How to Build a Sustainable Closet

 How to build a sustainable closet

How to build a sustainable closet is on our minds and it’s easy to see why. Shoes and clothing waste accounts for a 5.8% mind-blowing number and continues to rise. Want to know how to do your part to decrease this number? Keep reading to know more about building a more sustainable closet.

What is a sustainable Closet?

You may be thinking, you have to reduce your fashion footprint, but what even is a sustainable closet? Sustainability in fashion is many forms, but broadly, a sustainable closet ultimately has a less environmental impact on the planet. As an example, organic cotton has the lowest negative impact of all cotton types. Using recycled polyester instead of virgin polyester is another way to make sure of sustainable success. In addition, to recycle clothes and buying eco-friendly clothes, there are different ways to design a closet that Mother Nature would love. Let’s dive right in with some tips on how to build a more sustainable closet.

Start with organization

When building a sustainable closet, start with organization. You may already have the sustainable closet that you have been dreaming of. What may seem like a difficult task will reveal what you need, what you don’t need and what’s missing. First of all, lay out all of your clothing in different categories. For example, group all of your pants together, then tee-shirts, skirts, nightdresses, and so on. Now, organize each stack into most wanted and unwanted items. Then organize clothes into summer and winter clothes. Within these sections, you can easily locate your clothes. Take an audit of everything you have to see your sustainable closet is complete or not. Don’t forget to recycle the clothes that no longer spark joy. Reuse is an important step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Once you organize your clothes it not only gives you joy, and you actually know what you own.

Don’t throw out clothes

Don’t throw out old clothes, before throwing clothes check, if you don’t want to wear them, donate to a charity. Upcycle into something else e.g., cotton bags. If you no longer like it, sell it in any vintage cloth shop. You can also use some clothes for dusting purposes. In the end, if you are unable to do anything then discard this.

Do your research

Now it’s time to do your research. To fill space in your wardrobe, search brands that make and use eco-friendly materials to produce cloth sustainably. Identify industries that are transparent about where and how their products are made. Additionally, identify the industries that hold suppliers accountable to environmental standards and take determined efforts to protect workers and the planet. Explore a brand’s values to see if they use eco-friendly materials, like organic cotton or recycled fabrics. This is also the ideal time to evaluate if you need new clothes, or if gently used clothes are options. Adding some pieces of vintage clothes is a great solution to how to build a more sustainable closet.

Change your shopping habits

If you have done your research now it’s time to edit your shopping habits. It is an essential step in how to build a more sustainable Closet. Getting excessive clothes just in case will lead to a closet that takes up space and ultimately creates more waste. Shopping with this mindset is also a time-waster as it crafts a wardrobe you have to sift through every morning. Save your time, money, and the planet by buying quality things that you need and will consistently use.

Check the sustainable label 

Now, let’s put the research you did to use and check the sustainable label. Make sure you check the sustainability tag on any garment before purchasing it. Some companies use greenwashing their consumers into thinking that their garments are eco-friendly. Misleading words that aren’t regulated by the fashion industry like natural are used to tag products that aren’t necessarily sustainable. 

Another dishonest tactic is focusing on the good parts of a garment to overshadow its toxic characteristic. Continually comparing and contrasting the outward promises of a piece with its actual composition on the label. Still not sure if a garment is sustainable or not? Gain clarity with quick online research of the brand before making your purchase from that brand. With this info, you are on your way to figuring out how to create a more sustainable closet.

Take care of your clothes better

What good is quality when you don’t take care of your clothes? everything needs proper care to maintain sustainability. Make sure that you check the tag for proper care that will maintain the longevity of your clothes. Properly wash, always wash at low temperature and store your garments. Wash clothes only when they need to be washed don’t wash your clothes after every single use and hang drying versus machine. The better you treat your clothes, the better they will treat you. 

Stylist Tip: Did you know that washing your jeans inside out can lower fading and increase the span of wear? This trick protects the fibers of your denim from friction and the rough effects of some detergents. Now pass this info to someone who doesn’t. 

Repair, Revive and Recycle 

Last, but not least, remember to repair, recycle and revive when working on a more sustainable closet. Instead of discarding broken items in the landfill, learn how to mend them. If you can’t repair this, find a trusted tailor. Repairing instead of discarding is a gold star practice in sustainability.

Revive your clothing by turning them into something else, or donate them to someone who can welcome them to their closet. Cut a faded old pair of jeans into a vintage pair of shorts. Create a trim-off tank from a well-worn tee-shirt. You can even create pillows and blankets with your old clothes. Donate your clothes to a good cause. The possibilities for sustainable reviving are truly countless.