Open your wardrobe and take a quick inventory of your clothes. If you’re like the average Nigerian woman, you’re probably only wearing one-third of them. According to Marie Claire Australia, Australians buy an average of 56 new garments a year, which makes the country the highest clothing purchasers globally, according to the Australian Fashion Council.
The impact? Around 200,000 tonnes of clothing, mostly made from non-sustainable, non-durable materials, are in landfills yearly.
So, how can we declutter our wardrobes without harming the planet? The answer lies in choosing quality over quantity and finding ways to rehome preloved pieces.
How to reuse and donate second hand clothes
Whether it’s a one-time wear wedding guest dress or denim jeans you’ve outgrown, there’s something gratifying about seeing your clothes brought to life again by someone else.
“If we could lengthen the wear of a garment, we could significantly reduce the environmental impact,” notes designer fashion rental marketplace, The Volte.
By hiring out your clothes, you prevent waste by keeping them out of landfills. Plus, others get to enjoy them, and you earn some money—a win-win for both consumers and the environment.
Before selling your second hand clothes, ensure each piece is washed, in good condition, and sorted into ‘rent’, ‘donate’, and ‘sell’ piles. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t gift it to a friend, consider repurposing the fabric as cleaning clothes.
Need more ideas on how to give your clothes a second life? Here are some suggestions:
- Sell through online marketplaces.
- Host a stall at your local pre-loved fashion markets.
- Donate responsibly to op shops such as Vinnies, Good Sammys, and Salvos.
- Organise a clothes swap with friends.
- Use textile collection services which reuse, recycle, and repurpose clothing.
How to shop sustainably for preloved clothes
After taking inventory of your wardrobe, you might find some hidden gems or rediscover old favourites to restyle. Remember, the most sustainable clothing is what you already own! But if you still have gaps in your wardrobe, consider secondhand shopping.
For secondhand shoppers, the thrill of finding a bespoke piece never gets old. Whether it’s a designer item at an affordable price, the perfect pair of shoes in your size, or a unique statement piece, incorporating pre-loved clothes into your wardrobe is a great way to experiment with your style.
When shopping secondhand, focus on quality. “Look for natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk, and linen, as these tend to be more durable and comfortable,” advises Nathan Yun, CEO of sustainable clothing brand Paire.
“Opt for clothes that are easy to care for and can be washed less frequently, such as wool products. This saves water and extends the life of the clothes—this longevity is not only cost-effective but also lessens the environmental impact.”
Aside from quality and durability, consider choosing timeless designs to build a capsule wardrobe. “Timeless colours and styles, such as neutral shades like black, white, navy, and beige, remain fashionable longer and can be easily mixed and matched,” Yun suggests.
When shopping, also pay attention to the construction quality of the garment. “Quality garments have tight, even stitches and reinforced seams,” Yun adds.
Shopping for long-lasting pieces helps reduce overconsumption and the demand for fast fashion. As Yun says, “Prioritising quality over quantity means opting for fewer, higher-quality items rather than many cheaper pieces.”
Embrace a wardrobe that’s both stylish and sustainable. For more inspiration and tips on reducing your waste, click here.
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire Australia
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
