A very popular argument against fashion sustainability is the low economic accessibility of sustainably produced garments. No matter how high quality a garment may be, it is undeniable that there is a large number of people who cannot afford them but are eager to adopt more sustainable fashion consumption. For all those looking for more affordable ways to make their closet more sustainable, here are five ways to find new fashion inspiration, without the need to pollute too much or spend very large amounts of money.
Swapping clothes for a sustainable closet
One of the most sustainable and affordable ways to get new clothes is through swapping. Almost everyone has someone in their life who has a similar style and size to them; it can be a good plan to spend an afternoon trying to exchange with that person the clothes that we are no longer using in our closet.
Many people are afraid to propose ideas like this to their family or friends, but it is a fantastic way to consume fashion in a more sustainable way. You can select the clothes you no longer want to wear and let someone else look at them; so they can find the clothes they would like to keep. You can then repeat this process at the other person’s home, and discover endless new possibilities for your closet without spending anything.
This practice can even be carried out via video call, with those with whom you cannot be in person; you just have to send each other the garments, and if something does not fit, return it or give it to charity.
Exploring other people’s closets
Few things are more exciting than finding a vintage garment that used to belong to a loved one. Over the years, many people tend to accumulate large amounts of unused clothes, especially the elderly. This is a perfect opportunity to find quality garments to add to a sustainable closet. Plus, knowing that the garment once belonged to someone close to you gives it a very special value, and it is likely to have a completely unique style.
Another option is to rummage through the storage rooms of family and friends. Piles and piles of unused objects and garments accumulate there, waiting for the moment when they will be needed again. A great opportunity to give a second life to those belongings that would otherwise probably never see the light of day again.
Second-hand platforms
Second-hand digital platforms have democratized more than ever the possibilities of finding any type of garment at an affordable price, and without resorting to fast fashion. There are more and more initiatives that advocate second-hand consumption as a way to find an outlet for all those clothes in the closet that are not given regular use, for whatever reason. In addition, it is a good way to accumulate economic resources with which to find new items that restore the brightness to a dull closet.
Second-hand sales platforms specializing in fashion and accessories are reaching more and more countries every day; this makes the experience of searching and shopping for a sustainable closet much simpler. Of course, when shopping on such websites, it is important to remember that it is much more environmentally beneficial to arrange for delivery in person, or short-distance shipping, rather than getting an item from a person who lives on the other side of the world.
Second-hand stores
Although this option is very limited for people living in rural areas or small towns, there are more and more physical stores that offer second-hand products, due to the demand for durable and quality goods at an affordable price.
It is also important to keep in mind that many of these spaces are designed so that people without resources can find the clothes they need, and that the gentrification of these stores is turning out to be very toxic for those who truly have no other alternative but to get the clothes they need. This would be the case of chains such as Humana stores, which are very popular throughout Europe.
Those who want to consume fashion more as a hobby than as a necessity should go to vintage stores rather than charity spaces; in this way, garments at very low prices will be able to reach those who really need them.
Reinventing our sustainable closet
There are several skilled craftsmen who are able to repair or give a new life to garments and accessories; moreover, they will do it for a much lower price than a new item. Before discarding something from the closet, it is essential to consider the possibilities of repairing or modifying it; thus, it will be much easier to extend the useful life of every single item in the closet.
If the problem is more about the worn-out nature of a garment than about the fact that it may have been damaged, there are plenty of tutorials that help to give a new look to the products. Plus, these small projects are a great opportunity to use your creative skills and can be a very addictive hobby. Few ways to have a more sustainable closet are as fun as this one.
