How to Make Your Wardrobe More Sustainable Without Sacrificing Style
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New York Fashion Week may be over, but the buzz around the latest trends continues. While fashion lovers celebrate the newest styles, there’s a hidden cost to our obsession with clothing: textile waste is one of the fastest-growing categories of waste worldwide.
The Dark Side of Fashion
A study by Boston University found that Americans throw away nearly 34 billion pounds of clothing every year. Much of this waste comes from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which are not only petroleum-based but also treated with toxic dyes that pollute our water and harm wildlife.
But here’s the good news: small changes in the way you shop can make a big impact. Sustainable fashion isn’t just about the brands you support—it’s about being mindful of how you buy, care for, and dispose of your clothes. Ready to build a wardrobe that’s stylish and eco-friendly? Here’s where to start.
1. Ditch Fast Fashion and Shop Smarter
Fast fashion brands—like Zara, Shein, UNIQLO, Forever 21, and H&M—are built on a model of mass-producing trendy, inexpensive clothing in record time. Ultra-fast fashion brands like Shein and TEMU take it even further, churning out new designs in just a week. While these clothes may be affordable, they’re made to fall apart quickly, encouraging constant consumption and waste.
Instead, try:
Buying fewer, higher-quality pieces that last longer
Supporting brands that prioritize ethical production and sustainable materials (more on that later!)
Shopping second-hand at thrift stores or online platforms like ThredUp, Depop, or Poshmark
2. Repair & Upcycle Instead of Tossing
Before you throw away that torn shirt or outdated pair of jeans, consider giving them a second life!
Repair: If a piece has a rip or missing button, take it to a tailor or learn simple sewing techniques to fix it yourself.
Upcycle: Get creative—turn old jeans into a tote bag, an oversized t-shirt into a trendy crop top, or faded clothes into new statement pieces with tie-dye. YouTube and TikTok are full of DIY upcycling tutorials to inspire you!
3. Donate or Responsibly Dispose of Clothes
If you have clothes in good condition that no longer fit or suit your style, donate them instead of letting them end up in a landfill. Many local organizations and shelters accept clothing donations, including:
For Jersey City and Hoboken residents, check out local drop-off locations that accept used clothing. If your clothes are beyond repair, look for textile recycling programs instead of throwing them in the trash.
4. Support Sustainable & Ethical Brands
Smaller, sustainable brands use fewer resources and often produce less waste than big fashion corporations. But how can you tell if a brand is truly sustainable?
Check out resources like:
Ethical Brand Directory – Reviews fashion brands based on product durability, materials used, and sustainability efforts.
Good On You – Rates brands on their environmental impact and ethical standards.
Conscious Life & Style – Provides sustainable shopping guides.
5. Beware of Greenwashing
Some big-name brands have caught onto the eco-conscious movement—but not all of them are as sustainable as they claim to be. “Greenwashing” is when companies falsely market their products as environmentally friendly without real proof.
For example, H&M’s Eco-Conscious collection was marketed as a sustainable alternative, but investigations by Quartz found that these clothes contained more synthetic fibers than their regular lines—meaning they were no better for the environment.
How to spot greenwashing:
Look beyond vague labels like “eco-friendly” and “green.”
Check if brands disclose their materials, supply chain, and waste production.
Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX® (free from harmful chemicals) and GOTS (100% organic materials).
For in-depth investigations of clothing brands subscribe to the Ecocults newsletter.
Fashion That’s Kind to the Planet
Building a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it just means making smarter choices. Whether you’re shopping second-hand, supporting ethical brands, or getting creative with upcycling, every small step helps reduce waste and protect the environment.
By staying informed and making mindful purchases, you can stay trendy without harming the planet. Ready to make the switch? Start today, and let your fashion choices be a force for good.
Suhas Vittal is an event coordinator for SJC. He was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, and is a graduate of NJCU, where he received his undergraduate degree in public relations and marketing. He is passionate about educating and encouraging others to care about the environment and to make sustainable lifestyle choices. His volunteering efforts began as a teenager when he volunteered at Liberty State Park and Pershing Field. Currently, he volunteers with Rescue Treats, a bakery that raises funds for dog rescues in New Jersey by selling all-natural dog treats and using compostable packaging. He is also part of Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN), a youth-led organization dealing with NJ's environmental justice and policy issues.
