Shopping More Sustainably: Choosing Classic Pieces For Your Wardrobe

With increasing environmental concerns across the board, many of us are trying to live more sustainably. From food to transport, we’re making more conscious choices — but what about when it comes to clothing? If you’re looking for a way to shop in a more sustainable way, looking at the clothing brands and garments you choose could make a big difference.

Sustainable shopping — why is it so important?

In the age of fast fashion, the demand for new clothes is greater than ever. And there’s certainly a dark side to this booming industry, as landfills overflow, cities pollute and garment workers fail to receive a fair wage. Did you know that the fashion industry contributes 10% of global carbon emissions each year? That’s a substantial proportion. 

The sustainable fashion movement attempts to combat this. It aims to produce clothing in a way that’s kinder to the planet and encourages shoppers to wear long-lasting garments, rather than falling into the fast fashion trap.

Choosing sustainable clothing brands

Sustainability has become a bit of a buzzword as more consumers begin to assess their shopping habits. False claims of eco-friendly practices have become so rife in marketing that there’s an official term for this misleading tactic: greenwashing. 

Rather than take brands’ claims at face value, it’s always best to look at their sustainability statements. Learn about their processes and see what they are doing to improve their processes and reduce their carbon footprint.

Creating a capsule wardrobe

Another way to be more conscious about your fashion choices is to purchase items you really love. Look for garments that you’ll want to wear for years to come instead of buying a new dress for every special occasion.

The key is to create a capsule wardrobe of pieces you’ll happily wear time and again.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of items you can mix and match. It can help you streamline your clothing cupboard. As a general rule of thumb, you want to keep the number of items in your capsule wardrobe to around 30-40 — including shoes and accessories.

Choose classic cuts and invest in your basics. These are the hero pieces that can be incorporated into a variety of looks, remaining versatile throughout the seasons. 

Become more in touch with what brings you joy to wear. Choose items that make you feel comfortable and confident, yet aren’t too similar to things you already own. This way, you’re a lot more likely to love them for years to come.

Why not spend some time finding the perfect essentials? For instance:

• An iconic pair of jeans you can dress up or down
• A designer jacket that will handle all weathers and stand the test of time
• Comfy trainers that fit like a dream
• A soft and breathable t-shirt — look for 100% cotton if you can
• A beautiful midi dress you can wear with sandals in summer or tights and boots in winter

Think about the items that mean most to you — whether that’s a smart shirt or snug joggers. 

The 30 wears rule

Have you heard of the 30 wears rule? It’s a very simple concept — if you won’t wear it 30 times, don’t buy it. If you’re unsure where to start, this could be a handy guideline.

Think about colours

Learning which colours suit you is another way to avoid going off clothes as quickly. Consider a colour analysis to help build your perfect sustainable wardrobe. Plus, whites, blacks and navies are everyone’s friends!

Consider fabric choices

When it comes to sustainable clothing, materials matter. Many brands, such as Napapijri, are now embracing recyclable fabrics. In fact, some of Napapijri’s lines are 100% recyclable. Other eco-conscious fabrics to look out for include 100% cotton. This, along with wool and some polyester items, is easier to recycle.

Sustainable designer brands at Robert Goddard

Home to many sustainable designer brands, Robert Goddard is the place to build your capsule wardrobe. 

We stock high-quality, premium clothing from well-loved brands, so you can shop for investment pieces you treasure season after season, while knowing it’s not costing the earth. You’ll find 100% organic cotton pieces from the likes of Tommy Hilfiger and Paul Smith; eco-friendly Napapijri coats; and Replay jeans made from recycled materials. And that’s just the start. 

Discover all that’s on offer from sustainable designer brands today.