Why You Should ALWAYS Check Clothing Tags |

[@katewhite8153]

I have only begun to look at the fabric of my clothes. For me, the first step on my conscious closet journey was to stop buying as many clothes and reduce the size of my closet - not fully to a capsule wardrobe but to my favorite pieces that I wear all the time. Then I switched to buying secondhand or from an ethical/sustainable company for things I didn't want secondhand (undergarments). At first, I wasn't too concerned with the fabric of my clothing I got secondhand. I was just interested in finding a piece that worked with my closet. Now, as I have found my style, I look for the quality of the garment including what fabric is used. Changing your closet and shopping habits is a journey and doesn't happen overnight. I am so thankful to you for being such an inspirational and informative part of my journey!

[@janr24]

Kate White that is so true it’s one step at a time as you master one step it leads to the next

[@deeanndavis1256]

Always check! 🙌 But only for about the last 2 years, when I started learning about fabrics. It's amazing how quickly you can pick up on just the feel of fabric and know what it is, not all the time but often, or by the way it looks. I almost exclusively shop second and it takes more time but I feel good about what I bring home.

[@keodi1]

I began checking the tags when I started doing a capsule wardrobe 5 years ago, I'm not a fan of polyester.

[@valeniricibar6644]

I *always* check the tags! I have sensitive skin and live in a hot country so I have to be careful about rash/sweat-inducing fabrics! I also watch out for Angora in knits and dislike clothes that are dry-clean only, which is a deal breaker (sometimes fast fashion chains out that on the label because they wouldn’t trust the cheap fabric to withstand a washing machine: red flag). Brilliant video as always, love the sponsor!

[@MyGreenCloset]

That's a great point! I've definitely seen brands do that with poor quality fabrics 🙁

[@valeniricibar6644]

The worst. As if a pair of black jeans would need dry cleaning...thank you for raising awareness always! ☺️

[@francesellis3642]

I got so used to ads in the beginning of every KZbin videos... even just that aspect of it refreshed me! I’ve been checking fabric content for a couple years now. It truly changes your perspective.

[@magdat4692]

I would never buy anything without knowing what was is made of. Some online shops, especially online thrift shops do not put tag / fabric info on their sites :((((, so even if I really love the colour / form of the piece, I will not buy it when I don't have info of the fabric. I wish I had more tencel clothes, I will try and search for it :) Hugs from Poland! :)

[@sarahreinhardt1414]

I usually shop secondhand for clothing. But even so, I always check for natural fibers. Sythetics don't wash well, especially if stained. And I have a very hard time regulating my own body temperature while wearing them. Thank you so much for this awesome video!!

[@moskitostich]

Its horrible how much polyester is used nowadays, even with supposedly expensive/qualitative brand clothing. You can buy a polyester sweater for 5,99 at H&M but you could also get one for 199,- from some brand.

[@mimaesthetic2517]

moskitostich ted baker, that brand makes me laugh so much, when I first encountered the brand and it's prices, I was enamored and expected the materials were as awesome as the clothes looked, especially at those prices... Everything I've checked from them is 100% synthetic

[@Martina_E]

This year I'm working on creating a more sustainable vintage classic inspired feminine wardrobe that is sustainable. I'm doing research and using your channel as a tool to do so. I HATE polyester with a psssion and I always check the tags on my clothing. Thanks for this video . :-)

[@Vanessa4x1]

You look so pretty with your short hair ! And ,yes I always check the tags , especially because petroleum based clothing make me sweat too much , and I don't like that 😜 Also I do a lot of secondhand shopping

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you! 😊

[@brookes-c2921]

Thank you for this video, I love how you always share important information in a such a positive and empowering way! Approx. 90% of my wardrobe is thrifted and made of natural fibers and materials. I read the tags because I want to ultimately own less items - high quality pieces that last.

[@meowerz113]

I like to check the fabric details because I have such sensitive skin and there's nothing worse than buying a shirt that's too scratchy to wear. I didn't realize the environmental impacts that some materials have though. I will definitely be sure to be more conscious of this. Thanks for making this video! I absolutely loved it :)

[@kimberlynewsom9876]

I don't check the tags regularly, I typically forget but I am going to try to be more mindful about it. I do shop second hand a lot more now than I used to. I buy much less than I used to, and I always donate my clothes when I am ready to get rid of things. I am definitely on the road to slow fashion and more sustainable choices, but I still have a lot more work to do. Thank you for this video.

[@poike88]

So refreshing to watch a video without ads 🙌

[@Diniecita]

Polyester makes me itch so I always check tags!! Also, I would love to see some videos about plus size sustainable brands. A lot of brands seem like they are only for skinny or tiny people. Thanks. I’m actually in between the “regular” and plus sizes so its really hard for me to find clothes often times. Especially jeans.

[@leeah8419]

I've been checking the tags for a while now. It makes shopping a bit frustrating...seeing polyester in everything, even higher end brands use it a lot, but I'm all the more happy when I find something made of a more sustainable material. All in all I shop less/buy less. I am happy to have reached the point when I know that I don't need a lot of clothes to be fashionable and happy with what I have

[@pjalexandra]

Always check tags. Partly because i'm not a fan of petroleum based synthetics, and prefer natural fibres, but also to make my own determination on care instructions. I find so many companies these days default to saying 'dry clean only', but then you look at the tag and it's cotton or silk or wool, all of which can be hand washed for the most part if you know how.

[@juliebigras9925]

I love linen, bamboo and hemp

[@rad_apples_bad_apples6446]

I almost never check the tags because I buy exclusively secondhand, but recently I learned about micro fibers. Now I’m starting to check tags and get natural fibers. I’m also in a better place financially, so I’m going to look into higher quality, ethical, and sustainable clothing in the future. Your blog and channel are an amazing resource, and I appreciate all this work you do. Have you watched “The True Cost?” It was an eye opening documentary for me.

[@JennDyer]

I haven't always checked the tags, but I'd say in the past 2-3 years I have been faithfully. I find it most useful when I'm buying second-hand because I'm not necessarily shopping a brand I know is sustainable. Although I don't feel bad about using an unsustainable fiber if it's second hand, I do know it may not hold up as well (such as rayon) or it may take more care to take care of (such as a guppy bag while washing). I've been able to find a lot of 100% natural fiber garments second hand that I love and will wear for years to come.

[@indira06]

I definitely check the tags on clothing I plan to purchase. Great video!

[@lelexoxo303]

I love your hair, you look fierce! I used to have an undercut on the sides and back of my head, I still think back to it fondly. Personally, I've found that wearing polyester clothing makes odour problems so much worse. I just feel sweaty and uncomfortable in it.

[@IWillSayItLouder]

I started switching over to a more sustainable/ secondhand wardrobe early last year after watching your videos! Committed to a zero waste lifestyle and haven’t looked back :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

That's so amazing!! 💚

[@helloelin]

Great video! I only shop second hand and since a while back I always check the tags. It’s become a kind of sport to feel the garment and guess what fabric it is 😊

[@elle.blanchard]

Even though I now almost exclusively shop secondhand (except for socks, underwear and I recently bought a pair of workout leggings), i still look at the tags. But this is mainly for my own comfort. I easily get really hot in synthetic fibers, so I stick to natural fibers, including rayon.

[@Lisamol11]

What a great, useful, and succinct video on this subject! The tencel reminder was super helpful! I have always looked at tags but its only over the last year (after following you and getting into sustainable fashion) that I knew to check them with fabric impact in mind. Now I definitely think about that.

[@evabergmann7982]

Thank you for these informations. My favourite fiber is Tencel. I love how it feels on my body, it feels like getting a hug all day :) and yes, I always check tags.

[@danielladipol4229]

I always check. I get really excited when I see silk, cashmere or marino wool in the content. I am so picky about my sweaters. I will not purchase a poly or acrylic sweater, no matter the price or style. I really am looking for quality and for endurance. I think our purchases should last. Fast fashion is really awful. I would like to learn to make my own clothes to my unique measurements out of exactly the quality material of my choosing. LIFE GOALS.

[@ADea-hp3uz]

I love shopping, to be honest for year I didn't look at the tag as long as I liked it and cheap. But, I have become more aware of the story behind fashion industry. I no longer buy clothes at fast fashion stores and only buy second hand or at sustainable brands. Since I shop online I always read the material list 🤗

[@simpleMarian]

I always look for the tags and feel the fabric👍🏻😊

[@akemikurokawa]

Thank you for the informative video! I always learn something from you and I appreciate your time x

[@StarspangledHeart]

I tend to shop by feel first and only if it passes that test do I double check the tag. I can usually tell if something is made from polyester or a cheap blend that will pill the first time you wash it just by feeling the fabric. Ick! I love linen and cotton and am always on the look out for pieces made from them but a lot of times I end up buying fabric and making my own pieces.

[@JC-vz9hz]

Yes I have started checking in past 6 months.

[@saraborgestavares2299]

I actually always check the tags to know at least where and which materials it is made of😁 great video 😘😘

[@MyGreenCloset]

🙌

[@carolinap.3065]

I'm new to your channel and I LOVE your videos!! Great content!!

[@alishapotts6423]

I check tags and thought I was the only one! I could almost feel the questioning glances from other secondhand shoppers 😄

[@Luciana927]

This information is so helpful! I thought some viscose was fine. Now I know better. Thanks!

[@yolyramirez5507]

I love your content, thanks for sharing such valuable information.

[@lestranged]

90% of the time I can tell what the fiber content is just by touching it, but occasionally if I am not sure then I check the tag. I have sewed since I was 12 and I have worked in multiple fabric stores, so I can usually tell by touch. Synthetics have advanced to often LOOK like natural fibers but I think it's harder to fool the skin than to fool the eye. It is getting harder and harder to find 100% cotton anymore. Almost all jeans have some spandex now (for one example). Denim used to be 100% cotton.

[@HippieNikkiTheTopeteTribe]

Make it feel right campaign?! Cool! Never heard of it!

[@eannicole205]

I always check tags, but learned a lot from you video, thanks

[@destiny-kn1iz]

Thank you for being so informative!

[@englishclass1134]

Always check the label but so hard to get natural materials! I wish more brands used Tencel. Please do more videos including sustainable brands, it's so helpful :)

[@IllyanaVlogging]

oooo!!! I just finished talking about plastic clothing vs natural fibers in a video!!! I'm trying to put more natural fiber items in my closet.

[@lauraelisee]

I always check the tags for animal products eg silk, wool but want to buy less synthetic items!

[@saras6588]

I check tags, but sadly there are very few options that don't include oil-based synthetic fibers. I wish the #MakeItFeelRight campaign included resources for helping people find local vendors who sell sustainable clothing. I know why I need to buy greener clothes, but don't know where I can buy them, especially in the US (most of the partners listed on their website are European shops).

[@MyGreenCloset]

Have you checked my brand directory? mygreencloset.com/directory/ I have lots of US brands included :)

[@bananapuffin8940]

I check but don’t always know what I’m looking for so thanks

[@orlamartin7564]

Great video, thanks for such great info.!

[@mariamb3241]

Also, Rayon is often made with the chemical carbon disulphide which is extremely toxic to the people handling it :( I was so sad when I found out.

[@blub313]

I have looked at the tags over the last 5 years or so. Something my mom always did, and her mom and her mom. I have been avoiding polyester for a while now. Simply because it's non-breathable and therefore after 1 hour wearing polyester, I start to detect a smell because my body transpires a lot in this unpleasant fabric. Although it easy because you don't have to iron it, I prefer viscose. Same moveability, doesn't require ironing perse and way more breathable. I keep enjoying your educational videos. Oh! Maybe you could do a video on low maintenance fabrics... which ones are easy to wash without risk of shrinkage, barely need ironing, resistant to decoloring. Or how to recognize good and bad quality cotton (transparent, less transparent)...

[@MyGreenCloset]

I have an older video about the pros and cons of different fabrics which talks a bit about maintenance kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4LQhaF-g8drqNE and also an older video about how to tell good quality clothing kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZu6moh_bLKXmLM I hope those are helpful!

[@delmicortave]

This is all new to me, to tell the true I never look for the materials of the clothes, but I will start looking that. I have a question what about jeans?

[@MyGreenCloset]

Try to look for denim made from organic or recycled cotton 🙂

[@delmicortave]

Thank you

[@faeriesmak]

Thanks for all of this information!

[@jaekuballeis2843]

I have to check tags, I’m allergic to almost anything that isn’t 100% cotton. I can get away with silk sometimes, but it is quite expensive, and I prefer cotton

[@beebeemcv]

Great video 😁 I do always check the tags- also to see if it's dry clean only! I have a guppyfriend bag and collect the microplastics from washing but I'm not sure how to dispose of them. Do you have any ideas or know where I can find some more information? Thank you!

[@MyGreenCloset]

It depends on how your garbage is disposed of, but generally you'll want to collect them in a little closed container (that would be thrown away anyway) that you then dispose of. This is so the little fibres won't accidentally come out and blow or wash away. I've also stuck them to used sticky tape bits from packaging that was getting thrown away - it's just good to not have them loose in the garbage.

[@beebeemcv]

@@MyGreenCloset that's great advice thank you!

[@impressionsbygelay8617]

Every time I go thrifting, checking the tags has been a habit for me. I'm critical of what fabrics are used and where its made.

[@wanessa4366]

Always check the tags ✌✌✌

[@jinxingxuelang]

Great video 💛 Although I'm missing hemp fabric in it, I know it's not very widespread but it's also a great option when it comes to clothing (especially because it requires no pesticides as opposed to hemp and needs less are to produce the same amount of fiber) Maybe an idea for a future video? Lots of love

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thanks Katerina! I actually already have quite a few videos talking about hemp 🙂

[@jinxingxuelang]

@@MyGreenCloset ohh my bad, haven't checked. Will watch them for sure ☺️

[@zorzalentrerriano]

Comenzaré ahora a mirar las etiquetas. Me encanta el contenido de este video y que puedas seguir publican do! (soy la que te escucha en inglés pero me da pereza escribir en.. ) ja.

[@silkestadler2647]

Hey there! What about shopping second hand polyester/blended fabrics? Isn't that actually better than buying recycled fabrics (reuse before recycle)? You mentioned second hand just once as one bullet point in the end of your video. So I feel, it fell a little short as an option for buying clothes - even if they are made from a "bad" fabric (better to reuse those than if they land in the landfill right?). In general you used to do a lot more videos about second hand shopping - I would love to see the subject return :-) Or isn't that compatible with sponsors? (no critique, just a question).

[@MyGreenCloset]

I love secondhand shopping and have talked about it a lot, like you said in many videos. I'm not sure there is anything to really add that I haven't already said? It often just feels like I'm repeating myself but maybe it's still helpful.🤷 You're definitely right that secondhand is a great option but I still try to avoid synthetics secondhand because of the microfibre pollution (and comfort!). I do have a guppyfriend bag to wash synthetics in but I'll still try to look for natural fibres at the thrift store where possible.

[@amyx231]

Every time you recycle something, whether it’s cotton clothing or a sheet of paper, the fibers get shorter and less strong/useful. Recycled cotton t-shirts might pill easily or have holes from breaking threads. Reuse is better than recycle. A larger shirt can be cut down into a kid’s shirt or skirt; etc.

[@MyGreenCloset]

This is why reycled fibres typically have to be blended with some virgin fibres - I have more videos about this and talking about the process! Of course reuse is better, but it's not always possible so then recycling is a much better option then trashing clothes.

[@HippieNikkiTheTopeteTribe]

Closed loop 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@twotwo-00]

Erin, I'm really curious what you think about H&M clothing recycling program. In an old video, you mentioned that a last option if your clothes can't be repurposed/donated is to find textile recycling places in your area. I've called my local Goodwill and other thrift stores in the area, but none of them recycle, or really had no idea what I was talking about, and don't want torn items that can't be worn. Is it a good idea to take them to H&M. I don't support their labor practices, but this recycling program sounds like it has some merit.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Try contacting any local recycling facilities (places that take things you can't just put in regular recycling) and ask if they do textile recycling or know somewhere that does, or if your city has a department responsible for recycling you can try contacting them too. Personally I would only use any fast fashion in-store recycling programs as a last option.

[@mootmovies6372]

The brand Marine Layer has a clothing recycling program right now. Not sure how sustainable their process is, and they do use packaging and shipping for it. But it may be worth checking out.

[@twotwo-00]

@@mootmovies6372 Thanks so much for the response! It looks like they're only taking tees, but it's a great start. I appreciate the suggestion

[@CF.]

You look amazing without hair. ❤️

[@jessicabowen2124]

Love ur videos

[@mkp08706]

I ALWAYS check my tags not necessarily for sustainability sadly :( but for Rayon. Rayon shrinks and is not worth the money. I won’t buy a garmet that is over 60% rayon, it wont last and is not worth for me. I keep my clothes for years so checking the tags is super important. Linen is my favorite fabric :)

[@kaidawisteria]

I always check the tags because I hateeeeee wearing polyester. Worst material to wear in a hot climate, ugh.

[@janr24]

Hate polyester will look out for tencel from now on!

[@jessicabowen2124]

Please do vlog

[@z0ara1]

Sadly, in my country there are so many cheap clothes that are sold without any tags. I have to go to a mall if I want to shop and see tags on clothes. Even there, it's so hard to find sustainable fabrics. While those cheap clothes without tags are everywhere. Not to mention online shops that buys clothing from Korea, Japan or even America. Sigh. We're so consumptive with no conciousness, I don't even know how to begin with...

[@amyx231]

As long as I wear my clothes until the end of their life cycle and mend and upcycle when I can, it’s all good. Better than buying organic cotton and wearing it once then tossing it. Even the worst petroleum-based, rain forest-killing, water-contaminating fabric is more environmentally friendly when worn until it is past presentable, then recycled into rags or upcycled into another garment. It’s all context. I do prefer cotton, but short staple cheap cotton isn’t exactly a prize - too much pilling and too many holes too fast. I had a pleather jacket that lasted me 3 or 4 years. I wore that thing maybe 1/3 of the year almost every day. Until I had to chuck it because the right shoulder ripped and the elbows were rubbed raw. I have a nice cotton military-inspired jacket. I’ve worn it maybe twice. Which one is more worthy? I have a rather thin (but opaque) polyester tunic/dress that I wore more than once a week during the summer. When I went on vacation two years ago, I wore it almost every day - easy to hand wash in the sink and dries overnight. I kept wearing it almost daily until I accidentally threw it into the hot water wash. I am now planning to make it into a skirt because the hem is still good, just the armholes and neck holes are too tight. Surely no one can argue it didn’t serve its purpose admirably?

[@MyGreenCloset]

Keeping your clothes for as long as possible is a wonderful way to help reduce their impact!

[@nicoleartale2219]

😱------Firstly I am from 🇦🇺where is it stinking hot and humid for around 5 months of the year! I only ever buy/wear 100% cotton, 100% linen or cotton/linen blend, I find wool irritates me and we don't seem to have much pure silk for sale in garment styles I would wear. I do buy a cotton/elastine blend in jeans as I need the stretch for my middle age stretch ---------IF I can find this blend WITHOUT POLYESTER😡 Polyester seems to be in every garment for sale!!!! I believe it is added as women are gullible enough to pay for it and by that I mean, as women tend to be high consumers of mass produced fashion they don't look at the quality of a garment and will pay the same amount of money for something that is 100% polyester that they would pay for something that is 100% cotton, so as a clothing manufacturer why would they go to the expense of providing cotton or linen for example when they can make the garment from cheap polyester and women pay for it. If I go into a clothing store that caters for the whole family I will find a t-shirt for example made from 100% cotton in baby/kids wear and menswear BUT it will have polyester or viscose added in womenswear - I have actually seen a pair of denim jeans in girls wear, that looked identical to a pair in womenswear, that are cotton/elastine yet the pair in the womens section had polyester added?!#** I have written to the company and asked why and never got an adequate response, I have even rang them in sheer frustration and all they say is that they will pass my response onto the relevant staff (please note i never get aggressive with them...I understand it's not their fault😞). I also think that clothing in natural fibres look better than when man made fibres are added. Thanks for reading my rant - it seems no one ever understands. I will also add that I have a buzz cut too, I clipper it and bleach it myself, saves $ and me having to go to a salon 👋🏽

[@koko137591]

🖐🙃

[@instant_mint]

Omg it hadn't occurred to me that synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum, many of my clothes are made from synthetic materials... This may change what clothes I buy in the future.

[@MyGreenCloset]

I hope it does! Synthetics not only have a negative impact when they're made but they also don't biodegrade and shed plastic microfibres into our water systems. :(

[@instant_mint]

@@MyGreenCloset Where do I find all these good alternatives to synthetics and regular cotton? I've found some organic cotton pieces in a few stores, but haven't seen any wool or silk for example (except for the occasional find in the thrift store). Neither have I found any Fair Trade marked pieces. I often feel like I don't have much of a choice when I need a piece of clothing... I wonder what kind of stores have these good alternatives? Where do you buy your clothes?

[@MyGreenCloset]

@@instant_mint I buy a lot of clothes secondhand (it can take some hunting but there are treasures!) or from sustainable/ethical brands. I have a huge list of brands in my shopping directory mygreencloset.com/directory/

[@instant_mint]

@@MyGreenCloset okay, I'll check it out. Thank you 👍

[@bjbt0586]

Now that China has refused to take our trash, municipalities around the US are left scratching their heads how to deal with both recyclables and toxic materials. Its almost comical that the decades that we ship our recyclables to China left us with no way to recycle as those recycling centers are actually just collecting centers. And I really hate poly-cotton blends, they always pill. Love my linen-cotton blends, specially with Florida's 9 months of summer.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Some cities are actually burning recyclables since they have no way to deal with them ☹️

[@TheTripstraps]

i think she has way too many clothes for an environmentally conscious person. i mean the clothes on backround:). two of each max. two skirts, two tshirts, two jeans etc. not more. also stay away from dark colours. best is uncoloured

[@MyGreenCloset]

I have a capsule wardrobe which I've made tons of videos about... I'm very conscious of the amount of clothes I have and the amount I personally need.