1. Swaps
I can't tell you how many items from my wardrobe originated in a friends one, but it's a LOT.
We have a clothes swap every season.
This how we do it. Everyone brings along at least 5 items, with no holes or damage. (In our group we usually find a whole lot more than 5 to bring). Side note - I've learnt that even when I think I won't have enough things to bring to swap, because I took so much to the last one, I always have plenty that I'm not actually wearing.
We take turns going through our pile of clothes, holding up each item & describing them..."This top is size 10 and originally from H&M" And those who are interested sing out.
If more than one person wants an item, they both try it on, and we have a catwalk & vote. Which sounds scary, but it usually looks like "Oh my goodness, that is definitely your colour", rather than looking like a cat fight.
If no-one wants it, it goes in the no pile. Which can be gone through for items for other people (people who aren't at the swap, it's quite common for us to go through the pile and grab some tiny items for daughters, etc). This pile is eventually taken to an op shop by the host.
2. Op shops
Buying second hand saves a lot of natural resources, reduces waste and minimises our impact on the environment
It also:
- Is cheaper than usual shopping.
- Is like treasure hunting, you can always find unique clothes, accessories, and furniture.
- Will help and support the community, a lot of second hand store work with charities.
- Can help you find your own style instead of following trends.
- Is a budget-friendly choice for parents, since kids outgrown their clothes so fast.
3. Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, Trademe
There are tonnes of 're-sellers' on instagram, people who have built feeds by finding second hand items and selling them on. Here are some examples:
Charting Eden, The Second Hand Huntress, Thrift Hunter NZ, The Overflowing Wardrobe, The Second Hand Club, In Love With Edie.
These people are your friends! They curate collections and sift through all the not-so-great clothes out there, to make second hand shopping quick and easy. A little too easy, make space in your wardrobe by hosting a swap before you start following these guys on social media. Haha.
4. Fix those broken things
I know, it's a bit boring. I like to chuck fixable items into a box, and then about once a month I go through the box and stitch up all the holes, re attach buttons, etc. It's actually really nice to have those items back, sometimes I've really missed an item. That might just be me, I do get a little overly attached to clothing.
So borrow your mates sewing machine, and ask them to teach you the basics. I promise you can do it.
Actually I'd rather just head to youtube, there are so many tutorials online.
5. Organise your wardrobe
I know this sounds silly, but honestly, it works for me. I have a system for my closet.
Everything is hanging on matching hangers, everything has a place. Categorised by item (pants, tops, jumpers, jackets, skirts, dresses), and within those categories organised into rainbow order, dark to light. The result is a very user-friendly space, easy to find what you need, to make outfits, and to see which items you don't actually wear, and can take to the next swap.
Maximise your closet's potential!
If you want more motivation/inspo, watch 'Get Organised, The Home Edit' on Netflix, but be careful, you may have urges to buy a million clear plastic boxes, and we don't want that. Use what you can find in your home already! Shoe boxes are a winner, I even use the lid of shoe boxes to great segments in my draws. Winning.
6. Send us your jacket
Weren't there meant to be 5 tips? Yeah, I just thought I'd be a bit cheeky and throw in that we'll paint on your clothes as a way to make your closet more amazing (& sustainable) too. Get in touch. Hahaha
On a serious note, I hope you are feeling encouraged, you can totally make some steps towards your wardrobe being more sustainable, and start not only looking good in your fab outfits, but really feeling good and knowing you're making a difference to the crazy fashion waste. Start by hosting a swap with your friends, setting a date on that will force the closet re-organise to happen too. Who doesn't love a little deadline to get things done.
Frankie