CIRCULAR FASHION: IMPROVE YOUR SHOPPING HABITS
May 31 2023 – Delikate Rayne
Circular fashion can best be described as textile recycling or the rerouting of the traditional life cycle of apparel items and accessories. As most products in the fashion industry are made of new textiles, it is said that $140 million worth of clothes annually end up in landfills or are incinerated-- just in the UK. Every fashion consumer throws away approximately an average of 70 pounds worth of shoes and clothing. However, circular fashion is looking to change these statistics.
The ideal goal of a circular system in the fashion industry is to have all unwanted textiles recycled into new garments and reused many times before being discarded. For our environment's sake, we surely need a plan to lower the amount of resources we are wiping out and products that arrive in landfills. Instead of starting from scratch with new materials and products, the route of circular fashion means we make designing and investing in rejected products a priority. As a consumer, there are ways you can go about doing this to minimize the textile waste in your own closet.
The ideal goal of a circular system in the fashion industry is to have all unwanted textiles recycled into new garments and reused many times before being discarded. For our environment's sake, we surely need a plan to lower the amount of resources we are wiping out and products that arrive in landfills. Instead of starting from scratch with new materials and products, the route of circular fashion means we make designing and investing in rejected products a priority. As a consumer, there are ways you can go about doing this to minimize the textile waste in your own closet.
THRIFTING
With retro fashion gaining back popularity, thrifting and shopping vintage is a great way to discover inexpensive finds while staying on trend. As time progresses, more things are being over-produced and worn less. That means plenty of clothes already made need homes. If you're looking for the cheapest variety of options and love to donate to charities, your local charity shops are said to be a good place to start! Whether you prefer to shop in-store or in the comfort of your own bed, thrifting is one way to look stylish without contributing to the overflowing amount of textile waste.
RENT AND RESALE ITEMS
If you're not one to wear in your clothing or purchase items for special events only to be worn once, then renting items could resolve a lot of problems. Instead of buying products that linger in your closet, rental fashion is the perfect alternative that allows you experience the feel of a stylish look without a long-term commitment. Plus, it's a cost-effective choice to buying quality statement pieces you are prone to only wear a few times during its life cycle.
However, if you like committing to a clothing piece, then we suggest investing in resale items. If you have unwanted and valuable items, consider reselling them! They're no use collecting dust in your closet; pass them on to new owners that will enjoy them, and as a result, you can make a nice profit!
REPAIR ITEMS AND BUY FROM CIRCULAR BRANDS
A fun skill to have is knowing how to repair and repurpose your old garments. Whether it's sewing up holes in some old jeans or adding decorative patches to a vintage button-up, repairing and repurposing your garments is the perfect way to test your creativity and reduce your need to buy new things -- but when you do invest, support established circular fashion brands. However, remember not to impulsively buy tons of clothes you're up-in-the-air about, selecting only items you're likely to wear. When you buy from circular brands that take into consideration the life cycle of their products and have proof of circular practices, you encourage other brands to get on board with the act as well -- because as a consumer, you have the power to decide what matters. So, let your shopping habits speak for themselves.
Source: Elle, CR Fashion Book, & EDGEXPO
Photos via CR Fashion Book (Giovanna Osterman) & SLC Green Blog