Buy Less, Choose Well, Make It Last

“Buy less, choose well, make it last” – one of the most used quotes in the fashion industry. Yet, if we’re all honest with ourselves, not everyone follows this rule. And I certainly won’t pretend that as a stylist, I always make the right choices either. What some people might forget is that I am often dependent on my clients. But what is sustainable fashion, really?

The Rise of Sustainable Fashion

More and more people today are focusing on sustainability, and this topic has become increasingly prevalent in the fashion world. There are now numerous regulations that producers must adhere to, though not everyone follows these rules or some try to circumvent them. It’s not always easy. Many of us already have sustainable pieces in our wardrobes—items that last the longest and are made from high-quality materials. These may not always be the latest trends, but as we know, trends often return, and we also don’t have endless space in our closets.

In my own wardrobe, I think of my turtleneck sweaters. They have lasted for years, and I have them in various colors. Not always following every trend and first diving into our own closets is part of sustainable fashion. Just like buying locally and not always ordering from abroad (read: China). Choosing sustainable materials like bamboo, cotton, and linen is also crucial. Unfortunately, making a single piece of clothing takes a lot of time and money, and there is more to it than just designing.

The Impact of Fashion on the Economy

The fashion industry significantly impacts the entire economic industry, so it’s good that we’re trying to become more conscious of it. A lot of information can be found on the clothing label, such as the material composition and care instructions, which play a crucial role in the longevity of your garment (though this isn’t mandatory). For those who follow a vegan lifestyle, labels usually indicate whether animal products were used, such as leather and fur.

Responsibility on Both Sides

Sustainability requires effort from both producers and consumers. Imagine if we were more conscious of our purchases, avoiding impulsive buys and steering clear of fast fashion, especially from China. This would result in much less being produced than is currently the case. It’s a vicious cycle that requires change from both ends.

Conclusion

We are making steps in the right direction, but as with many issues, not everyone is convinced or aware yet. Personally, I try to avoid bad purchases and don’t follow every trend. I aim for sustainability, and in my job, I consciously try to avoid certain practices, such as ordering fast fashion from abroad. Sometimes, it’s not possible due to client demands, budgets, and time constraints, but I hope that with the actions we take, we can strive for better together and become more conscious overall.

I sometimes lend or borrow clothes among friends—every little bit helps. Until next time, stay stylish!