Raise your hand if you’ve ever stared at your wardrobe and thought, "Why do I have so much stuff I don’t even wear?", When it comes to sustainability, most of us want to do better. But between the buzzwords and the guilt trips, it can feel overwhelming. Circular fashion? Minimalism? Versatility?
Let’s break it down and take a look at what’s really happening in the world of sustainable style, and highlight the brands making it easy (and stylish!) to get on board.
Disclaimer: This is not a paid promotion. All brands and programs mentioned here are based on our research and shared for educational purposes only. The goal is to provide you with options and insights so you can make informed decisions about sustainability and explore what works best for you.
CIRCULAR Fashion
Circular fashion, coined from RECYCLING, is about transforming what’s already out there into something new and fabulous. Recycling in fashion is like giving your clothes a second chance to shine, and it can be by turning them into fresh garments, repurposing fabrics, or even breaking them down into raw materials for new creations. Here are some brands doing just that:
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Patagonia: Famous for their “Worn Wear” program, Patagonia lets you trade in your old gear for store credit. They refurbish those pieces and resell them, giving clothes a second (or third!) chance at life.
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For Days: A zero-waste brand that offers a clothing swap membership. Send in your old clothes (any brand), and they’ll recycle them while you shop for fresh, sustainable pieces.
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Eileen Fisher Renew: This program takes back Eileen Fisher’s pre-loved pieces, repairs them, and resells them, proving that chic and sustainable can go hand-in-hand.
MINIMALISM: The Joy of Owning Less (But Better)
If your wardrobe feels more cluttered than curated, minimalist fashion might just be your new BFF. The idea is simple: invest in versatile, timeless pieces you can wear a million ways. Fewer clothes, more style. Besida is one of the brands making this easier (and prettier) than ever:
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Besida: Known for our gorgeous, African-inspired designs, Besida’s pieces are the definition of versatile. For example, you can style our fourmidable and wrap dresses for work, brunch, or even a wedding. Plus, every piece is thoughtfully made to stand the test of time.
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Everlane: A go-to for high-quality basics like tailored pants and classic shirts that never go out of style.
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Vetta Capsule: They specialize in capsule wardrobes, offering mini collections made out of sustainable fabric where each piece can be mixed and matched. It’s like having a personal stylist… in your closet.
Ready to Dive In?
If you’re curious about starting your own journey into circular fashion and minimalism, here are some resources to help you:
- Clothing Swap Apps: Try apps like Poshmark or Depop to give secondhand fashion a shot.
- Repair Tutorials: Check out YouTube for DIY tutorials on fixing or upcycling your old clothes.
- Capsule Wardrobe Planners: Google “capsule wardrobe templates” for ideas on building your own minimalist collection.
Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. You could be recycling your old clothes or investing in versatile staples, every step makes a difference. So, which brand will you check out first? Let us know, we’re here for the journey!