Top tips for building a more sustainable wardrobe this year

Embarking on a journey towards a more sustainable wardrobe in 2024 is not only a style statement but a commitment to a more environmentally aware way of life.

In this article, we delve into the practices that can help you cultivate a sustainable wardrobe. From the essentials of garment care to the innovative revival of your cherished pieces with Fashion Clinic, we cover the cornerstones of sustainable fashion.

Explore the benefits of participating in the circular fashion economy,  learn how professional styling can lead to timeless fashion choices, and discover how to choose sustainable brands. 

Finally, understand the significance of decluttering and organizing with Happy Space, a pivotal step in curating a wardrobe that aligns with a sustainable lifestyle. We show you how to embrace eco-conscious fashion choices that will pave the way for a greener, more responsible approach to what you wear.

So, let's create a wardrobe that celebrates both style and sustainability!

1. Take Care of the Clothes You Have

Enhancing the longevity of your garments is a cornerstone of sustainable fashion. Mending tears, sewing on buttons, and following care labels extend your clothes' lifespan. Consider low-temperature washing, air-drying, and using eco-friendly detergents to minimize your ecological footprint.

Maximizing Garment Longevity through Organization

A key element in cultivating a sustainable wardrobe is ensuring that each item is visible and accessible, which reduces the likelihood of unnecessary purchases. Organizing your clothes by category and color can not only help you keep track of what you have but also inspires you to mix and match, creating new outfits from existing pieces. This mindful approach to fashion encourages less consumption and more appreciation for the items you already own.

Investing in Quality Hangers and Storage Solutions

Using the right hangers and storage solutions can prevent garments from becoming misshapen or damaged. Investing in quality hangers that support the structure of your clothing is a worthwhile step for certain clothes. And using slimline hangers for less delicate items is always our recommendation for space-saving purposes. For delicate items like knitwear, opt for shelf storage to maintain their shape. Drawer dividers are excellent for categorizing smaller items, such as underwear and socks, making it easier to find what you need without rummaging through piles of clothing.

Seasonal Rotation and Storage

To avoid overcrowding and ensure that clothes are properly maintained, rotate your wardrobe seasonally. This practice not only keeps your closet manageable but also protects out-of-season garments from dust, sunlight, and moths, which can degrade fabric quality over time. Use breathable garment bags or containers for off-season storage and include silica gel packets to ward off dampness.

Implementing a One-In-One-Out Policy

A one-in-one-out policy can be highly effective in maintaining a sustainable wardrobe. When you purchase a new item, commit to letting go of a piece you no longer wear. This strategy prevents your wardrobe from expanding beyond your space and needs, encouraging a more thoughtful consumption pattern.

Regular Wardrobe Audits

Periodically auditing your wardrobe is essential to maintain its sustainability. Assess each item for its function, fit, and frequency of use. Repair any damaged clothing, and donate or repurpose items that no longer serve you. A well-organized wardrobe with pieces that are loved and used regularly means fewer items end up in landfills.

Embracing a Capsule Wardrobe

Consider adopting a capsule wardrobe approach, which focuses on having a limited number of versatile pieces that you love to wear. This strategy simplifies decision-making, reduces clutter, and ensures that you make the most of each garment. A capsule wardrobe is easier to manage, visually appealing, and promotes a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption.

By integrating these organizational tactics into your wardrobe management, you'll not only extend the life of your clothing but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

2. Breathe New Life into Your Clothes

In the journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle, our wardrobe is an excellent place to start. Consider breathing new life into the clothes you already own. This is where a service like Hong Kong's Fashion Clinic comes into play—a savior for your beloved pieces that need a touch of creativity to keep them current.

At Fashion Clinic, each garment is seen as a canvas for potential transformation. The redesign service is akin to first aid for injured clothing. A coffee spill on your favorite shirt can become a statement piece with some artistic intervention, and an accidental tear in your skirt can evolve into a distinctive work of art. This service not only extends the life of your clothes but also offers you a chance to wear a unique item that tells a story.

They also offer a reshape service to ensure your garments fit like they were tailor-made. Fashion Clinic's reshape service ensures that you can continue to wear and love your clothes, perfectly contoured to your current body and taste.

For those pieces that hold sentimental value, the repair service at Fashion Clinic is a godsend. Whether it's a well-worn leather bag with a broken strap or a cherished dress with loose beading, the skilled hands at Fashion Clinic surgically restore your items, ensuring they return to your rotation more resilient and cherished than ever.

There is also a redye service; you can inject new vibrancy into faded garments or even change their colour entirely for a fresh look.

Finally, Fashion Clinic's expertise extends to the delicate art of jewelry and millinery restoration. From refurbishing a vintage hat to restoring heirloom jewelry, they ensure that each piece is cared for with precision and returned to its former glory.

3. Embrace the Second-Hand Market

Selling your clothes online is an effective way to kickstart your journey towards a more sustainable wardrobe. However, the cycle of eco-conscious consumerism doesn't stop there; embracing the purchase of pre-loved items is a critical element in minimizing fashion's environmental footprint. By supporting platforms dedicated to second-hand fashion, you not only give garments a second life but also contribute to a decrease in demand for new, resource-intensive production.

Take, for instance, The Hula, an online marketplace that curates an array of high-quality, pre-owned fashion pieces. This platform allows style-conscious individuals to access designer labels at a fraction of the cost while also adhering to their eco-friendly values. Each purchase from The Hula is a step towards disrupting the 'buy-and-throw-away' culture that plagues the fashion industry.

Similarly, Retykle stands out as a pioneering platform for parents who seek sustainable options for dressing their children. Specializing in designer children's wear, Retykle offers an economical and environmentally responsible alternative to buying new. Given that children outgrow their clothes at an astonishing rate, shopping from Retykle is not only practical but also significantly reduces the amount of clothing waste generated by families.

By choosing these platforms, you are part of a growing movement that prioritizes sustainability. Not only will you be buying unique items but also helping to promote a more circular economy in fashion—one where clothing is reused and recycled, reducing waste and the need for new resources.

4. Invest in Timeless Pieces with a Professional Stylist

Working with a stylist can help you curate a collection of versatile, enduring pieces that defy fast fashion trends. We love Dressing the Woman and their focus on determining your essence type (a combination of your physical appearance and your “vibe” or energy).  Nic and Deb can guide you towards building a capsule wardrobe that emphasizes quality over quantity and timeless style over fleeting fads.

5. Support Sustainable Fashion Brands

When adding new pieces to your collection, opt for brands committed to ethical practices and sustainable materials. Mili Milu, Selvaage and Tove and Libra are exemplary brands that combine style with sustainability, offering beautiful clothes made with the planet in mind.

6. Organize and Systemize Your Closet

A well-organized closet brings clarity to what you own, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary purchases. At Happy Space, we believe in decluttering first, then implementing organization systems to streamline your wardrobe management. This approach not only saves time but also encourages responsible consumption.

In conclusion, transforming your closet into a sustainable wardrobe is a multi-faceted process that involves care, creativity, conscious shopping, expert guidance, and meticulous organization.

By following these tips, you'll not only reduce your environmental impact but also cultivate a more meaningful relationship with your clothes.