Because of the rapid pace of evolving fashion trends and the high demand surrounding them, the production of clothing has a substantial footprint on the environment. So-called "fast fashion" in particular creates a lot of waste due to the ephemeral nature of the items themselves. If you are seeking to make more conscious choices when it comes to clothes and shoes, give some thought to the following suggestions of sustainable shopping practices to adopt.

Choosing Durable Materials

The best way to lower your personal consumption of clothing is to invest in well-made, long-lasting items that get the job done, thereby reducing the frequency with which you have to replace them. This tip is especially relevant for staples such as pants, jackets, boots, and coats that you are likely to use year after year. While it may require a bit more money and focus to secure these essentials for your wardrobe, it can be rather satisfying to finally find the pieces that you can count on as a reliable foundation for countless stylish outfits. There are many stores and brand names that focus their efforts almost entirely on the feature of durability, so begin your search with companies that already have such a reputation.

Even accessories like canvas bags are relevant to this discussion! Canvas is a great example of a hardy material that rarely rips and slowly fades, making it a viable alternative to cotton and synthetics like polyester. It is often the main ingredient in sturdy outdoor recreation or work clothes.

Supporting Ethical Brands

Fair-trade fashion items are becoming increasingly popular and readily available to shoppers everywhere. Fair-trade principles are based in the ethical treatment of the people and places that produce the goods involved. When it comes to fair-trade clothing, brands and their partners are typically concerned with the wages given to the artisans and designers themselves, the quality of material (organic and non-toxic), and the quantity of natural resources used during the process. Being cognizant of these factors certainly drives up the cost of production, but many find that it is worth it to adequately support creative individuals making beautiful clothing and footwear.

Similarly to the previous principle of selecting strong fabrics that last longer, buying a small number of cherished fair trade pieces rather than a hoard of mediocre t-shirts is a wise decision indeed.

Shopping Locally and Secondhand

When goods have to travel long distances to get to your doorstep, more carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere from the air and ground transportation it took to deliver them to you. Therefore, when you buy anything locally, you are preventing some of that environmental impact. What's more, you can support small local businesses at the same time! Try browsing at your neighborhood boutique for specialty items or a nearby secondhand store for basic pieces like blouses and sweaters. You may be pleasantly surprised by the awesome, quirky selection at your fingertips.

Swapping With Friends

To spend no money at all and still update your wardrobe, simply host a clothing swap amongst your circle of friends! Invite at least three pals and ask each of them to bring ten or so articles of clothing that they no longer care for. You can pile everything into one area, or have some extra fun with it and organize the pieces by category. All of a sudden, you have your own fashionable storefront right there in your living room or backyard! Chances are, you and every person at the party will find at least one new beloved item to spice things up.

It doesn't take much to cut back on the amount of clothing you buy. Think outside the box, share with friends and family, invest in durable items as often as possible, and continue giving that fabulous, mindful attention to the sources of your choices.