Start your Ethical Wardrobe Without Spending a Cent

[@MyGreenCloset]

What's the last thing you decided NOT to buy?

[@rockinstrawberries]

My Green Closet no more man made materials! (Eg polyester) this rule helps me a lot whenever I want to impulse buy :)

[@mathesonk10]

I work in a pretty trendy area of downtown Toronto- aka a TON of shopping that can entice you on your lunch break or after work! I'm going to a wedding next week and my first thought was "oh I'll go to the shops on my lunch break to see if there is a new dress"! I've just started watching your videos and it has already inspired me to stop, slow down and really consider my purchases. I recently did a huge purge of my closet and I significantly downsized (after watching your videos on capsule wardrobes)- it's made life SO much easier. I also found the perfect dress for next weekend in my closet and I'm hoping to accessorize it with a necklace I traded on BUNZ (our local trading group). Thanks for all your amazing advice!

[@TheBlacktressDiaries]

No longer thrifting clothing with unbreathable materials because it always ends up back in the thrift store in a year. Finally realizing that about myself!

[@MyGreenCloset]

That's so awesome you're happier with your downsized wardrobe and can wear a dress you already have for the wedding!! 💚😊

[@smyerskelley]

I’m not buying anything until I have a strong need in my wardrobe. Recently that meant not buying a beautiful vintage coat, because I already have a coat and it’s not even winter yet!

[@mtnlayde01]

I only buy clothes in Thrift stores. I absolutely will not shop retail. I’ve been doing this most of my life & I just turned 67 😍. It makes me happy to know the the younger generations are being more mindful about consumerism 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@van7708]

Gleda Myers You are awesome! 😎👍

[@smyerskelley]

I am so happy you addressed this! It seems like “ethical fashion” has become its own capitalist behemoth that is counter productive to the original goals of the movement.

[@the_tribalist]

Erin, your journey from studying fashion to advocating for sustainable, ethical, and minimal wardrobes is commendable! Your transition sparked by industry insights and a reassessment of values is truly inspiring. Your videos on slow fashion, capsule wardrobes, and conscious living are invaluable for inspiring mindful choices. Keep sharing your journey to encourage a more sustainable approach to fashion! 🌱👗 #SustainableFashion #ConsciousLiving

[@conscioushomestead]

This reminds me of how I am approaching buying leather. I am now vegan, but already owned leather couches and leather purses. I am using these things until they can no longer be used. I refuse to buy anything else leather for the rest of my life (not even second hand). I am now going to approach all of my clothes this way. I have a ton of fast fashion from before I learned about how bad it is all around. I will keep these pieces until they no longer work for me.

[@karlicash6123]

I'm not buying things that are almost perfect. Like a perfect fit but wrong color, something a little bit tight, or something I don't currently have the undergarments for. I have started putting the same amount of importance and thought into a $4 dollar dress I thrifted as I would a $150 dollar dress from a boutique. I want to honor each purchase with care and thoughtful objectivity.

[@MyGreenCloset]

💚 Love that so much!! 🙌

[@LaTrebbin]

I love the idea of sustainable fashion, and I totally agree that it starts with thinking more about using what what you already have. I have lost 25kg over the last few months and have had to remove a lot of clothes that are now too big for me from my wardrobe. There are some pieces that I really love though, so what I have done with those rather than get rid of them I have unpicked every seam, recut them and sewed them into a 'new' garment. That way I still have the fabric I love/sentimental attatchment to the piece and still have a whole new item in my wardrobe. So far I have done two pairs of pants and I'm now working on a top. Thanks for the inspiration :)

[@PumpkinMozie]

Yes!! Finally someone is addressing the most important step to a green wardrobe! I think a lot of brands are merely hopping onto this trend as a PR stunt (not all, but some). If someone really wants to green up their wardrobe, the best thing to do would be to just vow to get the most use out of what you already have! :)

[@raisingforhim3186]

I just got rid of all my polyester clothes because I hate the way they feel on my skin. I got rid of two bags (gave to my mom so she can wear if she wants, and she will share with my sister) but I only bought 5 things to replace all that with. I feel so free that I can go out and not feel like I need to buy things because my closet is complete and I know what I want.

[@nicoleisheretolearn]

Fab video that brings it back to the point of an ethical wardrobe-the habits/actions/intentions-when so many outlets focus a little too heavily on the labels and confuse people by swapping out one consumerist habit with another one which only addresses (one aspect of) ethical labour, not environmental sustainability. Your videos are endlessly helpful, Erin!

[@megan2176]

Love this! Last night I actually went through my "scrap" bags, old clothes that I may use someday for sewing crafts, or rags, etc. I found three white t-shirts with stains, but am now rethinking whether they're really scrap-worthy yet. I think I could tie-dye them! A great summer project, and three possible "new" shirts! :)

[@annesutherland8452]

I just recently started watching your videos, and decided to go cold turkey on fast fashion and similar consumerism. I used to not buy anything, and got all my clothing second hand from a thrift shop, or someone I knew. Once I became an adult with a job, I started thinking of buying clothing as something adults did because they had "made it" and could afford to. I still don't shop as much as the average person, but I'm very tempted by little items that are cute. Today I almost stopped to look at/possibly buy a little clutch purse I saw randomly. Luckily I caught myself and thought "this is the same as buying a fast fashion shirt!" and quickly turned around. It's amazing how much we can buy without thinking about it, because we're used to doing it without asking ourselves why.

[@Time2Begin]

Buying new fashion constantly really is a habit rather than a necessity. I have been downsizing my wardrobe step by step in the past year, and I have recently come to an actual capsule wardrobe by getting rid of the final pieces that I hated/didn't fit/didn't feel right etc. I now have about thirty items of clothing, and I still often find myself thinking when a week has gone by how little need I have of some pieces. It goes to show for me that with my current lifestyle, I need a VERY little amount of clothes.

[@ima7333]

Hi, the content of this video is what attracted me to your channel and subbing right away. The problem i have w/ clothes shopping these days is the fact that they fall apart after 2 washes. I used to export beach sarong and in my search of items to sell i found super cheap productions. Here in indonesia won’t be called sweat shop but rather cooperations. The business owners don’t have factories but rather subcontract out the sewing to his/her neighborhood stay at home moms as a means to earn extra income (the husband’s income being the main source of the household income). Those ‘productions’ ranges from 5k IDR (+/-US$0.25-$0.3) per 20 pcs to 15k IDR per 20 pcs. The choice of fabric is usually the determining quality from those so cheap w/ so little thread count to the more expensive ones. Even when i chose the best quality when i mark them up for export, the importers never haggle w/ me coz they found it cheap enough to make more money out of the end users. Having said all that, i also learned how to take care of my clothing no matter the price. I have in my wardrobe tshirts i bought w/ my 1st paycheck 25yrs ago unfaded, wearable and in great condition despite i bought it on sale for $5. I totally relate to what you’re saying and to be honest the reason i stop buying clothes when not needed is i’m running out of closet space to put them. Having a teenage son who grows faster then i can clothe make me prioritize his needs more. I streamlined his closet to just 8 pcs of clothes, his school uniforms aside. I understand that you don’t have kids of your own yet but can you please talk about how you would do it if/when you do have them? It’d give me perspective on how to streamline my son’s closet further until he stop growing that is. Thanks

[@ellietaylor6940]

This is so true. How I'm approaching it is slowly - I turned vegetarian a few months ago and am slowly losing a little excess weight as a result. So, as I donate things that no longer fit properly to my local charity shop, I've bought a few replacement items from the charity shop itself that while originating in fast fashion will still hold up well (linen trousers and a couple of cotton tops). Other items that are from eco/ethical fashion brands I've bought second hand on eBay since I'm in the UK and they don't often appear in charity shops here. As for things I decided not to buy, linen trousers was the most recent. I'd found some in the petite section of a high street store, but didn't get them. I later spotted some in my local charity shop - although I had to take them up (I'm only five foot two) they actually fitted my waist better anyway!

[@dashao3737]

I needed a jeans. After watching one of your videos, I went to our local second hand and found there suitable jeans for only 4 euros! My jeans from the store broke up very quickly, although they were expensive. I love my new ones! I bought a quality item in excellent condition, saved 60 euros. Purchased in second hand is interesting and you can find something special and good quality for a low price.And I know, I am doing a good thing for the planet. 🤗. Thanks for your story’s 💖

[@dianafromcanada516]

Thank you, I really enjoyed that video. What I usually do when I feel an impulse to buy is that I sleep on it. The next day, I can put things into perspective and make a wise decision. Another thing that I do is the "one more day without spending" philosophy. I find that at the end of the day I feel really empowered if I didn't give in to that impulse and to social pressure and to the system.

[@jasminush]

thank you, Erin, for contributing to my personal conscious way of consuming in terms of clothings and many other products! i often find myself not buying something that i may seem to like unless I'm sure I need it. Keep up the good work!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@C0R4M4]

Thank you very much for this video! I really needed it. I started many months ago with the buying diet you proposed and it went ok, but when I needed to start purchasing some items again this journey has become really hard and stressful. It's hard to explain, many people don't understand it and so it's hard to get help. There is the budget issue and the fact that it's hard to find second hand stores in my area, and buying through Internet second hand without trying on is risky. And on top of that I always found really hard to find my style which gets more complicated because I found ethical brands to have often (not always but very commonly) a similar and very specific style which I know I don't like. Aaaanyway I found your videos really helpful and supportive for those of us that are struggling in making our first baby steps towards a Greener closet, so, again, thanks!!!

[@daniellemiller7046]

Sharing this! Oh, and the last thing I decided not to buy was an over-sized linen-rayon dress from a consignment store. I didn't like it exactly the way it was so I thought I would alter it a bit. But then I remembered that I'm not the best seamstress, and the last several times I've bought items with alterations in mind, it didn't go as planned!

[@DuDerui]

Love this video. You articulated everything I would have loved to say, but better.

[@missmatti]

So true! We need to celebrate more that we have had things for a long time instead of being 'oh this old thing'. I love how Livia Firth is doing exactly that on her instagram. She shares about clothes both she have had for a very long time, making it into a positive thing. She also shares pictures of celebrities wearing things again - which is unusual to see at the moment.

[@cotus2]

there are many pieces that I didn't buy recently because I realized I like when my things tell some kind of a story. I have a very unique necklace that people often ask me about, and as there is a great story of how I got it I get to tell it whenever someone asks me about the necklace. I always hear how beautiful it is but moreover that they loved the story behind it! This made me realize that this is what I want my things to be and this is what I want them to do, so now instead of getting a winter sweater from a fast fashion or sustainable brand or a thrift store I much rather get it from back of my grandmother's closet or as a souvenir from my upcoming trip to Iceland! I feel like in general we all deserve better than mass produced "goods" (I hate this word, it implies a positive impact) with no soul, straight outta factory line. We need more unique, beautiful, handcrafted, special items in our lives! (I don't always follow this rule, I still wear normal socks not hand knitted ones from New Zealand 😂 but I hope everyone gets what I am trying to say here! 🤞)

[@Alexis-qo4hg]

My sister had been wanting this top for a while at a store near me, so I stopped in to get it for her. I did find a shirt that I was tempted to buy, but decided against it because it didn’t make me feel amazing in it and in reality I have plenty of shirts already.

[@kathleensiemion5108]

On buying fast fashion second hand, I don't think I would generally have a problem with that but I think that the item of clothing you are purchasing should be of good enough quality that it isn't going to fall apart after a few wears, in order not to contribute to overconsumption.

[@enyawild7713]

I absolutely can relate to this problem. Two years ago, I decided to buy ethnical. But don’t changing my whole closet felt like I could not start practicing. But you have to remember that this is the first ethnical and sustainable decision you make. Regards from Germany :)

[@mytantzica]

Hey there!!! So I was , until recently , a big fashion and co "clutterrer " . Then my salary was cut in half and all those things that I wanted to buy were not that "affordable" anymore. I was always looking to buy great quantities at great prices (good deals I thought), so with a smaller income all my envies were just frustrating, I could not buy that much anymore. Then I stopped for a little while and thought how it is all so wrong... I do not need buying all those things! I have enough clothes, makeup and even too much and here I am sad of not buying constantly... So I looked into mouvements like minimalism, ethical shopping, etc and I understood that buying is just what the industry wants us to do, and my income should not make me feel frustrated because I do not need all those things... and then I dug a bit into the sweatshop stories, child slavery, modern slavery of the fast-fashion... so now , when I get "urges" to buy cute cheap clothing I ask myself would it be ok to wear something made by people in danger/difficulties , not correctly payed for their work.... so i do not buy cute, cheap fast-fashion anymore, and I do not feel frustrated of earning less, because my consumption is less important as well..

[@CatherineValentineAuthorPoet]

I love the retro style dresses you can find rather cheaply online. but when I started watching your videos and becoming more aware of the ugly truth of fast fashion, I looked at these dresses a different way. I too felt guilt of the ones I bought, but decided to "start today" and allowed myself to enjoy my few dresses and didn't buy anymore.

[@tracymeserve5627]

So I have a question about this. I mostly buy things from thrift stores, but when I am in a thrift store I often fall trap to "Well it's only $5 so if I don't wear it a ton I'll just donate it back." I feel way less bad if I wear something from the thrift store twice then if I bought something at H&M and wore it twice. I think the problem is I can never predict what items of clothing I will end up wearing a ton. I often like things in the store and then after wearing them for a few hours realize they aren't comfortable. Or sometimes the item might not fit quite the same after I wash it. Or the item looked great in the store but doesn't seem to look quite right with the other clothes in my closet (and thrift stores don't have return policies). What do you think?

[@shally200]

I have a closet app (Glamoutfit) on my phone that has basically my entire wardrobe uploaded onto it. When shopping, I consider if I can build 5 outfits with any new item with my existing wardrobe. If I can't, then it's a no-go. As for fit/comfort, try wearing a camisole and leggings to the thrift store so you can always try things on over your clothing before purchasing. At the end of the day, if an item doesn't make you happy, it's better for it to go elsewhere where it'll be used than taking up space in your closet.

[@harukosuiren]

also, take note of the composition of the clothes you find uncomfortable: you might notice that certain types of fabric (for instance i have a hard time with polyester, especially in the top of my body. I have many friends who can't stand acrylic. and i know that a jean with too much stretch (too much elastane or other) will become too "saggy" on me by the end of the first day). Once you notice that, you can check the composition in the shop and immediately eliminate the clothes that you know will irritate you :) + if its written dry clean only, it will likely change shape if you machine wash it (i usually either hand wash them if its easy to, send them to the dry cleaner from time to time if it's too delicate but still worth it (i have a wool coat, classic practical and durable but it has to be dry cleaned. since I don't have to clean it regularly, i think it's still worth it) , or i'll just decide not to buy it if i can't imagine how i could fit it's cleaning in my lifestyle)

[@rosee2460]

very well said. thank you!

[@Michelle-bk5uq]

Thank you for this. I've become a much more concious consumer due largely from the info you share in your videos. If I am looking for something for my wardrobe I buy 2nd hand. Finding decent 2nd hand shoes, however is difficult. If I buy new I want them to be vegan and ethically made. That's a tall order so I'm still searching for a pair of basic, non-athletic sneakers and making due with what I own for now.

[@monarjcounselor9045]

I am having nearly quite an amount of jeans and when I get to know about sustainable fashion I dig in to our Indian brands and thought to buy 1 more but from sustainable company. But after watching ur video I stopped myself nd though I got my favorite pair already nd no need to give up my old one just to get one more.

[@catcreme]

Every time I move out of my dorm I'm baffled by how much stuff I have but do not need. Last time I bought something was two months ago, but it was a need not a want - I had to replace an old pair of sneakers. But I didn't throw them out, instead I wear them when I work in my garden.

[@poemcity]

It's awesome to know about how to build capsule wardrobe easily and ethically. Thank you for your sharing. 😀

[@mariajansson735]

Thank you so much for your work! You are making a change in this world by sharing these thoughts.

[@SMFortissimo]

There’s a store in my mall that gives a percentage of their proceeds to charity. I was really tempted to buy from them, but because I watch your videos I went online to try and see where their clothes were coming from. It doesn’t matter how much you give back if you didn’t get the item in an ethical way to begin with. I couldn’t find the info on their website. So I didn’t buy. Simple as that. I might buy from them in the future if they share more about the origin of their clothes. They are really cute.

[@amybondeson8836]

This post really had me thinking. I have a medium to large sized wardrobe (well it's not minimal). I have paired down my clothing to what I really love and what fits me. A lot of what is left was bought mindfully second hand (mostly on Poshmark or through Facebook). I was listening to another podcast on the 333 method of capsule wardrobes and I kind of had an epiphany. Is it really sustainable or healthy to put away and not wear your clothes/accessories in such a rigid manor and to get rid of so many things just for the sake of minimalism? It got me thinking that to use what I have, care for it gently and enjoy the pieces I love (even it's a lot more than 33) makes more sense to me. I started a very loose system of monthly "capsules" where I took all my summer clothes (way more than a New Englander "should" probably own) and each month I rotate my dresses, skirts and tops. This way each piece gets worn multiple times that month, enjoyed and at the end of the season, I think I'll have an even better idea of what I actually love and what was just "ok". I feel best when I use and enjoy the purchases I make (whether it be clothes, beauty, jewelry) than to squirrel away all but 33 items and for what? They are already here....so enjoy what you have and take good care of it.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Different methods work for different people. It's awesome that you've found a wardrobe that works well for you! Personally I really like the aspect of putting away out-of-season clothes. I like that my wardrobe is very clean and minimal, but the best part for me is changing over to a new season and getting excited to wear clothes that I've owned for years and years - they feel "new" again and I enjoy putting together the capsule.

[@amybondeson8836]

I always have put away my out of season clothes but this is the first year I didn't put out all my summer clothes at one time. I can do that...but made my closet so cluttered and things that I liked were getting "missed" in the plethora of choices. So my closet is now only 1/2 full and I rotate my more trendy pieces monthly (printed dresses/skirts/tops) and leave in my few basics (black pants, cardigans, etc) that match those items. This monthly rotation has helped me stop shopping so much and I get to wear the clothes I really do love. My plan at the end of the summer is to really assess the items I wore and pare down even more. This can be an alternative system for those of us who tend to get bored very easily and want to have more choices within a season but want to declutter their closets and make it easier to get ready in the morning.

[@cotus2]

In defense of fast fashion (I can't believe I'm saying that, it sounds bad 😅) I have some pieces that I bought years ago and they stood the test of time really well, so what I tend to do now is I look for the brands that I love second hand. For instance I bought locally made bralette that is basically falling apart after only 1 year and I need to replace so I'll just find one from my favorite " fast fashion" brand second hand. Hopefully it will stay with me for years like others did and I prefer that over constantly researching and rebuying new "sustainable" brands and products (I know it's basically what you've said in both of your videos but I just felt like stressing it with my own words 😂)

[@kajajoanna]

I feel this video is very much for me. Thank you 😊

[@sosaalejandrad]

Thank you for always give me inspiration :)

[@wuwusela0191]

This is the second time I thought you have cut your hair to a short pixie style w bangs. It would suit you!

[@MyGreenCloset]

I used to have a pixie cut! I'm actually planning on shaving my head sometime this year. 😳

[@TheEmzies]

I was going to buy a new handbag today. Then I decided that while the broken zip on my current bag is unrepairable, the rest is perfectly fine. The bag I was going to buy wasn't even my style. My current bag is over 3 years old but it will be hard to replace as it's perfect for me and I've yet to see anything as gòd.

[@annarehbinder7540]

Depending on how things look on the zipper , there are universal zipper replacements which replace the moving part of the zipper without having to remove the zipper itself if that part has broken ( can find them in most any sewing boutique) other ideas are making a flap in a contrasting color fold it over and make for example a tie thing to close it basically it all depends on the look of it ! All the best

[@TheEmzies]

Anna Rehbinder it's more the fabric next to the zip has frayed so I can't restitch the zip to anything.

[@annarehbinder7540]

TheEmzies oh darn!

[@heatherbowser3635]

Any tips how to shop ethical and sustainable for a large family?

[@katherineslaven2444]

Heather Bowser second hand! Kids clothing, especially.

[@angelas9721]

I think for kids its quite easy to find secondhand clothes and toys. Kids grow so fast, so mostly the things you get second hand for kids are in a perfect condition, because chances are, that the child using it before didnt get much wear out of it either. Also you can try to buy neutral clothing for kids, so that both, boys and girls, can wear them. As for yourself - you probably dont grow out of your clothes anymore, so try to stay with the pieces you already have and use them. In case of special events try to borrow from friends or family members. I feel like kids toys can build up waste so easily, so try to avoid those little plastic toys, that are interesting for 2 days and then end up in a drawer and will never be looked at again. Those things you get with a happy meal. And try to avoid situation that may tempt your kids to want them - that can definitely be difficult, but every little toy not bought is a good step :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

I agree, secondhand is super sustainable and affordable! Clothing swaps are also a great way to get new-to-you clothes both for adults and I've also seen people organise kid's clothing swaps so you can bring clothes they've grown out of and swap them for ones that fit, might be worth seeing if there are any happening in your community/city.

[@michelletulumello661]

I was going to buy new pajamas but then I decided old sweatpants are just fine.

[@anneworks]

I didn’t replace my black skinny jeans.

[@ronjas]

Ive never found ethical clothing brand where I like the style its always oversized baggy style and boring patterns/colours not sexy at all so I only buy second hand (when I need clothes that is). My only issue is underwear :( I wanna buy it new but ethical underwear is extremely boring unsexy and sooooo expensive like I need more than one pair of panties and I want lace and cute bows not boring boy cotton pants 😭😭😭

[@MyGreenCloset]

There's so many amazing ethical brands, it's not just one style! For lacy lingerie for example a few to check out are Sokoloff (www.sokolofflingerie.com/collections/bras), Luva Huva (luvahuva.co.uk/), Naja (www.naja.co/), Only Hearts (www.onlyhearts.com/), or Uye Surana (www.uyesurana.com/) and those are just the ones I remember having lace pieces, I'm sure there are many more! :)

[@ideoformsun5806]

It helps to stop watching commercials. I pay for You Tube Red to get the privilege of not having to watch any advertising. Creators still get paid. And I subscribe to Netflix, and Hulu, buy used DVDs, and avoid getting catalogs and magazines. I am on the No Call list and No Mail list for my area, so I don't get any solicitations. Anything I still get, I look for the phone number or web address I can use to unsubscribe. This saves a lot of trees. I report any calls that won't stop to the authorities. Advertising has come a long way in knowing how to seduce you into buying more things than you actually need. This artificially inflates our economy, creating a bubble, which eventually crashes. It's bad for our country to rely on artificial consumerism to prop it up. We should be producing everything we need, and not things we don't. Buy things made locally, by your neighbors and community, if you can. Learn to sew and repair your clothing if you can. Buy clothes that can be repaired. I like to watch Christine McConnell, who makes her own clothing. I know it's not trendy, but I'm all for bringing back aprons, and handkerchiefs, and cloth napkins. I have these beautiful aprons in many styles, and hand embroidered handkerchiefs. I buy way less paper products, and my clothes last longer.