Sustainable fashion is a hot topic right now, not as hot as the planet’s getting, but still pretty smoking. If you’re looking to live sustainably, but are not sure where to start, then making green fashion choices is an easy and fun avenue for you!
(My cousin wearing a completely re-worked wedding dress)
#1. Start looking at tags.
(A client in his all black bespoke ensemble, which will remain stylish and versatile for generations)
Awareness is of course the first and easiest step towards a sustainable future. If you enjoy traditional shopping, begin by interrogating the maker’s tag. Online shopping can require some clicking around to find the details you’re after.
Although synthetic fibers are great for the wallet, they’re terrible for the environment. They’re also less comfortable and durable, so ultimately not worth buying. You’ll also be interested to see where garments are made, and decide how much of your hard earned money you’re happy to donate to dictatorships. It’s not always possible to buy clothes from natural fabrics produced in your home country, that you can afford; but where possible cutting out synthetic fibers and long distance travel not only reduces fashion’s impact on the planet, but also supports the local economy to produce more of what you want in a more sustainable way.
Of course we should be doing detailed research on every brand we purchase. I’m talking camera surveillance, infiltration as a low-level employee and stalking the CEO. But in reality we have limited time to devote to such endeavors. So being selective about fiber content and country of origin is a good place to begin.
#2. Befriend an alterations tailor
(Antonio and I experimented on the limits of alterations, taking these trousers from a 42 to a 32!)
Maintaining the clothes you already have is the most sustainable thing you can do. General wear and tear, changing body shapes and changing styles, shouldn’t require us to waste clothes. I love helping my clients maintain their clothes through patching, size adjusting, and style alteration.
Suits in particular can last two or three generations if they are well made in a classic style. We also try to keep our alterations reversible, and often change one garment two or three times before it’s finally time to donate.
#3. Wash less
(Tiaan wearing a custom Green Tailor suit, which is just a regular black suit with some glam! Which was later removed so it’s back to a regular black suit, prolonging it’s use)
A great deal of a garment’s impact on the environment comes through washing. Not only the water usage, but the additional wear on our garments means they deteriorate faster. Of course you need to wash your clothes shmucks, but we can be smart about it.
Try to get two wears before washing (except for underwear and socks, just to be clear) and use organic detergent if possible. For suits you can wipe down the inside with a soapy cloth, then clean water (imitating a wash and rinse) in-between dry cleans.
In-between washes and dry cleans, you can turn clothes inside out and wipe them down with a soapy cloth, then wipe down again with just water. Repeat the process, with an extra water wipe down at the end. Turn them back the right way around and hang to dry in a well ventilated place
100% wool garments can be left to air out over night, and be fresh as daisies the next day. This can work for a few wears before needing washing, depending on the garment.
#4. Thrift
(Reynhard in vintage shoes and shirt, with Green Tailor trousers)
Second hand clothes have a bit of a bad reputation, and digging though racks of unfashionable clothes isn’t everyone’s idea of a great weekend. There are some awesome thrift options out there, and the online space is making it more accessible and less tragic.
The longer we can let garments live, the less waste we create to throw into the oceans. Having a great tailor will also make this option easier, as they’ll be able to adjust, mend and modernize your thrift finds.
#5. Avoid packaging
Generating paper and plastic waste for the sole purpose of transferring an item from one place to another once, is such a bizarre invention of out times. Though it’s not always possible to control packaging (especially when shopping online) we can certainly refuse those senseless tote bags at checkout.
Many brands and governments these days are embracing sustainability, largely due to consumer pressure. By supporting recycled packaging, and other sustainable options, we’re moving ourselves to a world we can still enjoy.
Consume Less, Choose Wisely, Make it Last
The Green Tailor (and my personal life) has long been inspired by Vivian Westwood’s mantra. The ecological crises may seem irredeemable, but by changing our consumption, we can each make a difference. I love hearing how other people implement sustainable practices in their lives. Let me know in the comment what your strategies are.
If you’d like to support our sustainable journey by contributing to an intern’s salary, head over to our Patreon Page, where you’ll find frequent updates and inspiration for sustainable living you can implement at home.
The Green Tailor 
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