How To Join The Slow Fashion Movement

 Shop Mindfully

The decisions you make have an impact. By taking a thoughtful approach to curating your wardrobe, you can rebel against excessive and mindless consumption. Rather than impulse buying, think about each garment, whether you really need it and whether you will actually wear it. Along with thinking about the future lifespan of the garment, it’s also important to consider what the materials are and how it was made. 

Build a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a small yet curated wardrobe that is made up of pieces that you love and will wear over and over again.  A capsule wardrobe is made up of a variety of high-quality and timeless garments and accessories that can be interchanged, so you can create a wide variety of outfits with fewer clothes. 

Take Care of Your Clothes

By caring for your clothes properly, you can extend the life of your clothes. Follow the instructions on the label, machine wash on the lowest heat setting and hang to dry to save on energy.  Along with following the care instructions, basic sewing and de-staining techniques can help you to get more wear out of your clothes. 

Shop upcycled and second hand first

Shopping from upcycled designers and second hand or vintage stores are one of the best ways to shop with little impact on the planet. Not only does upcycling and second hand fashion give a garment a second life, but it can also reduce its CO2e impact by 79%. Plus, it’s a great way to curate a wardrobe full of unique pieces that you can’t find anywhere else. Upcycled fashion and vintage fashion is challenging us to think outside the box and embrace individual style. 

Embrace individual style

Fast fashion has created an industry of never-ending trends, where you constantly need something new to stay in style. One way to ignore the ever-changing (and ever-manipulative) fashion industry and embrace your own personal style. Not only will this be better for the environment but you’ll find it’s liberating to feel more authentically yourself. 

Do your own research and shop from independent and sustainable brands

The sad reality is that many brands claim to be sustainable when they are, in fact, simply greenwashing. The best way to ensure that you are shopping from authentically sustainable brands is to do your own research. Luckily, businesses like Good On You and B-Corp make it easy.

Sell, donate and swap your old clothes

There is an abundance of websites and apps that will help you sell, donate, recycle, upcycle and even swap your old clothes. This can help give them a second life as well as prevent them from ending up in the landfill.