LITTLE GREEN DRESS

The 50 Ways to Make Your Wardrobe More Sustainable

by Hannah Timm

April 22, 2025

Sustainable fashion isn’t just about what you buy, it’s also about how you care for your clothes, how you style them, the shopping habits you cultivate, and making the most of what you have. If you’re looking to build a more eco-friendly wardrobe, here are 50 impactful ways to start.

Shopping Smarter

1. Invest in quality over quantity.
2. Choose items that fit your personal style over fleeting trends.
3. Research brands with ethical and sustainable practices.
4. Support local designers and artisans.
5. Shop secondhand at thrift stores and vintage boutiques.
6. Try clothing rental services for special occasions.
7. Swap clothes with friends to refresh your wardrobe.
8. Look for natural fibers. 
9. Consider how you will style an item before purchasing it.
10. Make a wish list of the items that you would like to add to your closet.

Caring for Your Clothes

1. Wash clothes less frequently to extend their lifespan.
2. Use cold water and gentle detergent.
3. Air dry instead of using the dryer.
4. Spot clean when possible to reduce washing.
5. Store clothes properly to prevent damage.
6. Learn basic mending skills to fix small tears and loose buttons.
7. Invest in a fabric shaver to keep knits looking fresh.
8. Find a skilled tailor for larger mending and tailoring needs.
9. Wash denim inside out to maintain color and reduce water waste.
10. Hang delicate fabrics instead of folding them to avoid creases.

Making the Most of What You Have

1. Re-style your existing pieces in new ways.
2. Layer creatively to transition clothes between seasons.
3. Mix and match patterns and textures for fresh looks.
4. Challenge yourself to a “no buy” month.
5. Tailor ill-fitting clothes instead of replacing them.
6. Repurpose old t-shirts into rags, tote bags, or DIY projects.
7. Dye faded clothing to give them a new look.
8. Remove stains instead of discarding stained clothes.
9. Use accessories to refresh outfits without buying new clothes.
10. Take inventory of your closet before shopping to avoid duplicates.

Extending the Life Cycle of Your Clothes

1. Donate items in good condition to local charities.
2. Sell unwanted clothes through consignment or online platforms.
3. Host a clothing swap with friends or your community.
4. Upcycle old garments into something new.
5. Repair worn-out shoes instead of replacing them.
6. Turn old sweaters into scarves or mittens.
7. Repurpose old denim into shorts or patchwork projects.
8. Use fabric scraps for crafts, quilting, or home décor.
9. Compost natural fiber clothing at the end of its life.
10. Support textile recycling programs.

Shopping with Sustainability in Mind

1. Choose brands that use sustainable packaging.
2. Bring your own reusable tote bag when shopping.
3. Support brands with fair labor practices.
4. Check garment labels for eco-friendly materials.
5. Consider cost-per-wear before making a purchase.
6. Shop locally to reduce shipping emissions.
7. Buy from brands with transparent supply chains.
8. Prioritize brands using non-toxic dyes and finishes.
9. Look for multipurpose pieces that can be worn in different ways.
10. Remember: the most sustainable clothing is what’s already in your closet!

Sustainability isn’t about perfection, it’s about making small, intentional choices that add up over time. By rethinking how we shop, care for, and style our clothes, we can all play a part in reducing fashion waste and protecting the planet.