When it comes to making ethical fashion choices we all know we can do more, but sometimes knowing exactly what you can do to help is the hardest part. But here’s the best part. You don’t stop enjoying fashion. You become aware of the effect of your shopping habits and by finding alternative routes and making a conscious effort to save the environment, its a whole new another game ball. So here we are with ways to embrace sustainable fashion in Singapore.
1) Educate Yourself
What is fast fashion and why is sustainable fashion on the rise globally? Besides the fact that gravitating towards an eco-friendly approach to styling oneself is aiding in lessening its carbon footprint and chemical load on our earth, a sustainable approach to making, buying and using clothes is key to protecting the planet, as well as the lives of those involved in the creation of garments. So how do I make a difference? Fashion is the world’s second-largest polluter after oil so if yes, understanding the impact of your purchases and where it’s coming from comes is genuine care to protect our remains.
There are many fashion blogs you can read (such as True Fashion Collective website or Inhabitat) and documentaries you can watch to learn more about sustainability. The true cost is a must-see documentary, shedding light on the people who make our clothes and the impact the fashion industry is having on our world.
2) Support Local Sustainable Brands
While fast fashion for consumers is as easy as stepping into a mall and purchasing something off the rack which is probably trendy and inexpensive, sustainable fashion brands can make us feel good, look good, without breaking the bank and most importantly they protect the environment and don’t infringe human rights.
Fortunately, the fashion supply chain is making a conscious effort and there’s been a market for sustainable fashion in Singapore making shopping ethically an affordable experience. Some of the favorites include Ubu Swim Wear, Matter Prints. Terle . Do a little investigative work, find a handful of brands you love and start from there. After a while, your portfolio of knowledge will have grown – and you’ll have a whole host of brands to choose from.
3) Quality > Quantity : Slow Fashion
Slow fashion brands endeavor to bring consumer products that last as long as possible. This is made possible because of high-quality fabrics, perfect fits, and production methods with aren’t rushed.
Lean into natural fibers include cotton, linen, hemp, silk, and wool and are generally more durable and washfast than synthetics such as polyester and nylon — not to mention that they come from renewable resources and decompose a lot faster.
4) Taking Care Of Your Clothes
Wear In Good Jeans: According to the kings of denim, your jeans should forego a spin in the washing machine for as long as possible so don’t feel guilty.
Hand Washing Delicates: Clothes wear out sooner when we wash them too often, whilst also using extra energy, water, and detergent that we could also be saved. So one top tip to make your clothes last longer is to only wash them when you think you definitely need to and delicately handle them.
Sewing and mending and fixing: The decision to fix or update a garment before you toss it not only saves you money but also allows you to get creative and view your old clothes from new angles, meaning you’re less likely to make those impulsive fast fashion buys.
Some of the other favorite tips include cold washing, using DIY/Eco-friendly detergents and Wash Dark Clothing Inside Out and Don’t Dry Clean Often.
5) Shop Vintage
There’s a whole lot of fun to shopping vintage. Whether it’s clothing, furniture, art or crockery, the hunt by trawling through market racks and web pages, eyeing the size of saucers, the score, the bargain, and gaining simultaneously the knowledge that no one else has that pieces
can provide a retail therapy one can’t necessarily find in store selling clothes that won’t have the history vintage pieces innate. Some of the vintage shops in Singapore include Retro Gate, Baju Mama Vintage and Dustbunny Vintage among many other choices at your fingertips. Hint: Google.
6) Curb The Urge To Impulse Shop
We’re all guilty of an impulse buy, often knowing full well we probably won’t wear it that many times. So next time you feel the urge, ask yourself these four questions: Do I really need this? How often will I wear it? Do I already own something similar? Does it go with things I already own?
