THE BENEFITS & GUIDE TO BUYING LESS CLOTHING
February 11 2023 – Delikate Rayne
As we know, fashion has a major impact on the state of our environment. Even the greenest garment is said to use resources for production and transportation -- which, in the end, still creates some kind of environmental impact. That's why it's not only important to invest in higher quality and sustainable clothing but to consume less of it as well.
Buying fewer clothes is said to not only save resources used for producing new clothing pieces, but it also reduces the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. Not only that, buying less garments can help reduce pollution, water and energy consumption. Moreover, when you buy fewer clothes, you own fewer clothes --which benefits you by helping you save money, value the garments already in your closet, reduce the amount of clutter, and release your guilt of impulsive buying.
In order to set a habit, you have to do more than just declare that you will. So below, we've included a guide to help you stay the course.
1. UNSUBSCRIBE.
Online store emails and notifications have been designed to entice you into purchasing clothes purely because they are on sale or new. Unsubscribing and deleting shopping apps from your phone will prevent you from mindlessly scrolling through them. We also recommend you be aware of how long you're on your phone as it may indicate how much time you spend looking through clothes and outfits you may impulsively buy.
2. LEARN BASIC REPAIRS.
There is great purpose in owning higher quality clothing. However, if you already own inexpensive garments or something needs to be repaired, do not simply throw them out. Learning to repair or even paying for professional repairments is said to often be more effective than replacing items. By doing this, you reduce your need to buy newer clothes and make those pieces you fell in love with last a lot longer.
Buying fewer clothes is said to not only save resources used for producing new clothing pieces, but it also reduces the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. Not only that, buying less garments can help reduce pollution, water and energy consumption. Moreover, when you buy fewer clothes, you own fewer clothes --which benefits you by helping you save money, value the garments already in your closet, reduce the amount of clutter, and release your guilt of impulsive buying.
In order to set a habit, you have to do more than just declare that you will. So below, we've included a guide to help you stay the course.
1. UNSUBSCRIBE.
Online store emails and notifications have been designed to entice you into purchasing clothes purely because they are on sale or new. Unsubscribing and deleting shopping apps from your phone will prevent you from mindlessly scrolling through them. We also recommend you be aware of how long you're on your phone as it may indicate how much time you spend looking through clothes and outfits you may impulsively buy.
2. LEARN BASIC REPAIRS.
There is great purpose in owning higher quality clothing. However, if you already own inexpensive garments or something needs to be repaired, do not simply throw them out. Learning to repair or even paying for professional repairments is said to often be more effective than replacing items. By doing this, you reduce your need to buy newer clothes and make those pieces you fell in love with last a lot longer.
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ADD TO YOUR WISHLIST.
Simply wanting an item is never enough reasons to buy it. Instead of acting now and thinking later, collect those pieces you wish to buy in a list, giving yourself a length of time to think it over. Try not to get caught in the pressure things selling out, a sale ending or any other fabricated constraints as you can always find something similar elsewhere. By establishing a wishlist, you can avoid impulsively buying items you may not even want after a few days --therefore avoiding the guilt of unnecessary spending.
4. SEEK KNOWLEDGE & SHIFT YOUR MINDSET.
Doing your research is a crucial part to making any new life changes. So, read up on the topic and subscribe to new like-minded individuals and organizations that can offer you more insight. Also, make this journey a challenge for yourself as it can push you to be more devoted. It's all carried out in the mind; so, the only way to achieve something is by challenging yourself and shifting your mindset.
Try not to act so much on your impulse to buy the outfits you see people rocking on your feed although we know it can be very tempting. Set yourself a budget and some ground rules you can hold yourself to when you feel discouraged. If your head is truly in it, you'll prevent yourself from investing in items you'll never wear, but most importantly, you'll build healthier spending habits and overall lifestyle.
Source: Panaprium, Sustain Your Style, Tony Wideman, The Anna Edit, & The Good Trade