How to Sustainably Shop for Clothing

As we become more cognizant of the impact we have on the planet, we would be remiss to gloss over the great effect the fashion industry has on the earth. Fast fashion and the rapid turnover of inventory within the industry causes more harm than good to not only the land, but also to those who work to produce these goods. Luckily, there are a number of great resources and options to shop from that have a lower impact on the planet! Here are a few of my favorite small businesses and ways to shop ethically:

Consignment

Shopping for pre-loved clothing items is one of the easiest, accessible, and most cost friendly ways to shop more ethically. My personal favorite is Poshmark, an online marketplace where sellers can post their items for buyers to purchase. This is perhaps one of the best places not only for buying pre-loved items, but also for selling. Think of it as an Etsy but for your clothes!

Looking for an easier way to shop second-hand? ThredUp is the largest online consignment shop! They carry brands we all know and love at an amazing discounted price. 

Another great way to shop for pre-worn items is with your local thrift store. You will be pleasantly surprised with the gems you can find right in your town’s Goodwill. The prices at these local shops are unbeatable, and the best part is, if you’re feeling creative you can remix the clothing pieces. Large t-shirts can be made into chic cropped tops, pants can be cut into shorts, and so much more! Be sure to shop both the men’s and women’s sections to score some great finds.

Sustainable Small Businesses

Being a part of the small business community myself has opened my network to some pretty darn amazing makers. Many of these makers are committed to creating gorgeous, handmade clothing pieces that have a low impact on our planet. 

BackBeatCo- When California girl meets a touch of vintage. BackBeatCo has some amazing pieces, from casual tees to jumpsuits and dresses. All of their materials are ethically sourced, meaning their fabrics are either recycled or are sustainably farmed. 

Karen Kane- A clothing line committed to transparency and sustainability, Karen Kane is makes ethical decisions both at the corporate and production level. There’s something for every woman and style on their site!

3rd Season- Owned and operated by two amazing women whom I love: Alycia and Mabel. 3rd Season is a women’s line that is not only eco-conscious, but also is size inclusive. Their flowy fabrics and eccentric prints are truly one-of-a-kind. 

Noihsaf Bazaar- Kate Lindello began the infamous Noihsaf Bazaar, an Instagram platform created for makers to sell their clothing items rather than create a shop of their own. Noihsaf is in the business of “selling fashion backwards!” which I think is truly one of the best ways to shop with a lower-impact in mind.