Shopping is no longer simply buying new things; now, itโs voting with our wallets for products that align with our values and empower us to shape the future of fashion and the planet. Those who care about people and the planet opt for goods and services provided by sustainable brands.
Whether you already know everything about ethical shopping or just getting started, hereโs a complete guide to ethical and sustainable shopping for building a wardrobe that matches your style with your values: the proof of your responsible fashion choices.
What Does Ethical Shopping Mean? The Rise of Ethical Consumerism
Ethical shopping means buying products that respect people, animals, and the environment. It involves fair wages, safer working conditions, sustainable materials and respect for the planet.
When we choose ethical options, we protect our values, support a good cause and express our opinions about important worldwide issues. We also consider the entire supply chain, from raw materials and the people who make them to how they get to us, considering the social and environmental impact on labourers and the planet.
In recent years, conscious consumers have been choosing to buy clothes made in a way that is good for the environment and the people making them. This has led to a large global community focusing on the planet over the profit. Ethical consumerism encourages us to consider our environmental impact when we buy things, reduce overconsumption and look for brands that care about environmental and social issues.
In addition, items made by sustainable brands are also the best buy option thanks to their higher-quality finish that lasts longer, helping consumers reduce consumption, buy fewer clothes and save money in the long run.
How Can I Be an Ethical Consumer?
It doesnโt seem easy to know if a company follows ethical practices or uses buzzwords like โethical” or “ecoโ to attract consumers. Here are four steps you can take to be sure your consumption habits are ethical:
- Look for Certifications: They can give you peace of mind that the brand adheres to certain ethical and environmental standards. Examples are Fair Trade or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
- Research the Brand: Read about its values, production processes and working conditions. If you need help, our brand guide will help you get all the information you need.
- Check for Organic Materials: They are often more environmentally friendly than synthetics, like organic cotton, Tencel or hemp.
- Watch for Greenwashing: Many brands make people believe they do a lot to protect the environment, but they donโt. So, keep your eyes open and do your research.
Is Ethically Made More Expensive?
As we said before here, it is a myth, but it is common to believe that eco-businesses are more likely to be expensive. What looks like a higher price (compared to fast fashion) covers fair wages and environmentally and socially sustainable practices. Besides, it offers better quality with the security that your clothes will last longer, and you wonโt need to spend money in the long run.
If you still think that ethical fashion is more expensive, consider it a support for a good cause and an investment for your finances. In short, building a wardrobe with ethically made, versatile, and durable garments can save you money by buying better clothes less often, all while keeping your style fresh and stylish.
Shopping Guide: 10 Tips for Ethical Shopping to Build a Stylish Wardrobe
If you’re looking for a positive change, here are 10 tips for building a stylish wardrobe in a way that aligns with your values.
1. Define Your Style
First, it is very important to have a clear vision of what you want to wear. Do you like classic or casual pieces? Do you have a preppy style or a boho chic? By answering these questions, you will be sure to wear your clothes as much as possible.
If you donโt have the answer, open your wardrobe and pick the pieces you wear most often because these reflect your personal style. Once you spot them, you can build your ethical wardrobe around these key items with other matching pieces.
2. Start with Timeless Pieces
A leather jacket, a well-fitted pair of jeans, a white shirt, and a tailored blazer are all perfect examples of timeless pieces of clothing. Investing in these fewer high-quality pieces, which can be worn in multiple ways across seasons, is the key to an ethical wardrobe.
When you buy a timeless piece, choose a brand that uses eco-friendly fabrics or recycled materials for a high-quality and long-lasting piece.
3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Fast fashion brands encourage us to buy more and cheaper clothes, prioritizing quantity over quality. As a result, our clothes don’t last long, and we need to replace them frequently, continuing the cycle of buying new clothes. To be ethical, you do the opposite: prioritize quality over quantity and focus on high-quality pieces to reduce waste and keep your collection longer.
Prioritizing quality doesnโt mean breaking the bankโsustainable fashion can be affordable! Check out our deal page for up to 50% off on a variety of eco-friendly clothes. Start shopping consciously and save today!
4. Buy from Ethical Brands
As we said before, taking into account a brandโs values, production processes, working conditions, and materials is crucial. When you do it, you align your purchases with your values and support certified brands contributing to fairtrade, sustainability, animal welfare and more.
5. Repair and Upcycle What You Have
We tend to replace a worn-out, damaged item immediately. It is time to start repairing clothes again and breathe new life into them. Social media makes learning basic sewing skills or finding a local tailor easier than ever.
Another option is upcycling, a creative way to give new life to your old garments. You can find plenty of tutorials online to turn an old pair of jeans into a bag or a shirt into a blouse. With a little effort and creativity, you can reduce the need for new purchases and find new ways to wear old garments.
6. Purchase with Purpose
Impulse buying is one of the biggest pitfalls for consumers. So, before buying a new piece ask yourself if you need it and how many ways you can style it with your existing clothes. By doing so, you choose versatile pieces that complement the rest of your collection and avoid unnecessary purchases that are bad for your wallet and the planet.
7. Choose Multi-Seasonal Pieces
These pieces can be worn all year round and help you to have a versatile wardrobe. In this way, you buy less for each season and maximize the use of each piece. You can wear a dress in summer or layered with a jacket and tights in winter. Similarly, a lightweight sweater can be worn in spring and layered under coats in the colder months.
8. Get Ready with a Shopping List
It encourages thoughtful decision-making, helping you to focus on what you need rather than impulsively buying trendy items. This reduces waste and discourages overconsumption, aligning with your values and shopping ethically. Besides, it allows you to prioritize organic and fair trade options and shop from businesses known for their eco-friendly practices. Plus, It will save you time! If youโre ready to start building your mindful shopping list, weโre here to help – browse over 1,500 curated items from certified brands, handpicked for their commitment to sustainability and ethics.
9. Secondhand Shopping
One of the most ethical ways to shop is to buy secondhand clothing. Thrift stores and vintage shops offer endless opportunities to find unique, high-quality items at a fraction of the cost. Besides, buying second hand items reduces the demand for new clothing production and the carbon footprint.
10. Purchase is Power, Use it Wisely
Every purchase you make is a vote for the world you want to live in, and buying from ethical brands means shaping the fashion industryโs future. At every purchase, remember you have the power to change the world by supporting ethical for a conscious, intentional choice.
If you feel overwhelmed, choose our Sustainable Personal Styling Service
Building an ethical wardrobe may seem overwhelming at the beginning. Our tips give you ideas and put you on the right path, but if you seek personalized help, try our shopping service.
When you choose to get styled by us, you are 100% sustainable and ethical because our stylists only suggest brands that have earned Eco-Stylist Certification. We rate our brands on fair labour, transparency and sustainability and score them on performance. Our stylists recommend clothes just for you from brands that align with your values and are specifically for you based on your localization, size, style and so on.
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Mara is an Italian writer and communicator specializing in sustainability, multilingual communications, and localization. She loves literature, art, and traveling. She dreams of living on a sailing boat to explore the Mediterranean.
