Is Your Wardrobe Circular? A Guide to Fashion’s Greenest Trend -

Let’s be real. Everyone loves fashion. It’s expressive and fun. And, usually, getting the perfect new piece can give you a total rush. There’s also a not-so-glamorous truth. Clothes have the habit of taking a massive toll on the planet. Meaning, mountains of waste. Also, crazy water usage and chemicals, too. The traditional model of buying, wearing once, and tossing. It is now officially out.

But you don’t have to panic. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on your style. The fashion world is finally waking up. And there’s something called a circular wardrobe. And it is here to save the day and the planet, too. You don’t have to guilt-trip anymore. Because this is actually one of the smartest, chic, and most sustainable ways to shop. And also dress. It’s not about giving everything up. But it’s not about giving everything up. It’s actually about being smarter with what you actually choose.

Maybe, now you’re wondering what the magic of circular fashion is. You can think of it like your clothes have been designed to stay in use forever. When they are made well, they’ll be kept in rotation. Maybe through repair or resale. And then when they can’t be worn anymore, the materials will be recycled into new clothes. Basically, it’s a gorgeous loop.

Are you feeling ready to make your closet circular? These are four very easy steps to turn your wardrobe into fashion’s greenest trend.

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The golden rule: Quality over quantity

This has to be one of the biggest mindset shifts. You have to ditch the cheap and fast fashion thrills. And then lean more into the buying less and choosing well philosophy. It will be much better for your sanity and your wallet as well.

You need to turn yourself into a detective. Before you buy anything, you need to ask yourself if you’re going to wear it 30 times. Or if it’s a timeless piece or a flimsy fad. If you find yourself hesitating, then you need to walk away.

Love the fabrics. You have to start checking the labels. And look for quality materials that will last. Some good examples are linen, organic cotton, durable wool and even Tencel. Also, the construction has to feel solid, with no loose threads or wonky seams.

You also need to focus on building a strong capsule wardrobe. Meaning, those versatile pieces that you can mix and match endlessly.

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Secondhand is the new “new”

Shopping for pre-loved pieces is the ultimate style flex. It’s not only better for the environment. You can also find high-quality, unique pieces that nobody else has.

Get ready to hunt and have some thrift store thrills. Usually, vintage and charity shops are considered gold mines for hidden gems. You simply need to be open-minded and patient. Besides, a little DIY alteration can turn a basic find into a custom dream.

There are also luxury pieces on a budget. There are plenty of sites online that have many gorgeous clothes, shoes, and bags. And those are waiting for their next owner. Buying resale is also one of the easiest ways to keep clothes in circulation.

Another great option is hosting a swap party. You can tell your friends to each bring their high-quality but unknown clothes. And then, you can trade. It’s a fun and free way to refresh your closet. Don’t forget the snacks and wine.

Become the queen of care and repair

If you want your clothes to last, then you actually have to treat them with respect. Being able to extend the life of your favorite pieces is one of the most circular things you can do.

Start by washing smart. You have to stop throwing everything into a hot wash. Instead, use cold water. It will save energy. Don’t forget to try and air-dry when you can. Tossing your knits in the dryer is basically a crime.

Don’t toss, mend instead. Maybe a button popped off? Or did your favorite jeans get a tiny tear? You can learn basic stitching or even take it to a local tailor. Giving the piece a quick fix or a new hem will be so much better than sending it into the trash. You just need to embrace the visible mending trend. It actually adds character.

There are also storage hacks. You need to keep your delicate items folded. And not hung. This will prevent stretching. Make sure your clothes are clean before storing them for the season.

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Seek out the true eco brands

If you want to achieve it, you need to give money to brands that are actually doing the work. And not to those that have the best green marketing, which is basically greenwashing.

Look for brands that are actually transparent about where and how their clothes are made. Also, keep an eye out for third-party certifications. Like GOTS for organic textiles or B Corp status, for those that prioritize people and planet over pure profit.

And also, consider take-back programs. Some forward-thinking brands offer programs allowing you to mail back your worn-out old pieces. So, they can properly recycle them. That’s the closed loop in action.