Posts in Fashion Four
How to Stop Buying More Clothes Than You Need
 

Purchasing new clothes can be fun, but it isn’t always necessary. Your closet might have everything you need to look great without overspending. Check out why it’s better to stick with what you own and learn how to stop buying more clothes than you need. It might feel more fulfilling while aligning with your eco-friendly lifestyle.

Reasons Why Buying Fewer Clothes Is Good

Keeping up with fashion trends doesn’t have to be another pressure in your life. These are a few reasons why you might feel better after you stop buying more clothes than you need.

It Saves You Money

Companies are constantly producing new clothing. It’s why the apparel industry was worth $312 billion in 2022. People buy the latest styles to keep up with popular trends, but you can save money by wearing what you already enjoy. Instead, put your extra cash toward your life goals or dreams. You’ll invest in yourself and less in temporary fads.

Consider how much money you’ve spent on shopping throughout your life. It could have funded community classes or membership fees with local clubs. You can invest in yourself beyond clothing and get more joy from life. Remember what you want to do in the coming months when you think you want to shop for clothes you don’t need.

It Helps the Planet

Your old clothes might go in the garbage when you buy new clothing. Even if you donate them, the natural resources used to mass-produce fast fashion lines hurt the environment. You’ll live a more eco-friendly lifestyle by only buying clothes when it’s essential. Your money won’t fund companies that create pollution and you’ll get to stick with your sustainable values.

It Defines Your Style

Jumping between fashion trends is one way to explore your interests, but it doesn’t solidify your style. You might not find what authentically represents your personality if you’re always trying new clothes, colors and patterns.

You already like to wear what you own. That’s why you bought your current wardrobe. Have fun making new outfits with what’s in your closet to define your self-expression. You’ll get more in touch with your personality and stop spending money you don’t want to part with.

How to Stop Buying More Clothes Than You Need

If you’re one of the many people who make impulse purchases with clothing brands or just enjoy the experience of loading up a shopping cart, use these tips to stop buying what you don’t need. You’ll gain new perspectives that make your current wardrobe appealing.

  1. Set a Timer

When you find something you love, set a timer. It could start 24 hours from now and give you space to consider your potential purchase. You can even save the link to the clothing. Bookmark the page or save the clothes to a list on your account. You might find it helpful to create an event in your virtual calendar with a reminder to reconsider that specific purchase. 

Give yourself time to evaluate the potential new addition to your wardrobe and determine if it’s worth it. You’ll save yourself from impulsive purchases and keep more money in your pocket. Eventually, you won’t need a timer or calendar event to stall your shopping habits. You’ll intuitively know what’s worth your money and when it’s the right time to shop.

2. Test Your Home’s Water

People rarely think about their water quality when it’s time to do laundry. Why does it matter if the washing machine still cleans your clothes? The reality is that your water can affect your wardrobe’s life span.

A pH test could reveal that you have hard water. Hard water has a high mineral content that harms fabrics and dulls dyes. It’s easy to fix with a water treatment solution or assistance from your local municipality. Restoring the pH balance will keep your clothes from eroding with each trip through the washing machine.

3. Keep a Closet Inventory

You might think you need a new sweatshirt, only to discover five buried in the back of your closet after returning from the mall. It’s a problem most people encounter, but you can easily fix it by tracking your wardrobe with an inventory list.

Create a spreadsheet or open a notebook and record how many clothes you have. Note the exact number of each piece of clothing and how worn each item is. You’ll quickly realize if you have tons matching your green values or need newer skirts without frayed edges..

It’s also a resource you can refer to before making all future clothing purchases. Don’t forget to keep up with it as your clothes change with time. You’ll always have an accurate log to check before buying something you already have.

4. Donate With Each Shopping Trip  

When you want to get something new, ensure that one of your older pieces of clothing goes to a donation center. It might make you think twice if your old clothes don’t need replacing. You might also avoid getting something new when the well-worn shirt or jacket is sentimental.

5. Learn How to Tailor Clothes

Watching videos to learn simple tailoring techniques can significantly extend the life of your clothes. You won’t have to replace anything that becomes too big, too small or develops holes. Investing in a sewing machine and watching free tailoring videos will teach you how to care for your wardrobe so you can spend years creating new looks with whatever you already own.

You might even get so invested in making your wardrobe that you stop shopping altogether. It’s the ultimate way to craft a sustainable closet since you’ll get to choose eco-friendly clothing and tailor each item to your measurements.

6. Find Better Stain Removers

People often buy new clothes when they find stains on older garments. Although some can ruin the fabric and require a shopping trip, others are easy to remove. Try new stain removers from your local grocery store to see what works best. You can also use baking soda to make a biodegradable remover that lifts multiple types of stains.

7. Keep Everything in One Place

You might feel tempted to get more clothes when your closet looks bare, but do you have more seasonal items in storage? Move everything into your closet so you don’t worry about your wardrobe looking sparse.

This is especially helpful if you have a capsule wardrobe for each season since they depend on minimalist styles that leave shelves emptier. You won’t get anxious about not having the clothes you need because everything is right in front of you.

8. Find Other Self-Expression Outlets

Shopping is a form of self-expression. You’re merging your personality with your external style, but there are other ways to do that. You might stop buying more clothes than you need if you start creative hobbies.

Express yourself with a hobby like painting. You could follow an artist by pressing play on a free video or attending a class at a community college. Consider learning how to sketch to express what matters to you.

Other art forms can represent your style and double as home decor. Read a book that explains embroidery stitches or follow the instructions in a kit. You could sew clothes from patterns or knit accessories when you need something new.

It’s possible to feel fulfilled without adding more clothes to your wardrobe. All you need is a hobby that captures your interest. Think about what you’d like to do or what pastimes might align with your life goals. As you build your self-confidence, you’ll also learn how you enjoy putting your personality into the world.

9. Unfollow Fashion Brands

If you follow many clothing or accessory brands on social media, consider unfollowing them. The reason for your constant shopping could relate to seeing new products on your feeds every time your apps refresh.

They could also post ads for time-limited sales that passively pressure you to buy something impulsively. Not having that content on your mind all the time makes it easier to avoid shopping. Consider following other accounts that help you achieve your goals, like self-care or inspirational quote accounts.

10. Start Clothing Swaps

Call your friends and ask if they have any clothes they don’t wear anymore. You could start a recurring clothing swap event that includes all your loved ones.

Your friends and family members could meet at someone’s house with the clothes they want to donate. You’ll get to swap sizes and try on different styles without purchasing new items. Ultimately, you might go home with free additions to your wardrobe while keeping your older garments out of landfills.

You could also volunteer to take the unwanted clothes from your swap event to the nearest donation center. Everyone will help those in need, prevent trash from cluttering landfills and avoid spending money you’d rather save.

Rethink Your Shopping Habits

Learning to stop buying more clothes than you need doesn’t have to feel complicated. Use these tips to get started toward a greener wardrobe. You’ll revolutionize your shopping habits, save money and help the planet.


About the Author

Mia Barnes is a health and beauty writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online publication that covers healthy and eco-friendly living. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on Twitter and LinkedIn


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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
10 (Sustainable) Vegan Fashion Brands to Love in 2023
 

Image: Maylyn & Co.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

Vegan Fashion Brands

Looking for animal-friendly handbags and accessories?

From pineapple handbags to recycled plastic sneakers, we’ve compiled an amazing list of the best vegan fashion brands, today!

Are All Vegan Brands Sustainable?

Not all vegan brands can be considered ‘sustainable,’ but these on this list can. Not only are all of these vegan brands completely cruelty-free, but they are eco-friendly and ethical, too. The fabrics they use tend to avoid any virgin plastics (which are used in many vegan brands), and you can even find unique textiles made from fruits and plants like apples and cacti. It’s incredible how many vegan fabrics there are that don’t have to be full of low-quality new plastics. It’s also important to note these brands consider the planet and people throughout their entire business model. They partner with ethical manufacturers and use eco-friendly shipping practices.

Why Shop Vegan Brands?

The answer will be different for everyone, but many people who do look for vegan clothing and accessories do so because they follow the vegan lifestyle. Others want to cut back their carbon footprint in certain aspects of their life. Our blog is not primarily a vegan blog because we believe sustainability is complex and different for everyone. However, we know that for many people in the US, cutting your environmental impact can be done by avoiding animal-derived food and clothing.

p.s. this list is mainly made up of brands that create shoes, handbags & accessories since you mostly find animal-related materials in those products. Most of the clothing showcased on my website would be considered ‘vegan’ since they use fabrics like organic cotton, Tencel, linen, etc. If you are vegan, make sure the content in the clothing does not contain any wool or silk, which are the top 2 animal-derived fabrics. You can find many amazing sustainable brands with vegan fashion in this post here.

Also, check out this post on innovative fabrics to learn more about several emerging vegan textiles!

Our Top Picks For Vegan Fashion Brands:

1) Svala

Categories | Handbags, Totes, Wallets, Backpacks

Materials | Pinatex, Cork, Italian PU Fabric

Whenever I think of this brand, I always think of Pinatex, pineapple leather! My Simma Tote & Sara Chain Wallet Purse from Svala is highly durable, and I feel it will wear very well over the years. The texture is interesting, adds character, and is naturally water-resistant.


2) Allégorie

Categories | Backpacks, Wallets, Handbags, Totes

Materials | Apple, Mango & Cacti Leather

This brand uses waste from mangos and apples, and sustainably-harvested cacti leaves to create a line of handbags that you would never know weren’t conventional leather. By reusing what once was waste, we cut our carbon footprint down a ton. In addition, they design all of their products to be simple and functional.


best-vegan-brands

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3) Beflamboyant

Categories | Sneakers

Materials | Recycled PU, Recycled Cotton, Recyclable Rubber

These vegan sneakers are made from high-quality OEKO TEX and V LABEL certified microfiber, recycled cotton & recycled PU, and the sole is thermoplastic rubber, a 100% recyclable material. In addition, they use transparent local production with limited stock, plant a tree for each pair of shoes sold, and use zero-waste packaging.


4) Hylo Athletics

Categories | Running Shoes

Materials | 7 Natural Materials, Corn, Algae, Natural Rubber

I am so excited about this brand because sustainable performance sneakers are hard to come by! I own these running shoes and they are just awesome. Made from sustainable materials, these shoes are fully recyclable. When you’re finished with them, send them back & they’ll give you £10 credit as a thank you.


code SustainablyChic for 10% off

5) Maylyn & Co.

Categories | Pajamas & Pillow Cases

Materials | Vegan Silk

Maylyn & Co. sets a high bar for luxurious sustainable sleepwear and bedding. The brand designs everything to last using premium quality PETA-Approved Vegan and Organic fabrics that are ethically crafted in the Founder's home country, Persia. The Eco-conscious brand also takes pride in its innovative cruelty-free Vegan silk™ fabric which is a plant-based alternative to animal-derived silk.


use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC15 for 15% off full-priced items

6) Afends

Categories | Knitwear

Materials | Hemp, Recycled & Organic Cotton

This Australian brand grows its own hemp and offers beanies, knit sweaters, and other garments made from the planet, as well as from recycled and organic cotton.

The brand also details how much better its hemp products are for the environment than others made across the fashion industry.


7) The Tote Project

Categories | Tote Bags, Pouches

Materials | Organic Cotton

The Tote Project uses only one material to create their line of totes bags and pouches - organic cotton. With each purchase, they donate 10% of gross profits to Two Wings to support survivors of human trafficking in the US. Plus, they partner with factories who support women survivors. The totes are handmade by Oasis Bags in a sustainable factory in India.


8) Made Trade

This is one of my favorite online sustainable shops to direct people towards. Made Trade does a fantastic job at curating the best ethically-made goods from all over the world. They even sort them out based on values, and Vegan is one of them! I’ve linked up their complete collection of vegan products on their website. Everything from gorgeous woven baskets (like pictured here) to clothing, this entire list is all vegan.


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9) Conscious Step

Categories |Socks, Sweatshirts

Materials | Organic Cotton

Conscious Step’s entire supply chain is GOTS and Vegan certified. With each Conscious Step purchase, a portion of proceeds are donated to the charity associated with that pair of socks. They have many different options when it comes to socks that give back to animals! From building homes to treating HIV, there is a cause everyone can attach themselves to.Conscious Step offers socks for men, women and kids!


code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC10 for 10% off

10) Veerah

Categories | Shoes

Materials | Vegan neo-patent leather (low energy and water use, plus low VOCs) or apple peel, memory foam cushion, and repurposed algae insole

Some of the most beautiful heels you can find, Veerah has been one of our favorites for years. Another plus, Veerah focuses on giving to causes that support women and girls.


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
Where to Find Sustainable and Ethically Made Earrings
 

Image: Soko

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

SUSTAINABLE & ETHICAL EARRINGS

People have adorned themselves with different forms of jewelry and decoration for as long as 75,000 years. Earrings specifically, have long been considered precious investment pieces, worthy of caring for, and even passing on as an heirloom. Today though, some earrings are made at a great cost to both the planet, and the people making them. So, how can we continue to accessorize, with sustainability and ethics in mind

What makes earrings unsustainable

Most earrings are made from some kind of metal. Metals are natural resources found in the ground, which means they need to be mined for. This is the case too, for many of the gemstones found in earrings – from those that are more expensive like diamonds, to those which are more widely available, like garnet or citrine.

There are multiple environmental concerns that can be tied up with this mining. First, in order to mine land, it is cleared, eradicating a biodiverse ecosystem full of plant and animal life. Land clearing not only harms biodiversity but results in the release of carbon into our atmosphere, warming the planet. Mining can also cause soil erosion surrounding the site. 

This damage can be long-lasting, as even after excavation, should the land be left to regrow vegetation, the soil, and natural water supply can be damaged, remaining less fertile and able to support plant and animal life that follows. This is because mining involves the use of intense chemicals. In gold mining, for example, cyanide is commonly used. 

Cyanide is a potentially deadly chemical that is used to leach gold out from iron ore. It is often sprayed over a massive heap of crushed, mined ore, or this ore is bathed in a tank full of the chemical. This is a problem not only because this modern way of mining is often more land-intensive but because cyanide is toxic, with environmental contamination leading to major fish kills, the contamination of local communities' drinking water, and more. 

Even without the use of additional chemicals and land clearing aside, there is pollution involved in mining. Any time we disturb the earth, we release emissions into the atmosphere; this even happens on farms tilling the topsoil in preparation for crop cultivation – imagine the impact of digging up so much earth. In addition, as the earth's different rocks, minerals, and gases are mined, carbon monoxide and dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide can be released

The impact of mining is clear when we compare the carbon emissions associated with sourcing recycled silver and gold with the emissions linked to mining new silver and gold. Recycled silver has just a third of the impact of mined silver, while recycled gold has a shocking 600 times less carbon tied to it than new gold.

What makes earrings unethical?

Now that we’re aware of just some of the environmental problems that can be involved in the mining of raw materials for earrings (where much of the impact lies), we need to ask ourselves about the social impact of earring production. 

Now that we’re aware of just some of the environmental problems involved in the mining of raw materials for earrings (where much of the impact lies), we need to ask ourselves about the social impact of earring production. 

Just as we should ask questions about who made our clothes, we need to ask ‘who made our earrings?’. When we consider this, again, we need to start at mines. Mining is very dangerous, with the industry employing just 1% of the global labor force while generating 8% of all fatal accidents. Mines sometimes collapse, cave in, or explode due to gasses released inside of them. More commonly, mining accidents and health issues are related to poor air quality caused by work in confined spaces amongst sometimes toxic gases and dust and by work in extreme temperatures. Other risks include falling down open mining shafts or into scattered pits in the mining area. Mercury poisoning can be a serious issue for gold mining in particular, as mercury is also used like cyanide to separate the gold from iron ore.

The people working in these often dangerous conditions are sometimes extremely vulnerable. For example, child labor remains a severe problem in the metal industry. Across some parts of Africa, Asia, and South America particularly, tens of thousands of children are made to work in these dangerous conditions. Child labor is a human rights violation, with nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide impacted, often due to poverty. With children working in gold and silver mines, a Human Rights Watch interviews with young people working in small-scale gold mines heard children describe being ‘terrified’ when climbing down shafts or diving into underwater mining pits. 

It’s not only in the mining of precious metals and gems that hazardous work takes place but in the cutting and polishing of gems. Tiny dust particles released as gems are cut can lead to serious respiratory issues. This work, as well as work in the earring-making process, such as welding, cutting silver links together, or flattening silver with a hammer, is often performed by children over long hours. These jobs often involve sharp, hot, and heavy equipment and can lead not only to the aforementioned lung disorder risks but to hand deformities in children, eye strain and headaches. Many workers in the jewelry and, specifically, the earring industry, whether children or adults, are underpaid and exploited, with brands taking profit without fairly paying those who truly earned it. 

Some of our favorite sustainable and ethical earring brands:

Luckily, there is a huge range of gorgeous jewelry brands that are committed to doing better, and to making earrings that are made as beautifully as the earrings themselves look. While transparency is sometimes very difficult to find in the jewelry industry, improvement is continuing, especially as more independent jewelers recognize that everyone producing the metals and stones they use, deserves to be treated and paid fairly, just like they do.

1) Laura Elizabeth Jewelry

Our Pick: Stella Earrings, $125

100% recycled brass & 14 karat-gold/sterling silver plated

These sweet tiny succulent petal earring stud pendants are sustainably cast in downtown LA. They’re actually made directly from nature, cast from a real petal! Laura Elizabeth jewelry is perfect for everyday life, and their kid-friendly designs are so fun to layer and easy to style with your wardrobe. It is also a woman-owned, US-based business!


2) Illi Fine Jewelry

Our Pick: Como Earrings, $1008

Elevate your look with these lab-grown diamonds set in recycled solid 14k gold. This is one of the few brands that offer not only lab-grown diamond jewelry but also other gems like alexandrite, ruby, and sapphire! The team at illi is committed to sustainability and is constantly improving its processes every step of the way.


3) Bario Neal

Our Pick: Sol Emerald Octagonal Studs Yellow Gold, $2780

Reclaimed 14kt Yellow Gold, Sustainably-Mined Emeralds

These contemporary octagonal-cut emerald earrings are absolutely stunning! An industry leader in ethical sourcing and mindful production, Bario Neals’s jewelry reflects individualism, gender and marriage equality, and conscious values rooted in ethical origin from mine to market.


4) Valley Rose

Our Pick: Amare Heart Clickers, $4,255

Certified 14K Fairmined Gold, Vietnamese Rubies

These beauties are made with carefully sourced, ethically mined Vietnamese Rubies. They have a stunning fuschia-red hue, and each ruby is individually hand set in wax and then cast in gold. Valley Rose’s jewelry is designed and handcrafted by Northern California-based designer Brittany Groshong.


5) DUSA

Our Pick: Bar Diamonds Earrings, $360

Recycled Gold & Lab-Grown Diamonds

DUSA is a sustainable fine jewelry brand making gorgeous handmade jewelry from recycled gold and ethically sourced, conflict-free diamonds and gems.

In addition to their minimalist earrings, they also handcraft rings, necklaces, and even one-of-a-kind pieces at their Tel Aviv workshop. Plus, they donate 1% of profits to an organization that plants trees!


6) Ten Thousand Villages

Our Pick: Art Deco Leaf Earrings, $59.99

Recycled bombshell brass

Decades of conflict have left Cambodia littered with bombs so makers from Ten Thousand Villages’ fair trade partner, Rajana use the brass bomb casings (safely cleared by a demining agency) to create jewelry.

Every product at Ten Thousand Villages celebrates culture and the planet, so you know not one is compromised for the other.


7) Astor & Orion

Our Pick: Dreamer Rose Gold Hoop Earrings, $168

70% recycled stainless steel dipped in rose gold

If you love to wear hoop earrings, maybe add a more unique, intricate pair to your collection? These beauties are designed in Seattle and ethically made in Thailand.

They utilize circular design principles & hand sculpt each piece in a 3D environment.


8) Stefano Navi

Our Pick: Lab Grown Diamond Stud Earrings, $345

Round lab-created diamonds, recycled gold

A classic piece for your jewelry collection, these diamond stud earrings are handcrafted in the US using ethically sourced materials.

Choose from white or yellow gold (rose gold can be chosen upon request). They also come with free shipping and a lifetime guarantee!


9) Soko

Our Pick: Shujaa Wood Link Hoop, $88

24k gold plated brass, wood

Soko is a fair trade, certified B Corp that empowers artisans by connecting Kenyan creators with a global consumer market of people wanting to buy their upcycled, more sustainable and ethical earrings. With minimalist pieces as well as those that are bolder, Soko is a purpose-led brand of beauty.


10) Adele Dejak

Our Pick: Richa Afri Earrrings, $85

Up-cycled brass

These is a beautiful dangle down earring made of loops of polished brass.

Creating upcycled and recycled earrings made in a transparent supply chain, Adele Dejak is a Kenyan label with ethical credentials. With partnerships with the UNHCR, this brand offers bold and sophisticated designs that give back.


11) Aid Through Trade

Our Pick: The Waldorf Earring, $22

Glass beads, brass

All of Aid Through Trade’s jewelry is verified by the Fair Trade Federation, which ensures fair pay, transparency, and empowering work conditions. They are also ethically crafted with love in Nepal, and each purchase directly empowers a Nepali woman and supports a sustainable livelihood. Plus, they give back to the communities through scholarships!


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:


 
10 Sustainable Skirts to Take You from Spring to Summer
 

Image: Sezane

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

The Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Skirts

It’s official, skirt season has arrived! If you’ve been waiting to slip into some sustainable skirts, we’ve got some major inspiration for you. These skirts are perfect for both spring and summer and some can even be layered over tights for the colder months – perfect for getting the most out of your wardrobe. Many of the skirts listed are under $100 and all of them have been ethically produced with sustainable materials.

From mini to maxi or wrap to A-line, there are so many styles of skirts that make really versatile additions to your wardrobe. Whether you need a new skirt now that you’re back in the office more, or you’re looking for something fun to take on your next vacation, we’ve got something for you on our list of 10 spring and summer skirts!

But first, let’s talk about sustainable skirts...

What makes a skirt sustainable or not?

For a skirt to be sustainable there are several factors to consider. It’s important to note the fabric that the skirt is made from and to know what impact on the environment that material has. For example, hemp and linen are grown naturally, without the use of pesticides and are biodegradable, whereas polyester requires the use of toxic chemicals, doesn’t break down ever, and releases millions of microplastics when washed. 

The way the skirt is made is also key to whether or not it can be called sustainable. The most sustainable clothes are those that are zero-waste, made to order, upcycled or in a circular design (where waste and pollution are designed out). You can also see if a brand has taken further steps to reduce their carbon footprint, such as using renewable energy in their factories and offices, sourcing recycled packaging and using an eco-friendly shipping method. 

You can check out our handy checklist when you’re shopping for sustainable fashion.

Ethics also play a big part in choosing whether a skirt is truly ‘sustainable’. Knowing whether a brand takes care of its workers, and that the makers are paid a fair wage, work in safe working conditions and have access to employment rights, are all important factors to consider. It’s also a question of personal ethics in terms of what values are important to you. If you’re vegan, for example, you may wish to avoid any skirt made with animal-based materials such as silk, leather, or wool.

Our top picks for sustainable skirts to take you from spring to summer:

1) Dino Skirt

Brand: Sezane

Price: $130

Material: 100% recycled polyester 

This fun, pleated midi skirt is the ideal vacation skirt. Fully lined and with a side zip closure, the Dino skirt is available in four colors. Paired with a basic tee and sandals, this simple outfit will be your summer go-to.


2) Cassia Tencel™ Floral Maxi Wrap Skirt

Brand: Thought

Price: on sale $27

Material: Tencel™

A flattering wrap skirt is always a good choice, and the Cassia maxi wrap skirt is no exception. Made with Tencel™ that is gentle on the skin and crinkle-resistant, this skirt is the perfect travel companion! 


3) Sport Skort

Brand: Girlfriend

Price: $62

Material: Recycled PET & spandex

The skort has made its comeback official, and we are here for it! The sporty, high-rise exercise skirt has built-in compressive shorts, as well as hidden mesh pockets and side slits. Made from recycled water bottles, the fabric contains 79% RPET and 21% spandex. Live your best sporty spice life with a skort this summer. Available in 7 colors!


4) Harper Tiered Maxi Skirt

Brand: ABLE

Price: on sale $54

Material: Cotton

Made in India, The Harper Tiered Maxi Skirt features three tiers of lightweight cotton voile and an elastic waist for your comfort.

This skirt is also more size-inclusive, offering sizes from XXS to 3X.


5) The Rudy Skirt

Brand: Christy Dawn

Price: $118

Material: Upcycled Fabric

What we love about Christy Dawn is their use of deadstock fabric. This gorgeous print was doomed for landfill, but instead turned into this lovely little skirt.


6) Fit & Flare Mini Skirt

Brand: Pact

Price: $48

Material: Organic Cotton

Made in a Fair Trade factory, this mini skirt has pockets and is an easy throw-on for summer!

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off


7) Kendra Ecovero Skirt

Brand: Amour Vert

Price: $120

Material: Ecovero

We love this Villa Floral print! This high-waisted skirt looks adorable paired with your favorite pair of sneakers.

Amour Vert makes 97% of their clothing right here in the US. Even their packaging is eco-friendly & compostable!


8) April Showers Sarong

Brand: Passion Lilie

Price: $35

Material: Fair Trade cotton

The most versatile in the skirt world, this sarong can be worn ten different ways, including as a dress, skirt, wrap, and scarf! The soft cotton has been hand-block printed with a beautiful blue and purple floral print made with eco dyes. 


9) Short Multi Wear Skirt

Brand: Guru

Price: $49.99

Material: Upcycled saris

Made with one-of-a-kind saris that are traded for from villages in India, this skirt is a truly unique addition to your wardrobe. It can be worn in multiple ways, and they even have diagrams to help you experiment with different styling techniques. 


10) The Layla Wrap Skirt

Brand: Rare & Fair

Price: $190

Material: Organic cotton

The Layla skirt is inspired by the traditional artisans’ skirt of rural Thailand, featuring a zip fastening at the back and a wrap at the front, double fastening, and a self-tie waistband that adds shaping at the waist. This skirt was made for those warm evenings during summer, eating al fresco at your favourite restaurant. 


About the Author

Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:


 
How to Shop Smarter and More Sustainably For Your Closet
 

10 Tips for Shopping More Sustainably for Your Closet

Have you ever found yourself minutes away from having to leave your house for school, work, or a social occasion, staring at your closet and thinking, "I have nothing to wear!"?

Although many of us currently have a number of clothes that our ancestors properly haven't owned in a lifetime, feeling like a closet's worth of clothes is not enough to create a satisfying outfit is far from an unusual experience.

It's easy to see why. Like many other incumbencies of adult life, we were not taught how to shop for clothes. But if your wardrobe and purchasing choices keep leaving you unsatisfied, taking a step back and learning how to shop smarter and more sustainably can be the best way to make your experience with fashion more enjoyable and align it with our values.

Here we have listed some tips to help you choose only items you will like and wear for years to come, quit shopping habits that don't serve you, and build a sustainable closet you love over time.

  1. Start by organizing your closet

An ideal first step to starting to shop smarter is knowing exactly how much and what you already own. That can be a bit harder if your closet isn't organized, as the saying "out of sight, out of mind" can apply to your clothes and accessories.

Organizing your closet can help you make a more accurate mental inventory of what you own, which can help you make more mindful purchases in the future and even help you create new, fun daily outfits. Plus, finding a piece you had completely forgotten in the back of your closet is so satisfying that it makes the organization session worth it.

Depending on the size of your closet and the number and type of clothes you own, different types of sorting systems will work better for you, but as a rule of thumb, you can try to arrange it in a way that makes it easy for you to see as many of your clothes as possible when you open it to get ready in the morning. The more you see them, the less likely you are to forget them.

2. Pick a color scheme

Picking a color scheme can help you create new outfit ideas with the clothes you already own and also help you regulate your shopping if you are struggling to quit retail therapy. Suppose something you have eyed doesn't come in one of the colors in your color scheme; that can be a great dissuader.

In addition, shopping with a color scheme in mind can make your closet more cohesive and easier to work with in the long run, saving you time and decision fatigue. Win-win!

You can choose a color scheme based on your favorite colors or the most recurring ones in your closet. Bonus tip: some basic knowledge of color theory can make a massive difference when assembling color schemes and outfits that look eye-pleasing, so take some time to geek out if you can!

3. Figure out what your basics are

We have probably all heard at some point that the so-called "basics" we have to invest in are something like a white t-shirt, a pair of jeans, a button-up shirt, and a trench coat, possibly in neutral colors.

But here is the thing: fashion isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of thing (no pun intended), and someone else's must-haves won't necessarily work for you. That's because we all need and like different things because of where we live, what we do for a living, and what we enjoy wearing and doing in our free time.

Knowing what your lifestyle and taste require can help you identify what kind of clothes are your personal must-haves. This way, you can mindfully fill in eventual gaps in your wardrobe and make it more functional.

4. Pay attention to the materials used in clothing you'd like to purchase

Choosing clothes made of sustainable, high-quality fibers is an excellent call for your style and the Planet, but remember that each eco-friendly fabric is different. Each fabric and fiber blend has its specific look, texture, and weight; depending on those, it will look and feel differently on your body.

The characteristics of fibers might not be something people keep in mind when purchasing new clothes, but they can be the main factor influencing whether or not you will enjoy wearing a specific piece of clothing.

So take some time to go through the clothes you already have and identify which fabrics you prefer the look and feel of on you. This tip can be especially beneficial if you shop mostly online, as you cannot try on the pieces before clicking on the "buy" button.

Make sure to check out our Fabric posts to learn more about sustainable fibers, as well.

5. Don't rush into trends

A new trend comes or returns every season, and suddenly everybody seems to be sporting it.

Trends aren't necessarily something that people cannot enjoy sustainably or integrate into their personal style and can be a fun way to spice things up fashion-wise, but if you haven't figured out your personal style and built a wardrobe that truly works for you, just yet, you might end up overlying on trends for fun and novelty.

So whether it's a specific piece, cut, or style that everyone seems to have on lately on social media or in real life, try asking yourself this before trying it: "Do I genuinely like this, or am I just bored with my wardrobe?" This little tip can save you some impulse purchases that might not work for you in the long run.

6. Create a rewarding "getting ready" ritual

At first glance, this tip doesn't have much to do with learning how to shop smarter and more sustainably, but ensuring your experience with fashion and styling is rewarding and joyful can make a difference in your shopping habits. After all, the more satisfied we are with what we have, the less likely we are to indulge in impulse purchases to make up for it.

So try to make getting ready in the morning a fun, uplifting experience if you're not doing that already. Even something as simple as playing your favorite upbeat playlist or lighting a scented candle can turn the chore of picking your day's outfit into a lovely ritual you look forward to.

7. Try to do your research online before shopping

If you want to shop more mindfully and support more ethical and sustainable fashion companies, doing some online research before you purchase new clothing can be a great habit to develop.

Through the internet, you can find out how committed a specific fashion company is to implementing ethical and sustainable business practices via its website or third-party sources like the rating app Good on You. If you're not doing that already, you can also look for customer reviews.

These can help you avoid getting clothes that don't work for you in terms of style, fit, or quality and that you might have to return.

8. Know that your comfort is always important

There is nothing wrong with experimenting when it comes to fashion: as we change and evolve, so can our taste in fashion.

But remember that what we wear is supposed to make us feel good and like ourselves. It might seem like a given, but societal pressure can make us feel like our fashion choices are anybody else's business.

So rather than buying what you think you should wear, try instead to purchase what makes you feel happy and aligns with your moral compass.

9. Try to make a list and stick to it

If you are trying to shop smarter and more sustainably, making fewer and more strategic fashion purchases instead of buying more often and more hastily is the way to go if you aren't being quite frugal already due to budget or sustainability-related reasons.

There could be some items you must buy right now, like new office-dress-code-appropriate clothes for your new job, or you may have been eyeing a new fun piece or two.

Either way, make a list of the clothes you want or need to buy, and try to avoid window shopping if you have a habit of indulging in impulse purchases.

10. Waitlist your buys

Once you are done listing what you'd like or have to purchase, you will have a brand-new fashion wish list.

Some items on this wish list might be things you need to buy as soon as possible because of life circumstances, but to avoid non-thought-through purchases, you might want to waitlist the rest.

In the same vein as making a wish list, wait listing your purchases can help you make more intentional investments as it gives you the time to see if what's on your list is something you genuinely like and want.

You can give yourself a few days or weeks: write down what you want and then just go about your life, and see if you still like those pieces once the time is up. If the answer is still yes, then it's a match!


About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.


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