Online shopping has brought many more retailers to light in recent years, and this is great for some, but if you are looking for quality items that will last you, this is harder than you think. With many of these retailers selling fast fashion, but masked as quality luxury items, people are spending more on their clothes, but find that the quality is nowhere near as good. This not only leaves you buying more clothes, but it is also extremely harmful to the environment. If you are looking to adopt a more environmentally friendly approach to shopping for your clothes, then there are some key tips that men need to understand. Here are 6 tips for ethical shopping for men.
Opt for Timeless Styles:
Timeless menswear is characterised by quality, versatility, and longevity. Prioritise these aspects when making clothing purchases to establish a timeless and well-rounded wardrobe. For example, classic patterns and combinations like a navy or grey suit paired with brown oxfords and a knitted tie have stood the test of time. Embracing these traditional choices ensures that your wardrobe remains elegant and enduring for years to come.
Support Sustainable Fashion Brands:
Alongside buying fewer items, supporting designers who prioritise sustainable practices is crucial. Narrow down your search for specific items and explore brands that prioritise sustainable production methods. By focusing on these aspects, you can make informed choices that align with your values.
Buy Quality, not Quantity:
Fast fashion is taking the fashion industry further down into one of the most unsustainable industries, we need to start thinking about buying quality items that are going to last instead of fast fashion items that won’t last a couple of months.
Before making a purchase, ask yourself critical questions: What are you buying and why? What do you genuinely need? Will you wear it at least 30 times? By considering these questions, you can make mindful and sustainable choices, whether you’re looking for luxury streetwear or premium cashmere knits.
Embrace Secondhand and Vintage Shopping:
With the growing accessibility of platforms like Vinted and Depop, consider purchasing pre-loved items when expanding your wardrobe. Opting for secondhand and vintage pieces not only extends the lifespan of clothing but also reduces the environmental impact of your fashion choices. Additionally, you have the opportunity to discover unique and one-of-a-kind items that reflect your personal style.
Understand Materials:
Understanding the environmental impact of materials is essential for making sustainable purchasing decisions. Avoid virgin synthetics like polyester, which account for 55 percent of global clothing production. These materials are derived from fossil fuels and take years to decompose. However, not all natural materials are equal either. Organic cotton, for instance, requires less water than conventional cotton and avoids harmful pesticides.
Look for certifications from reputable organisations like the Global Organic Textile Standard, Leather Working Group, and Forest Stewardship Council when shopping for sustainable clothing. These certifications ensure that the materials used in production have a lower impact on the planet. Additionally, consider opting for recycled materials, as they generally have a lower environmental impact than virgin materials. It’s also worth considering if these textiles can be recycled again once you’re finished with them to promote a circular economy mindset.
Avoid Greenwashing:
In an era where consumers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, it’s important to navigate through misleading marketing practices known as greenwashing. Look beyond buzzwords like “sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” “conscious,” and “responsible.” Instead, dig deeper and seek out brands that provide transparent and comprehensive policies to back up their claims. By examining tangible actions and commitments, you can make informed choices and support brands that genuinely prioritise sustainability.
