Transforming Your Wardrobe: How to Make Your Sustainable Clothes Even More “Sustainable”

The sustainable fashion movement has evolved from a niche market to a global agenda for change. 

However, as we transition our wardrobes away from fast fashion and towards eco-friendly, ethical brands, an important question arises: How sustainable are our sustainable clothes? It’s a nuanced conversation that goes beyond brand labels and requires a focus on the lifecycle of our garments. 

This deep-dive guide explores actionable strategies to ensure that even our most eco-conscious choices result in a wardrobe that’s truly kind to the planet and its people.

Understanding Sustainable Fashion Beyond the Buzzwords

Sustainable fashion is about more than just environmental impact—it encompasses ethics, durability, and the social aspects of the clothing industry. While buying from sustainable brands is a crucial starting point, there are additional considerations to address to maximize the “sustainability” of your wardrobe.

1. The True Cost of Clothing

Understanding the true cost of clothing involves looking at the materials and processes used, along with labor conditions and the associated environmental footprints. This means considering the impact on land, water, and air, as well as the welfare of the people who produce the garments.

2. Move Beyond Single-Use Mindsets

The consumer culture of single-use or infrequently-worn garments perpetuates waste. By committing to multi-use, versatile clothing, you can drastically reduce your contribution to the 92 million tons of textile waste produced globally each year.

3. Longevity Over Trends

True sustainability means resisting the pull of fast-changing fashion trends that can lead to increased consumerism. Instead, opt for timeless pieces and learn to love a few, well-made items that stand the test of time.

Upcycling: The Art of Reimagining Your Wardrobe

Upcycling is a creative way to give new life to old garments. It’s a dual solution, reducing textile waste and giving you unique, personalized items. Here’s how to start incorporating upcycling into your wardrobe.

1. Learn Basic Sewing Skills

You don’t need to be a master tailor to upcycle your clothes. Simple skills like hemming, darning, and patching can extend the life of your garments and add a personal touch.

2. Revamp Your Wardrobe with DIY Projects

From turning jeans into shorts to creating one-of-a-kind t-shirts, DIY projects breathe new life into your wardrobe. Websites like Pinterest and YouTube are treasure troves of ideas for upcycling inspiration.

3. Host Clothing Swap Parties

Gather friends for clothing swap parties to refresh your closet without contributing to new production or waste. It’s a win-win for socializing and sustainability.

Cleaning up Your Laundry Routine

Believe it or not, the way you wash and dry your clothes can have a significant environmental impact. Adjusting your laundry habits can add to the lasting sustainability of your garments.

1. Wash with Care

Wash your clothes less frequently and in cold water to save energy. Investing in a microplastic-filtering laundry bag can also prevent millions of microfibers from entering the water system with each wash.

2. Air Dry When You Can

The environmental benefits of air drying are twofold—it saves energy and extends the life of your clothes by reducing wear and tear from heat.

3. Choose Sustainable Detergents

Look for detergent brands that prioritize biodegradability and non-toxic formulations. Your clothes will thank you, and so will the environment.

4. Choose Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaners

When professional cleaning is non-negotiable, opt for eco-friendly dry cleaners that use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning agents. 

Traditional dry cleaning methods often employ harsh chemicals like perchloroethylene, which is harmful to both the environment and human health. Eco-conscious cleaners, on the other hand, provide a safer alternative that aligns with the sustainable values guiding your wardrobe choices. 

By supporting these green businesses, you contribute to a larger demand for environmentally responsible practices within the fashion care industry.

Reparability and Resale: The Next Chapter for Your Clothes

To truly make your wardrobe more sustainable, thinking about what happens to your clothes at the end of their lifecycle is essential. Reparability and resale are key components of a closed-loop fashion system.

1. Support Brands with Repair Services

Choose brands that offer repair services, prolonging the life of your clothing and reducing the need for new purchases.

2. Resale and Second-Hand Markets

When you’re ready to part with an item, consider if it’s resellable. Platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and ThredUp make it easy for clothes to have second, third, or fourth lives.

3. Donate Thoughtfully

Donating clothes is a great way to give back, but it’s important to do so mindfully. Choose organizations that are transparent about their process and that ensure clothes go to those in need or are properly recycled.

The Last Stitch: Making Ethical Choices Long-Term

Creating a truly sustainable wardrobe is a continuous process. It requires a shift in mindset from short-term consumption to long-term stewardship of the items we own. To ensure that your efforts don’t end at the material selection at the store, continue educating yourself, encouraging others, and holding brands accountable.

1. Stay Educated and Engaged

Stay updated with the latest news and practices in sustainable fashion. The more you know, the more informed your purchasing and caring decisions will be.

2. Advocate for Change

Use your voice to advocate for better practices in the fashion industry. Whether it’s through social media, local activism, or lobbying for policy changes, every action counts.

3. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

Sustainability can be overwhelming, but any small step is a step in the right direction. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the milestones, no matter how small.

By adopting these strategies, you can ensure that your sustainable clothes truly live up to their claim and that your wardrobe serves as a beacon for a more sustainable future in fashion. Remember, every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in—make it count.

About Us

Keeping your clothes clean is more than just about hygiene, it is also about wearing clean clothes that look stylish and make you feel confident. However, to make your stylish couture last, you must take care of them. That’s where Greener Cleaner comes in. 

We are one of the few dry cleaners in Chicago that use zero petrochemicals in our cleaning. From your wedding dress to chic leather jackets, we dry clean everything in an eco-friendly manner. We can also alter your outfits to create a flattering fit and add a new spark to your old wardrobe favorites.

We also provide pick-up and delivery services for your clothing, so there is no hassle associated with laundry cleaning. You can reach us at (773) 784-8429 or fill out our contact form to know more.