Prior to living abroad, I was to some extent a fast fashion buyer. I followed the latest trends and bought fast fashion pieces while not fully aware about how long they would last me or how the item was made. I was used to the people around me following a “buy and toss” fast fashion mentality.

When I studied in Italy, I observed how my Italian cousin and French friends would refrain from shopping every few weeks for the new “it” item as was customary in Canada. Instead, I would see European women owning fewer items. For example, they would own one purse (instead of ten) with it being of high quality, usually designer, and extremely versatile. I then realized how “slow fashion” was the sleek, economic, and climate conscious way to go.

Slow fashion reflects the idea that garments are chosen with care and intention, created for longevity, and made with integrity. Slow fashion expresses a new relationship with fashion, which is not only better for the environment but better for our mental state as fast fashion drives the engine of consumerism that sells “belonging” instead of “individuality.”

4 ways to become more sustainable

To Put Things in Perspective:

The fashion industry produces 10% of greenhouse gases and is the second largest consumer of the world’s water supply with three fifths of garments ending up in the landfill (McFall Johnsen, 2019; Wicker, 2020).

Become a Minimalist
One of the best ways to ensure a more sustainable wardrobe is to buy fewer pieces of clothing that are of higher quality. Choose timeless styles in staple colours for your wardrobe. For example, a black coat will likely be worn much more frequently than a bright pink one. Create a capsule wardrobe with pieces chosen to complement each other that will allow for maximum versatility. Another advantage of being a minimalist is also a great choice if you plan to be a chic globe trotter.
One key rule of thumb when buying a new item is to ask yourself the question “will I wear this garment more than 30 times?”
Many leading fashion houses such as Prada and Stella McCartney are gaining respect as leaders in sustainability and are celebrated brands (Statistia, 2020), so if you are convinced of the value of sustainable fashion, save up and buy their staple pieces.
Buy Vintage
Buying vintage can help reduce the global footprint of your wardrobe as well as make your wardrobe one of a kind! Some of my favourite spots in Vancouver are Mintage on Commercial Street and Front & Company on Main Street. A lot of times you will be able to find pieces made of good materials like leather and cotton instead of the man-made variety and in cool unique styles that are coming back into fashion. My latest find was a white leather jacket from the 80’s designer Michael Hoban that I scored for $100 and sells online for $300 and up!

3. Donate Unwanted Clothes

With 85% of textiles going into the landfill each year, it’s important to think about where and how we are disposing of our unwanted items. Instead of ditching them in the garbage or letting them sit unused in your closet, donate your unwanted clothes to friends, family, thrift stores, and charities. Keep in mind one person’s trash could be another’s treasure. I personally like to follow the one-in-one-out rule, which means for every new piece of clothing you buy, donate an old one that is going unused.

Shoutout to my friends Emily and Yasmin for always sending cool pieces my way!

4. Repair and Alter your Clothes

Favourite pieces last longer

If you are like me, you may have some jeans lying around that don’t fit anymore or sweaters that are coming undone. The best thing to do if you do love the pieces and would continue to wear them is to get them altered or repaired. I got my Rag & Bone jeans altered for only $20 and have been wearing them a lot more since, which actually saved me money versus buying a new pair for $300.

At home alterations can be an artist adventure

I also tend to take some of the sewing upon myself when necessary. My mother was going to give away her very cute but rather shapeless white blouse to which I responded by cutting it up into a cute new beach top that I wore all summer! Since it was a white and light-weight fabric, it kept me cool and safe from the sun.