Top 10 ways to reduce fashion waste

1) Reuse

Increase the number of times you wear your clothes. Studies have shown that the most impactful action you can take to reduce your environmental footprint in the fashion world is to wear your clothes until they are worn out.

 

Researchers found that an item of clothing usually lasts between 100-200 wears, however only a small amount of clothing gets that amount of use. On average, people buy 56 new pieces of clothing each year, yet some pieces will only be worn a handful of times. We need to curb our desire to spend and get the most use out of the existing clothes we have.

Our tip? Go through your wardrobe and pick out those pieces you haven’t worn in a while and give them some love!


2) Repair

Of course you can get creative and add learning to sew to your skillset! Or watch a YouTube tutorial on how to fix your damaged clothes and give them new life. But for most of us, the best option is to take your clothes to a tailor for alterations and repairs and a good old fashioned cobbler can work magic on your shoes! Some retailers also offer repair

services.



3) Look after your clothes

Reduce the amount of clothes you buy by looking after your existing clothes to get more use out of them. Reduce washing, wash clothes on a colder wash (30° max) and where possible use the trusty old air dry method so they last longer! For more info check out Clevercare’s tips and tricks on how to look afteryour clothes to ensure they last.

 

4) Buy quality over quantity

Buy fewer items but invest in quality, staple pieces that will stand the test of time. Avoid buying into ‘trends’ - resist the urge to buy an endless amount of clothes and look for high quality, classic pieces that you love and will wear again and again.


5) Rent

Have a special occasion coming up and need that one-time-only fabulous outfit? Look no further than rental services. These companies allow you to hire clothes, minimising your environmental impact whilst not compromising your inner fashionista. Some of our favourites include GlamCorner , Your Closet , All the Dresses and The Volte .

6) Shop preloved

Buying vintage means you can get really creative with your individual style and think outside the box when planning outfits. It enables you to build your bespoke wardrobe, at a fraction of the cost, and fill it with items, that are unique and interesting, and which can't be found in a shopping mall, high street or online.


 

7) Swap

Clothes swapping is a clever and thrifty way to refresh your wardrobe, save money and help fight textile waste. Seek out a swap - or organise one with a group of friends or colleagues. Your pre-loved clothes will find a new home and you’ll leave with ‘new’ second-hand items for your own closet.


8) Sell your clothes online

 Make some extra cash and revamp your old clothes and put them up for sale. Facebook Marketplace, Depop and eBay are good places to start. Make sure you give your clothes a good wash and iron before putting them up for grabs!


9) Upcycle

Another amazing way to be more sustainable with your clothing is to upcycle. Upcycling (or ‘creative reuse’) means the process of transforming items or things you already have into new ones, whether that’s by reupholstering a chair with denim jeans or turning a dress into a cushion or a jumper into a rug for a pet.


10) Donate

Many retailers are now offering donation services. The Iconic has teamed up with the Salvos and Australia Post to allow you to donate your clothes . All you need to do is pack your donation in a satchel or box (you can reuse your ICONIC delivery satchel) and download and attach the prepaid shipping label!



 

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