How to Build a More Ethical Closet

Finding clothes you love and will wear for years to come is challenging, but it is even more challenging to shift your closet to be sustainable. Here are 5 ways to build a more ethical closet.

1. Quality over Quantity The overwhelming sense of FOMO whenever new trends come out on TikTok or Instagram is understandable. Fast fashion brands love to pick up on this; thus, they mass produce whatever clothing pieces are considered “in” at that moment. However, it’s crucial to always see the quality of your clothes over quantity. Quality tends to be expensive, but you will get more wear out of your clothes if you pick the higher quality pieces. Save up for those classic, high-quality pieces and treat yourself to one piece a month. You’ll save money and closet space this way. Being selective about the quality of your clothes also gives you more time to consider if this purchase is worth adding to your stellar wardrobe or if it’s better in someone else’s closet.
2. Shop Less, Choose Better This option ties in with the previous one. When you give yourself more time to think over your pieces, you can decide whether or not you love them 100%. Only purchase the pieces you love 100%. This will help you be more purposeful with your fashion buys, and you can lessen your impulse buys, which means you can set more money aside for other things, like concert tickets, trips, etc.!
3. Buy Second-Hand Thrifting is a great budget-friendly way to build your closet. Not only will you get these amazing vintage pieces, but you’ll also help the slow fashion movement! Many thrift stores offer different selections, meaning each store will bring a new and exciting find.
4. Support Ethical Brands Sustainable brands are popping up here and there as we move from impulse buys to purposeful purchases. Before taking a brand’s word for its sustainability plan, be sure to do your research as they may or may not be greenwashing to appeal to consumers. We know that ethical brands aren’t always affordable for everyone. This is why we’ve highlighted a few for you to support in our blog!
5. Value your Closet We’ve touched on how to practice buying and what sustainable brands to buy from, but you don’t always have to look for your next purchase to have an ethical closet. Purge your closet from the pieces you don’t love anymore and donate these to your local thrift store or clothing donation centre. In addition to this, make sure you’re taking care of the pieces you love. You can do this by washing your clothes correctly (always read the washing instructions to avoid any washing machine catastrophe!) and repairing them if you are able to. Found a hole in your jeans? Buy a cute iron-on patch to make it one-of-a-kind.

Learn how to say “No” to fast fashion and “Yes” to conscious style!