Sustainable Fashion Tips: Options for Reducing Your Fashion Footprint From Someone Who Loves New Clothes

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I’ve had a love affair with clothes for as long as I can remember. From changing my clothes to match my bike as a child to eventually spending a few years as a Stitch Fix stylist, finding the perfect outfit, for myself or those around me, has been something of a lifelong obsession. 

Over the past several years, I have become increasingly conscious of textile waste and felt an inclination to reduce my own, and by extension my family’s, textile footprint. 

More sustainable “shopping”

Since going shopping for new clothes, in particular, is one of my favorite activities, this hasn’t been easy, but I have compiled quite a few options now that allow me to still enjoy new (to me) clothing regularly, but in a more environmentally friendly way. 

Resale

Resale and consignment shops aren’t a new concept, but there are so many more now than I remember as a child. Thrift shops like Goodwill often have a lot of treasures – especially if you are lucky enough to have a Goodwill Boutique like we do in Charlotte – and now you have other options such as Clothes Mentor and UptownCheapskate. My tween and teen nieces love when I take them to Plato’s Closets, and my own children have gotten used to picking out their favorites at Kid to Kid. 

If you prefer to do your shopping online, make sure to browse the virtual racks of Poshmark and Thredup for great deals on both discount and high-end fashion.

Rental 

I started renting – mostly from Rent the Runway – over a decade ago, but typically only for special occasions when I wanted a nice dress that I probably wouldn’t wear again. My dedication to renting clothes has only increased and now, almost all “new” clothes I sport are rented. These days I use nuuly and love the ability to pick out 6-8 items each month that are tailored to what I have going on – be it a work trip where I need a few business casual looks, or a trip to the beach with my family. 

Swap

Clothing swaps have increased in popularity, but I still find that very few people know what they are. A gathering where people bring clothes they no longer want to trade for new items, clothing swaps are a sustainable way to shop and refresh your wardrobe, while also saving money and building community.

Giving clothes a second life

More than just sustainably sourcing your clothing, you can also make a difference after you are done. Whether a piece of clothing no longer fits, is out of style, or has finally worn out, there’s likely a way to give it a new life. 

Handmedowns

Kids grow rather regularly, and often before their clothing wears out. I am lucky enough to have three children who are very close to all the same size, so I don’t get to do a lot of handing down amongst siblings, but that does mean that I am able to pass clothing on to multiple families with kids not too far behind mine. I have also been known to give items to my nieces/sisters/friends when I’m done, or sometimes before if they really love something!

Donations

There are no shortage of places that take donations of gently used clothing – but please be careful what you put in that bag. If the clothing you donate is in poor condition – stained, ripped, worn out, etc. – charities end up having to sort out and throw those pieces away.

Recycle and reimagine

I am sure textile recycling isn’t new, but I wasn’t aware of it until the past few years. I started out using the Take Back Bag online, but have expanded into shoe recycle and even finding local clothing recycle bins that are easier (and cheaper to use). 

Instagram has also opened my eyes to a new world of people who reimagine items like drapes and tablecloths into beautiful clothing. I love this concept and hope that one day I manage to finally learn to sew so I can join in the redesign revolution!

Small changes make a difference

Motherhood is busy, and we all have a lot on our plate, so making small sustainable shifts look different for everyone. Making one change, one time, is how I started, but over time, I have slowly been able to change how I approach wardrobes for everyone in my family. I hope you feel called to join me on the journey!

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Emily Harrison
Recently relocated from Fort Worth, Texas to Charlotte, North Carolina, Emily is a former educator turned marketing content writer and strategist who loves writing about motherhood and all its glorious realities. Along with a passion for writing and sharing the highs, lows, and in-between of daily life with a husband and three boys, Emily believes strongly in contributing to a community where moms feel understood, seen, and appreciated. When she's not working or writing, Emily enjoys running, baking, and finding moments of inspiration and peace amidst the hustle and bustle.