What Does Ethical Shopping Look Like?

In a world of fast fashion, instant gratification, and profit above everything else, is any form of fashion consumption ethical? We've been over the harmful affects of shopping ever changing trends, and the negative impact of "hauls," but what does a sustainable closet really look like?

Learn to care for what you have.

Basic sewing skills, iron on patches and following the care instructions on our garments should be second nature. That's not to say you should wear all your clothes until they literally fall off your body, but an effort should be made to keep your clothes in good condition. Jeans with holes worn through can be patched or worn as a fashion statement, lose threads can be trimmed and mended before they begin to unravel, and nice clothes can be demoted to work clothes before they're thrown away.

Buy what you need when you need it.

In order to live sustainably you don't have to stop shopping, the idea is to stop over shopping. If you need a new garment there's no reason to deny yourself a purchase, provided it's justifiable. You have an event coming up and don't have the proper attire, or perhaps you simply need new everyday clothes. There is nothing wrong with buying what you need, issues arise when you start buying what you don't need. (Maybe you can justify and new pair of jeans or leggings, but do you really need one in each color?)

"To thine own self be true."

Our clothes get worn more when they represent the wearer. The Christmas sweater my grandmother gave me may sit in my closet unworn even through the holidays, but my fringe leather jacket gets thrown into near-constant outfit rotation the moment the first leaf falls on the ground. So what does this mean for you? While shopping for new additions to your wardrobe, ask yourself if it's something you would wear. My personal rule is before I buy anything new, I have to think of at least three ways I would style the garment I want to buy. Once I've considered what I would wear it with it becomes much more clear to me whether it actually fits my aesthetic or simply looks good in the store.

Where to shop?

The most sustainable option is always second-hand. If you need something new, consider something nearly new. Checking your local thrift shops or vintage shops is a great way to find beautiful clothing and support your local community. Can't find what you're looking for? Online thrift stores such as Vinted, Ebay and Depop can be great options.

No luck shopping second-hand? Support a small business! Many small brands (including my own) prioritize a minimum amount of waste in production and are often very clear about their ideals and practices. Plus, shopping from small brands allows you to directly support the artist/designer/sewist behind the scene. So you know the money you spend is actually improving someone's livelihood, and not filling the pockets of a corporation.

Sustainable living doesn't have to be minimal living.

There's nothing wrong with having a big wardrobe. I'm a maximilist myself, and love nothing more than finding a new piece of fashion history to add to my own wardrobe. How does that work within the sustainable habits we've been discussing? The best of wardrobes are built overtime. I don't buy new clothes every time I leave my house, and I didn't start out with the collection I have. Just as when you collect anything from vinyl records to Pokémon cards you don't buy 500 pieces and call it a day. You buy a little here and there and keep your eyes open for the pieces you really want.

You don't have to be perfect.

Finally, as a last resort I want to add that I won't fault you for buying a new outfit from a fast fashion company if it's something you need. We can't always find the things we're looking for at thrift shops, and not everyone can afford to buy higher quality clothes from small brands. I get it, small brands are expensive. Do I believe the prices are justified? Absolutely! The art of making quality clothes is wildly more complex and expensive than the fast fashion companies would want you to believe. However, I also understand that not everyone can make these purchases at the drop of a hat. It's just important to keep in mind that buying fast fashion should be a last resort.

-Coco Elouise Marie