Six Simple Steps to Dressing More Sustainably

There’s never been a better time to make a change to a sustainable or ethical wardrobe – and there’s no shortage of passionate people keen to inspire us from eco-fashion brands and models to environmental activists and writers.

We’ve compiled six top tips to help you on your journey to a brighter – and wiser – fashion future.

1. Wear Every Item At Least 30 Times

Pick more versatile pieces that can be styled in different ways, rather than that one item you know is going to fall out of fashion in no time, and try to veer away from buying that statement piece you know you are only going to wear for one occasion and invest in something with more longevity.

2. Shop Second-Hand and Vintage

Every new item of clothing made comes with a substantial carbon footprint attached but the amount of new energy needed to produce vintage clothing is zero. There are so many amazing clothes to be discovered and if they don’t fit just right, The Zip Yard’s seamstresses can help.

3. Think All-Year-Round Value

Spend your hard-earned cash on pieces that will see you through more than one season. Jeans, T-shirts, classic dresses, timeless coats and jackets will make for a much more sustainable wardrobe.

4. Donate Unwanted Clothes

The Zip Yard is backing Love Your Clothes’ Donation Generation campaign, which is urging people to pledge to donate unwanted clothes to a good cause and keep them out of the landfill. Adopt a one-in, one-out policy – every time you buy something, donate something else in your wardrobe.

5. Look After Your Clothes So They Last Longer

If you look after items properly and you will have to replace things less often. From caring for your cashmere to washing jeans inside out, get into the habit of going the extra mile to ensure your clothes stay at their best for longer.

6. Don’t Throw Away Items in Need of Repair

When something rips or the waistband of your trousers or skirt is too tight/loose, don’t think of it as an excuse to buy something buy. Head to your nearest Zip Yard store and we’ll make your items look as good as new or fit perfectly again.