This guest post was written by Sukhi, from The Emperors Old Clothes

When people talk about fashion, they often wonder why those eco-friendly clothes come with such a hefty price tag. It can feel like you need to break the bank just to do your bit for the planet.

But here’s a thought – can sustainable fashion actually be wallet-friendly? Well, there’s good news on that front.

Thrifting and hunting for pre-loved treasures not only saves you money but is also kinder to our Earth. This blog will guide you through how you can strut in style without harming the planet or emptying your pockets.

Sustainable doesn’t have to mean expensive; let’s show you how! Ready to find out more?

Why sustainable clothing is often perceived as expensive

So, you’re probably thinking, “Why does being good to the planet have to hit my wallet so hard?” Well, making clothes that treat people and the earth nicely doesn’t come cheap, for a few reasons.

Use of high-quality, ethically sourced materials

Sustainable clothing brands like The Emperors Old Clothes put a lot of effort into finding materials that are good for the planet. They search high and low for fabrics that don’t harm the earth. This means using organic cotton, recycled plastics, or bamboo to make their clothes.

It’s all about being kind to nature while making something beautiful you can wear.

Fair wages for workers

As well as eco-friendly materials, there’s also something equally important to consider: fair wages for workers. Paying a decent wage is part of ethical fashion’s core. I’ve had the chance to chat with folks who make these clothes and trust me, their stories are eye-opening.

They shared how fair pay helps them live better lives. It’s simple – when workers get paid well, they can afford life’s necessities without working overtime every single day.

“Fair wages in fashion isn’t just good ethics; it’s good business.”

This approach ensures that everyone involved in making our clothes, from seamstress to delivery person, can enjoy a standard of living most of us take for granted. It’s cool to think that by choosing ethical brands, we’re also helping families across the globe.

Small scale production

Small scale production in sustainable fashion means making clothes in smaller amounts. It’s like cooking at home rather than for a whole restaurant. This way, brands pay more attention to each piece, ensuring everything is to the highest standards, from the fabric to how workers are treated.

Plus, it’s kinder to our planet because they make only what people will buy, cutting down on waste.

This approach can bump up prices a bit since making fewer items doesn’t always allow for big cost cuts that come with mass production. But here’s the twist – every purchase directly supports fair wages and better working conditions for the folks making your clothes.

It’s all about quality over quantity and treating everyone fairly along the way.

Limited availability

Sustainable fashion items are not always easy to find. This is because they come from small scale production runs. Big stores might not have them so you need to look a bit harder, maybe online or at special shops that care about the planet.

This makes these clothes special but also a bit rare.

Brands making eco-friendly clothes often choose quality over quantity. They make fewer pieces to avoid waste and harm to the earth. So, if you find a piece you love, it’s unique! But this means there might not be many like it out there.

Shopping for sustainable fashion can feel like a treasure hunt – exciting but tricky.

How sustainable fashion can also be affordable

Guess what? You can actually save money while doing good for the planet. Who knew, right? Check out how to make sustainable fashion fit your budget and feel great about it!

Support smaller, independent sustainable brands

So, you’re curious about keeping your wardrobe green without spending a heap of money? Good news! Turning your gaze towards smaller, independent sustainable brands could be the golden ticket. These hidden gems offer the perfect blend of affordability and eco-conscious fashion. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Here’s why supporting these under-the-radar champions of sustainability is a smart move:

• Personal Touch: Shopping with smaller brands often means you’re not just another order number. I once bought an amazing, eco-friendly tee from a small online store and received a handwritten thank-you note. Talk about feeling special!
• Unique Finds: Forget wearing the same shirt as everyone else at the party. Independent brands bring unique styles to the table – or to your wardrobe, in this case.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Since many small brands produce locally, they generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to their global counterparts. It’s kind of like choosing a farm-to-table meal over fast food.
• Quality Over Quantity: These businesses tend to focus on quality, creating pieces that last longer than just a season. I’ve got this durable backpack made from recycled materials that’s been my go-to for years now.
• Direct Support: Your money goes straight into the pockets of passionate creators who care about ethical fashion and sustainable practices—helping them continue their important work.
• Community Engagement: Many small brands are keen on building communities around their values; think workshops or clothing swaps which are both fun and enlightening.
• Transparency: Ever wondered who made your clothes? Small brands are usually more transparent about their supply chain, so you can wear your outfits with pride knowing exactly where they came from.

Now onto renting or buying second-hand clothing—it’s another fabulous way to keep things both chic and sustainable…

Rent or buy second-hand clothing

Renting or buying second-hand clothing is a fantastic way to enjoy sustainable fashion without breaking the bank. I’ve found some of my most cherished wardrobe pieces in second-hand shops. Here’s why it’s a smart choice, along with some personal insights:

• Saves Money: Second-hand items often cost a fraction of their original price. I snagged a designer dress once for less than half its tag value! It felt like winning a mini lottery.
• Reduces Waste: By giving clothes a second life, we’re cutting down on waste. There’s this vintage jacket in my closet that’s probably seen more adventures than I have… and it’s ready for more.
• Unique Finds: Ever wanted something no one else has? Thrift shops are treasure troves for unique garments. My favourite scarf, with its quirky print, always gets compliments.
• Supports Charities: Many thrift stores are run by charities, so your purchases help fund good causes. Shopping and helping others? That’s a win-win in my book.
• Eco-friendly: Buying used is greener since it requires no new resources to produce another piece of clothing. Plus, you’re preventing perfectly good items from ending up in landfills.
• Encourages Less Consumption: When you see how many great things already exist, you might think twice about needing the latest fast fashion fix. I know I do!
• Promotes Slow Fashion: This approach encourages choosing quality over quantity and valuing each item’s story and longevity.
• Community Connection: There’s something special about shopping locally and feeling connected to your community through clothes trading or charity shop finds.

So, next time you’re after something to freshen up your wardrobe, consider hitting up your local thrift store or rental service — you might just find your next favourite item while doing your bit for the planet and society!

Choose versatile, timeless pieces

Picking clothes that won’t go out of style is smart. Think about it: a classic jacket or a simple pair of jeans can last for years. This way, you don’t have to buy new stuff all the time.

Your wardrobe stays fresh and you save money – talk about a win-win! Plus, these pieces mix well with everything else you own. You create loads of outfits without needing more clothes.

Next up, let’s chat about how thinking over the real cost of fast fashion changes everything…

Consider the true cost of fast fashion

Fast fashion might look like a bargain at first glance, but the real cost shows up in other ways. Clothes that come cheap often don’t last long. I learned this the hard way after buying a trendy shirt for a steal, only to have it fall apart after just a few washes.

This meant I had to buy another, and then another – spending more money and creating waste each time. Plus, fast fashion’s impact isn’t just on our wallets or closets; it’s tough on the planet too.

Making clothes quickly and cheaply uses lots of resources and sends heaps of carbon into the air – not great for keeping Earth cool.

But here’s where things get interesting – choosing sustainable fashion can help fix these problems. By picking clothes made to last from eco-friendly materials, we’re kinder to our planet and sometimes even save money in the long run (no need to keep replacing worn-out gear).

Embrace a minimalist wardrobe

Opting for a minimalist wardrobe is like hitting two birds with one stone. You support eco-friendly fashion and save cash. The idea is simple: buy fewer clothes but make sure they’re versatile and last longer.

This way, your closet isn’t just stuffed with stuff you hardly wear. Think about it – choosing quality over quantity means less waste, which is good news for the planet.

This approach also shines a light on sustainable clothing practices. By focusing on what you truly need, you invest in better-made pieces that won’t fall apart after a few washes. It’s all about making smart choices – going for clothes that match well with everything else you own.

Such habits can lead to big savings over time while keeping your fashion game strong and sustainable.

Final thoughts

Shopping second-hand and supporting small brands make sustainable fashion more affordable. These steps are easy and can make a big difference for our planet. Choosing quality over quantity saves money in the long run.

Technology is also helping to lower costs, making green choices easier for everyone. So, let’s all give it a go – your wallet and the earth will thank you!