How To Build A More Sustainable Wardrobe As A Student

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As a student, you are likely always looking for ways to save money while still looking stylish. However, buying clothes can have a significant impact on the environment, especially if you opt for fast fashion.

According to Clothes Aid, 350,000 tonnes of wearable clothing ends up in a landfill every year in the UK alone. When we look at how this impacts the planet, Carbon Literacy reported that the fashion industry could account for 26% of carbon emissions by 2050.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can reduce your fashion footprint and upgrade your wardrobe sustainably. Read on to discover our five sustainable ways for students to upgrade their wardrobe.

Shop Vintage

Shopping for vintage clothing is an excellent way to save money while reducing your environmental impact. Second-hand clothes from thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces are often high-quality and unique, and buying them helps reduce the demand for new clothing production.

You can find clothes that are in good condition and still have a lot of life left in them. Moreover, you can get creative and mix and match different pieces to create your unique style. If you have clothes that you’re ready to rehome, consider giving these to a vintage store, some stores will also pay for unwanted items, making you some money in the process.

Swap Clothes With Friends

Organising a clothing swap with friends is a fun and sustainable way to update your wardrobe. By exchanging clothes, you can give your unwanted items a new lease on life while getting something fresh and exciting in return.

You can also get together with a group of friends and organize a bigger clothing swap event. This can be a fun way to meet new people, get some new clothes, and reduce clothing waste.

If you’re a true student, you may have seen our Fashion Revolution Week swap shop events, where we brought students together to swap unwanted pieces of clothing for something they’ll love. Keep an eye out for future swap shop events!

Invest in Timeless and High-Quality Pieces

Investing in timeless and high-quality pieces can save you money in the long run while reducing your fashion footprint. These items tend to last longer, and you can wear them for years without worrying about them going out of style.

When shopping for clothes, look for items made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, or linen. Sustainable fashion brands often prioritise ethical production processes and the use of sustainable materials.

Repair and Upcycle Clothes

Instead of throwing away your clothes, learn how to repair them or upcycle them into something new. Simple sewing skills can help you fix minor damages and extend the life of your clothes.

Additionally, you can upcycle old clothes into new garments or accessories, which is a creative and sustainable way to give your wardrobe a new life. There are many tutorials and resources available online that can teach you how to upcycle clothes into something new.

Rent Clothes

Finally, renting clothes is a sustainable and affordable alternative to buying new ones. Many online platforms offer clothes rental services that allow you to rent clothes for a specific period and return them once you're done with them.

This option saves money while reducing clothing waste. It is also a great way to try out new styles without committing to buying them.

Upgrading your wardrobe sustainably doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By following these five tips, you can reduce your fashion footprint and help protect the environment.

Remember, small actions can make a big difference. By opting for sustainable fashion, you can save money while also promoting ethical and environmentally friendly practices.

So next time you're looking to upgrade your wardrobe, keep these tips in mind and make a conscious choice towards a more sustainable future!

Be sure to check out our latest blogs for more student life tips and unmissable events.