Table of Contents
- Buy Secondhand
- Invest in Quality
- Avoid Fast Fashion
- Rent Clothes
- Choose Sustainable Materials
- Repurpose or Upcycle
- Wash Clothes Responsibly
- Support Sustainable Brands
- Donate or Recycle
- Reduce Consumption
With Earth Day recently swinging by, there’s no better time to start thinking about how we can make a positive impact on the environment. One of the most significant ways we can do this is by making conscious, sustainable choices when it comes to our fashion choices. With the UAE being a hub for fashion and style, it’s crucial to look at ways in which we can implement sustainable practices in the industry.
Let’s look at the top 10 sustainable fashion tips that you can implement in the UAE to make a difference. From shopping vintage to investing in eco-friendly fabrics, we’ll explore ways in which we can all do our part in creating a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
Buy Secondhand
Shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces like Endless is a great way to reduce the demand for new clothing and extend the life cycle of existing garments. Not only is it an eco-friendly option, but it also allows you to save money while still looking fashionable. In the UAE, there are several secondhand and thrift stores like The Luxury Closet that offer a range of pre-loved clothing items.
Invest in Quality
Choose clothes made from high-quality materials that will last longer, so you don’t have to replace them as frequently. Additionally, buying quality clothes can save you money in the long run. Moreover, high-quality clothes are often produced sustainably and ethically, and this is where the Dubai-based ethical fashion store Only Ethikal comes in.
Earth Day 2023 by @OnlyEthikal on Instagram
Avoid Fast Fashion
Fast-fashion retailers prioritize cheap prices and trendy styles over sustainability and ethical production. By avoiding these retailers, you can help reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Rent Clothes
Renting clothes for special events or occasions instead of buying something new that you may only wear once is an excellent way to reduce your fashion footprint.
Choose Sustainable Materials
Opt for clothes made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled polyester. Helps the environment, and helps you breathe freely – a win-win. As fashion journalist Sujata Assomull puts it: “Trends encourage buying plenty, but the better choice is to pick brands that create clothing with a focus on quality.”
Dress clean by @MATE
Repurpose or Upcycle
Instead of throwing away old clothes, repurpose or upcycle them into something new. For example, turn an old shirt into a reusable shopping bag or cut up an old pair of jeans to make a denim patchwork quilt.
Upcycled denim on @esmae_lewis
Wash Clothes Responsibly
Use cold water and environmentally friendly detergents when washing your clothes to reduce your carbon footprint.
Support Sustainable Brands
Research and support sustainable fashion brands that prioritize ethical production and use sustainable materials. For example, The Giving Moment with one million Instagram is a community-driven sustainable activewear, designed and manufactured in the UAE.
Donate or Recycle
If you have clothes that you no longer wear or need, donate them to a local charity or drop them at a recycling facility. This practice can help reduce textile waste and benefit those in need.
Reduce Consumption
Reducing your overall consumption of clothing by only buying what you need and taking good care of the clothes you already own is the most effective way to reduce your fashion footprint. Encouraging people to opt for slow, sustainable fashion, Monica Shah, co-founder of slow fashion label jade_bymk describes: “As humans we do want to fit and belong. Trendy fashion is one of the easiest ways to do that.”
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