wasteful as fast fashion brands immensely profit from the coming and going of trends. Clothes in one month and out the next have no place in the sustainable fashion world. If possible, try to keep your wardrobe at 80% staple pieces and 20% trending pieces. This ratio will allow you to dip your toes into current stylish trends but still give you the peace of mind that your footprint on the environment isn't detrimental.
We will inevitably have to purchase fast fashion at some point or another. It's all around us, and sometimes the convenience and price tags can't be beaten. However, making an effort to be more sustainable, even doing something as small as limiting the amount of fast fashion products you buy, has the potential of a gratifying payoff. If we all take small steps to be more eco-friendly, it'll send a powerful message to the fashion industry: Sustainability is essential.
