Beginners Guide to Sustainable Fashion | 4 Things to do for a Greener Wardrobe

[@Veronensis]

When i feel like shopping, i mostly go shop online. But when I do, i don't put the clothes in the shopping cart, i put them in a wishlist. And I don't buy anything at that time. Then, a few days or a few weeks later, I can eliminate almost half of the clothes on that list, because i don't want them anymore. And when I actually need clothing, and want to buy something, there is already a good list of stuff to chose from, which I'm sure I am gonna like over time. This is my favorite way to eliminate impulse buying, because I can still get that feeling of "shopping for fun", but i only actually buy when I need something.

[@TheSassyscribe]

You are so right about Quality not having to always be expensive, it doesn't!

[@alex.a.303]

By applying these principles, you actually develop your individuality in fashion as you spend more time knowing yourself before wearing the many mass produced clothing made available. I love that your video is a quick and easy reference on how to be sustainable, but more importantly, how to think sustainable. You're right about sustainability not being limited to fashion brands dedicated to these causes. And you can imagine that by throwing away your existing and wearable wardrobe just to buy clothes that are made sustainably defeats the ultimate purpose of sustainable fashion = reducing textile waste. Lastly, I would like to say Thank You for making these videos; as although I already wear a sustainable wardrobe years before youtube even started, I appreciate your efforts in spreading this message by making your videos simple and easy to understand, as well as being aesthetically pleasing to watch with great content. For this reason, you have had me as your subscriber since the early part of 2017. I know you'll have more subscribers to support you. Keep up the good work.

[@melodyschleicher81]

I have items of clothing I wear regularly, some of which are up to 20 years old. Choosing quality always pays off. It is also important to choose pieces in your correct colour pallette so that you can mix and match your outfits. You need less and can do more with what you have.

[@missmatti]

I totally agree with you! It might not be glamorous but it is also the way to go. To add into the questions to ask around wearing it - do not justify purchases that are 'almost right' not quite! Be patient. There will come another top available soon. When I was younger I made a ton of mistakes because I wanted it "NOW" - nowadays I am better with new clothes but occasionally do mistakes with second hand items as I get 'stressed' thinking 'what if I really want it after leaving the store and it's not there'.

[@marialooksaround]

Oh yes, I have that problem with second hand shopping too! Always so disappointed with myself when these clothes end up lying around with no purpose ;(

[@missmatti]

I re-donated garments like this recently. No point in keeping them and if you bought them from a charity shop I try to see it as a double donation. ;)

[@silkestadler2647]

I like your video very much and especially the part where you emphasize that a sustainable wardrobe doesn't just mean buying from sustainable brands. I find that's a common mistake also with minimalism: The believe that you have to buy and consume stuff to live that lifestyle - but in reality it's the opposite: NOT consuming so much.

[@milkteamachine]

I barely have 50 items in my wardrobe overall, having 50 with the tags on is mind-blowing to me :0 I think I still impulse-shop and make bad purchasing decisions regularly, so that's something I have to work on.

[@ima7333]

Thank you as always for your videos. Whenever I watch your videos, I feel as if you speak up on my behalf. While others such as my friends perceive me as being a cheapskate and miserly just because I wear my clothes til they fall apart literally (particularly jeans), I only have a total of 15 items hanging in my wardrobe and I wear practically the same set of clothes for years, I could careless of what they think of me. My thought is if I can still fit into them and they’re still in good shape there’s no reason for me to replace them. The same goes for shoes I wear to the gym and for overseas travels, shoes I wear to work and shoes I wear to go out. My son has more shoes than me. When I look up the concept of minimalist living, it really does fit me and the lifestyle that I love. So sorry for the lengthy comment. Bottom line is I love your work and I learn a lot from you on how I can build my next wardrobe when I need to replace them. Thanks again

[@girlwithgrit7459]

I always ask myself: how much will I wear it? It's definitely time for a shirt declutter! That hairstyle is so flattering on you!

[@feltlikeitbydebs]

Great video. I recently moved to the bush in Australia and found that many people didn't know what to do with pet alpaca and merino sheep fleece. Well l spin and felt so l'm teaching and using natural fibers that were previously dumped at the tip. Loving the life.Debs from down under.

[@shebaclaudine]

I think it can be really important to do your research on donating. There are lots of cool agencies that take clothes to help people get back into the work force, clothes for children that kind of thing. Also don't rule out consignment stores!! Another great resource. Love it when you post new content this was a great video with lots of good tips especially for me trying to work on that whole impulse shopping. The questions are really good!

[@bellagrayr1234]

Thank you! I try to live by these as well! I like the you mention that you do not have to have a lot of money to have a sustainable wardrobe. I am a college student working two jobs so I don’t have much money to spend on clothes, but I am proud to say I have a pretty sustainable wardrobe! It can be done. 👍🎊

[@VeggieMagnifique]

Thank you so much for your beautiful and well-made, and above all, INSPIRING videos. It's so true that it's all fine and good to buy from "sustainable" brands when you do buy, but what about allll the elements involved in being a eco as possible with what you already own? I think one mistaken thought that I used to have (and probably a lot of other people have) is that you can't have a "sustainable wardrobe" until you have the *money* to "buy sustainably" and yet, as evidenced by this video, that just isn't so! We have to start where we are, with what we have, and do what we can! Thanks again for the great content. ❤️ Ann from Veggie Magnifique

[@louiseburns9681]

Such a good video Erin, these are a great set of core beliefs to live by when it comes to clothes. This has really inspired me to go and sort out my mending pile right now!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thanks! That's so great to hear! 😊

[@veseyexclusive]

This is great we can all benefit from theses Tips! Thanks ⭐️🌿

[@krentu]

Great video! This is so true :) I find that sometimes it is so hard to think clearly "Am I gonna wear this" because I am so influenced by the trends, Instagram, YT videos etc. I tend to forget my real lifestyle and buy things for my imaginatory reality :)))

[@emilia6522]

I love these kind of videos that you can learn something new :) Also that hairstyle and makeup really suit you, you look stunning! ♡

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thanks!! 💚

[@tibokaa]

Hey! I just came across your channel a couple hours ago, and I'm hooked! I really enjoyed watching all your recent videos, and it inspired me to shop more consciously! thanks! Can't wait to watch your next uploads and read the blog posts omg I'm obsessed ^^

[@MyGreenCloset]

Welcome! :D

[@annarehbinder7540]

One of My favorite sweatshirts is from 1989 when I bought it originally and ive been wearing it since then 3 out of 4 seasons , actually ive Now realised that much of My wardrobe is second hand and whenever I Change sizes again I swap with friends and then donate.... actually its gotten to the point where We a group of friends have shop each others closets parties every 4-6 months and We save things which We feel would suit someone else so this is how I can be a sustainable fashion clothes horse and youtube has helped because suddenly there are so many cool styling ideas so new and interesting ideas on how to wear things !

[@iina2763]

My tip is to combine these awesome points with minimalism/conscious buying! I'm building an all-year round capsule-type wardrobe, and buying max 1 item/month and considering the purchase for about a month before ensures I really want it. Also, buying things that are just a little bit expensive (while being good quality) makes me care for them even better because I don't want to waste my money :D

[@saraiblack3329]

Although I watch every single one of your videos, I don't always comment but I had to break that habit here. This is such a great video and I'm so grateful that you are highlighting that being sustainable isn't just about what you buy. I know that I have fallen into that trap before; I don't always buy from ethical sources but I do three out of the four things you mentioned, I need to think more about end of life but it's nice to feel like I am actually doing something positive right now as I often forget that (although I am getting better at it)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thanks Sarah! I think these areas are often overlooked and not talked about as much. Sharing clothes and brands is generally more fun and interesting than talking about washing clothes, recycling textiles, or looking for good sewing. So it's easy to forget or not see them as important. Although I love that #30Wears is getting attention and people are sharing clothes they've worn a lot! :D

[@ReggieTuxCat]

This was great advice. Thank you.

[@gabrayandayan7831]

Thank you for this video it helps alot!! 💕😊

[@NiesLife]

Great video and content as always ! I really love your no frills presentation :)

[@gittevandevelde2208]

I've lately bought a dress. It's very fifties style, bodycon, and it looked amazing on me and fit me very well ( which is rare with tight-fitting dresses). Plot twist: I can only wear it with wireless underwear, which I just invested in, and on warm days because it's quite revealing. Which makes me also doubt if I can wear it to school. But, taking into account it isn't on trend anyway (bought it in a fifties and sixties inspired small boutique, a pin-up could wear it right away) and good quality, and the fabric is slightly stretchy, I can wear it for a long time.

[@Poorstargazer23]

This is good food for thought. It's an area I can make improvements in going forward :3

[@gessicacom_g]

Love this vid! I’m commited to make the most of my clothes and to spread the word :))))

[@MyGreenCloset]

👏😃💚

[@vmelkic]

Thank you for this video! :)

[@diverstalent]

Thank you!

[@ArtByEmilyHare]

30 times seems very little, especially if it is a work outfit or shirt, that means someone can get rid of it after a month or two! If it's an evening dress then it might take a little longer to get through the 30 wears. For me I try to buy things which are going to be wearable in 5 years and try not to throw stuff out unless I can't fit into it anymore. You're totally right re how much stuff in the wardrobe gets worn, I go through the same 4-5 items each week!

[@MyGreenCloset]

The 30 wears campaign was designed to be the absolute minimum commitment to make, of course more is much better, but the idea is to combat the fast fashion disposable attitude to clothing ie. Buying an outfit for a night out and never wearing it again.

[@ArtByEmilyHare]

@@MyGreenCloset Yeah I'm always horrified to hear people wearing an outfit once and never again! Notonly that it seems to encourage people buying cheap, slave labour items too. It's a never ending hill to climb always the eco friendly thing!

[@7ADGr8]

Great subject 👍🏻👍🏻

[@juliebigras9925]

we have the same iron! :-)

[@Gioannnn]

Thank you so much for this video

[@lauraelisee]

Love this video! Also would love to talk about how you made that piece of woven art in the background. It’s beautiful 💕

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thanks! I made it with some scrap yarns on a little table loom :)

[@Rose_wu27]

You are soooo pretty 🥺❤️

[@andydutton455]

awesome

[@worshipcatalyst1]

random question from your capsule wardrobe video - how tall are you? i feel like you're 5'6" - 5'8". and thank you for sharing your lifestyle with us. i buy pretty much all of my clothes/shoes used and i recycle everything i can. i'm no where near where you're at in my practice but i appreciate you making me aware of greener options i can implement in my everyday life.

[@MyGreenCloset]

I'm a lot shorter, just over 5'3" maybe about 5' 3 1/2". :)

[@lavenderbearasmr3562]

I wear my clothes for a really long time. I found some clothes in my closet that I got when I was 13 and only got rid of them because they did not fit AT ALL.

[@Toyon95]

I'm trying to buy new if I really really have to- and then from sustainable brands. There is so much avialeble second hand- especially if you look online.

[@LathaLukose]

Wonderful

[@witchecheveria9417]

new subscriber! i never even thought of this part of sustainability! i'm looking forward to checking out more of your videos!

[@tachiiANDjeesi]

Hi Erin! Just curious, can you recommend any safe, natural, and cruelty free dyes that would be good to use if I want to re-dye an old pair of jeans? Thanks!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Natural blue dyes are plants like indigo and woad, but the process can be complicated and isn't exactly "safe". For example Indigo requires an alkaline solution with oxygen removed to work - you need specific ingredients, equipment, and have to be careful with it. Personally I think unless you're very interested in learning about natural dyeing it's better to stick with the commercially available at-home dyes which are generally much easier to use than natural dyes. While these dyes aren't good for the environment, the impact of re-dyeing a pair of jeans so you can wear it a lot longer is much better than the environmental impact of a new pair of jeans.

[@tachiiANDjeesi]

Thank you! This is very helpful!

[@eannicole205]

Hi, I am looking for a Rib Knit Mock Neck Tee, where would you look for an ethical option? Thank you. E

[@spagirl2010]

Have you tried any of the knitting looms to make socks & scarfs?

[@MyGreenCloset]

I haven't tried them. Maybe I don't understand it properly, but it seem more difficult than regular knitting?

[@spagirl2010]

I have not tried them, just curious. I did order a DIY handbag kit from Wool and The Gang. I am trying to make more things myself with high quality yarn.

[@janagoes9851]

Hey! I have been following your videos for two months now, and I have a question. Sometimes you say you "get rid" of worn out clothes, but what exactly do you do with them? Just throw them in the trash? Or bring them to donation containers where they can get recycled for other purposes? (I don't even know if that is an option for worn-out clothes...)

[@MyGreenCloset]

I have a video all about it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3PKmXqtis6kmNk&t= :)

[@ideoformsun5806]

Thank you for this video. I would like to add: Close the loop. I buy from resale shops, and then the clothes go to a charity which can recycle used clothing that can't be sold again. When I buy new, I buy biodegradable materials. Even if you wear it out, cut it up for rags, use it to shreds, and recycle it, the artificial fibers have been found in fish we eat. The washing water puts zillions of tiny lint fibers into our waterways. And the manufacturing of these fibers can cause pollution and harm to workers. Artificial fibers have chemicals added to make them pliable and not brittle. These plasticizers are hormone disrupters, and if you wear them all day, and sleep on them at night, your body is exposed to these hormone disrupters 24/7. Not to mention, if you also store your food in plastic, and buy drinks in plastic - even cans are lined with plastic - and cook your food in plastic, every day you are exposing your insides to these chemicals too. And all this single use plastic ends up in our landfills and oceans for dozens of years, if not tens of dozens of years. Single use plastic eventually breaks down into tiny bits, but doesn't go away. Fish, birds, whales, dolphins, eat this and it ruins their health, too. When you buy new, organic materials, from organic companies, you are helping to sustain that industry, and create jobs that don't expose people to carcinogens and chemicals. Every dollar you spend is a vote for more of that. And the more people that choose the same way, even if they are buying just one piece they need to fill out their wardrobe, the more costs will go down, and prices will be competitive. If you buy a piece of organic cotton, think of it as an investment in the future, ensuring you will have more choices going forward.

[@MMEF2513]

What do you think of over dying? I have a few garments that need it but I worry about the water pollution vs replacing the piece entirely conundrum. Would love to hear your thoughts :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

If your clothes are natural materials it's definitely better to dye your clothes instead of buying something new. The energy, natural resources, chemicals, water, cutting waste, shipping, labour, etc. that goes into a new garment definitely outweighs the impact of a little dyeing, plus the new garment would likely have been dyed as well. Dyeing synthetics however I wouldn't recommend because you need much stronger dyes, it damages/changes the fabric, and the results usually aren't great. Something you can do to reduce the impact of at home dyeing is use the exact amount (or less is you're just trying to intensify the colour) of dye for the fabric weight or max out the weight so that you aren't using unnecessary dye. Also I'm not sure how experienced with dyeing you are but fiber reactive dyes like Procion MX seem to be more eco friendly than the "all purpose" dyes you can usually find for home dyeing (Rit and Dylon are the 2 common ones), although these are the easiest to use and good for beginners.

[@MMEF2513]

Thanks so much for the reply :) Just to clarify when I said looking at replacing the piece I meant looking to find something second hand (it's my default now), what do you think of over dying vs getting another piece second hand? I only own/ buy natural fibres now.

[@KiwiCakeful]

I would love to buy sustainable clothes, but where can you get plus sized sustainable clothes? Is there such a thing yet?

[@sarahhenning5484]

When I air-dry my clothes, they stay damp for so long that they actually start to smell. Any tips on how to air-dry more efficently so that the garnments actually become dry?

[@MyGreenCloset]

Depending how humid it is where you live it can be difficult. Sometime an extra spin in the machine helps, and if you can hang the clothes outside, they'll dry a lot quicker than indoors. In the winter if it's humid I'll usually put the drying rack near the heater and in the summer near an open window to help the clothes dry faster.

[@desiree2086]

Maybe not the smartest advice. but I use my hairdryer for the most damp parts. Like in jeans you have the pockets and the waistband that take forever to dry when it's cold and the sun is not shining. It's dry very quick when I do it like this.

[@raraavis7782]

Sarah Henning Hang every item over two lines on your rack...so there's some air in the middle instead of 4 layers of fabric next to each other. That really helps. Also, turning them inside out (or outside in) and upside down (I hope you know what I mean) halfway through the drying process helps a lot...especially with thick stuff like jeans. Wait till they feel only slightly damp on the outside then turn...it's a little extra work but it really shortens the drying time. And if you can, create a draft by opening windows on opposite sides of the flat/house. Or at least open a window. The more humid the air in the room, the longer the drying will take.

[@kawaiimatilda]

Maybe air-drying them in the sun for a little while will help . Even if the label says "air-dry in the shadow" sometimes doesn't work because of the type of fabric or if it is thicker.

[@cindy7210]

I live in South Africa, and we have tumble driers but seldom need to use them. We have another product called DriBuddy that is a heated fan enclosed in a fabric tent - you hang your clothes inside and the warm air dries them. Much more energy efficient than a tumble drier and gentle on clothes. Very handy for when it rains for a few days here! Not sure if it is available in your country but maybe check online!

[@maelysouque7336]

2B ?

[@kcullens]

Do you use Reddit? if so are there any subreddits you like that focus on slow/eco-fashion and sustainability?

[@Handropia]

How about buying clothes secondhand so you aren't contributing as much to the waste cycle of fashion?

[@MyGreenCloset]

Of course! I talk about that a lot on this channel. It's not necessarily very accessible to everyone though and this video focuses on things you can do regardless of if you have access to sustainable fashion brands or secondhand options.

[@maelysouque7336]

Coucouille

[@Rebeccca67]

If I can't make four outfits (one a week), I won't buy it.