If you want to be a responsible, environmentally conscious consumer, then you need to be buying clothes that will last a long time. According to The New York Times, one of the worst things for our environment has been the advent of fast fashion.
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion consists of cheaply made clothing that capitalizes on trends. These clothes and shoes are cheaply made and manufactured then sold at a low price point.
Fast fashion apparel brands and retailers include stores like Forever 21, Shein, Charlotte Russe, Walmart, and even Target. These places produce garments that are made to be worn for a season and then throw out or donated. Sure it’s affordable fashion that keeps up with the latest trends, but it can get wasteful very quickly. Tons of fast fashion exists in the modern world, and the effects of it are potentially devastating to our planet.
Why You Should Avoid Fast Fashion
You want to avoid fast fashion for a multitude of reasons. On a global level, fast fashion is destroying our environment. Literal tons of water are wasted when these flimsy garments are produced. On a more personal level, fast fashion, and its encouragement to buy poorly made clothes, are bad for your wallet.
These cheap clothes and shoes may seem like a good deal when you buy them, but in truth, they are not. These items break down quickly and force you to spend a lot of money to replace them over the years. If you want to stop falling into the trap of fast fashion and still be a fashionable wife, keep reading to find our guide to picking clothes that last.
Footwear – Reviews Do Matter
Most of us shop online now, which gives us the benefit of being able to see reviews from other shoppers instantly. When you’re looking for footwear that you want to last, take advantage of this.
When sorting through reviews, you want to look for reputable reviewers. Good reviews include details about the fit, material, and how the clothing has held up after washing. Like a lot of things, footwear does tend to be “you get what you pay for”, and that’s because there is such high competition (which means lots of choices!). We tend to advise saving up for a decent pair of boots from brands like Blundstone, as these will last years.
The Internet is awash with thoroughly researched reviews on footwear. A simple google search for footwear reviews, will show you numerous websites that have done the research for you, to let you know which high quality shoes are worth spending your hard earned money on.
When it comes to footwear, never just go with the very first option that catches your eye. Always do some research and think before you buy. We have reviewed many popular shoe brands on our blog so you can find lots of shoe reviews on this site.
Clothes – Look at The Fabric
As you continue buying, other points to consider are the materials of your clothing. Some fabric will simply hold up better in the long run. Try investing in items made with sustainably harvested cotton, which can be washed many times without degrading. Or, consider leather clothing, which will significantly outlast their plastic counterparts and won’t end up in a landfill after a year.
Moreover, if you don’t pay attention to the fabrics you wear, you’ll be likely to wash them in a way that could make them fade or rip faster than they should. Pay attention to the care instructions on your garment, and you’ll get a much longer period of wear out of them.
Our Tips on Great Deals
If you want to be smart in your shopping, don’t be afraid to find good clothes in unusual places.
If you shop online, reading reviews is practically essential because these reviews can lead you to coupon codes for the products they mention.
What’s more, sellers on reputable resale sites like eBay and Depop may have great deals under listings that have slight misspellings. However, when you’re online shopping, be careful to keep an eye out for counterfeit or scam listings.
Or, if you prefer shopping in person, estate sales can be treasure-troves for incredible clothes and shoes. If there aren’t any good estate sales near you, consider checking out the resale shops in the more expensive part of your town. Often, more expensive area codes have designer clothing and shoes at their resale stores, and you can score a great bargain for quality items there.
Change Doesn’t Happen Overnight
As you read more about fast fashion, it can be tempting to want to reinvent your wardrobe immediately. But these new garments often come with a big price tag, which can make the whole process overwhelming. Just remember, you don’t have to change your entire wardrobe overnight.
The most sustainable and economical journey you can make with your fashion is to use the pieces you have until you have to replace them. But when it comes time to make the switch, be smart about your purchases. Use the power you have as a consumer to make informed choices that will benefit you and the environment. Check out reviews, think about fabrics, and don’t be afraid to invest in your wardrobe.
