Sustainable style: Here`s how you can adopt eco-conscious fashion practices

Do you feel the urge to buy new clothes every time you are going on vacation or have an important event coming up? Have you ever been through the ‘I have nothing to wear’ phase despite having too many clothes? Are you an avid shopper?

Well, buying too many clothes often is not only leading to overconsumption but is also harming the environment.

The fast fashion industry is one of the leading contributors of waste on the planet. Additionally, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) the fashion and textile sector accounts for 2-8 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions and 9 per cent of microplastic pollution which reaches the oceans annually. The industry also consumes approximately 215 trillion litres of water, which is equivalent to 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools, according to UNEP.

Given its huge impact on the environment, the fashion sector has been experiencing a wave of switching to sustainable practices, although that is just the tip of the iceberg and there’s a long way to go. But sustainability shouldn’t just end with the production process. As consumers, there’s a lot we can do to reduce textile waste and work towards minimising fashion’s contribution in harming the planet.

Highlighting the importance of incorporating sustainable fashion practices on an individual level, Ankita Srivastava, a sustainable fashion consultant and founder of the sustainable fashion brand Little Things Studio, says, “I’ve learned that true sustainability doesn’t end at production, it continues in the hands of the wearer. No matter how thoughtfully we design, if a product is discarded too soon or consumed mindlessly, the cycle of waste continues.”

To embody sustainability at the consumer level, there needs to be a shift in mindset from treating clothes as disposable trends to appreciating them as long-term companions.

Ankita adds, “Compassion for the planet and people begins with us as consumers. In many countries, the trend of disposing garments has been like a second nature but we need to ask ourselves before any purchase: Will I wear this 30 times? Can I care for it, repair it, pass it on?”

Tips to build sustainable wardrobe

Sustainable fashion isn’t just about buying less clothes. Its scope extends far beyond that and only when people truly reflect on their relationship with fashion can they take steps towards meaningful change.

Akanksha Kaila Akashi, who is the founder of Refash, a platform for upcycled fashion, agrees. Recommending practical steps to be more sustainable in one’s approach towards fashion, she says, “Visit a local tailor — minor alterations or customisations can dramatically extend the life of your clothes and make them feel more personal. Additionally, adopt the ‘One in, one out’ rule to keep your wardrobe in active circulation. For every new item, donate one and swap another within your network. Joining or creating a hyperlocal swap circle can connect you with like-minded people while reducing your environmental footprint.”

Suggesting some fun ways and activities to be sustainably stylish, she says, “Learn a few simple repair tricks like sewing a button or fixing a hem; you’d be surprised how many clothes are discarded over the tiniest flaws. Re-dye faded items, crop old jeans, or add patches to worn out pieces to give them new life as a fun weekend activity. Host a style swap day with friends to restyle each other’s wardrobes without spending a rupee.”

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for eco-conscious fashion, and not everyone can bring drastic changes at one go. However, small steps can help one be more mindful about their purchases.

Besides rewearing, repairing and restyling what you already own, Ankita suggests the following ways to incorporate sustainability by shopping more mindfully:

1. Shop intentionally, not impulsively. Buy only what you love and will use often.

2. Learn to read labels. Choose natural or low-impact materials over synthetics like polyester. Ask your favourite brand for transparency of supply chain. Turn on your Sherlock mode to become more aware of their practices.

3. Support brands that are transparent about their materials, waste, labour and values.

How to upcycle clothes?

Upcycling and repurposing old clothes is one of the smartest ways to build a more eco-conscious wardrobe. It not only prevents textile waste but also helps create innovative pieces for your wardrobe and other purposes.

One can upcycle old clothes into creative outfits and accessories though cutting and stitching techniques (Representational Image/Pexels)

Upcycling might seem like a challenging task, but there are fun and creative ways to implement it, provided you know some basics like stitching. Confused about where to begin? Akanksha suggests the following ideas:

1. Instead of discarding stained clothes, turn them into plant-dyed pieces. Create home kits using turmeric, madder root, hibiscus, and coffee to cover stains and reimagine basics.

2. Cut bright, printed dupattas into long thin strips, double stitch them, and turn them into statement shoelaces. Pair them with neutral sneakers to add colour to everyday outfits.

3. Use outgrown children’s clothing to create colourful patchwork quilts or play mats.

4. Use leftover fabric scraps, shredded finely, as stuffing for handmade toys or cushions

5. Wrap books with printed shirt fabric for personalised, washable covers that protect old or damaged books.

6. Cut fabric strips from old t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters, and braid and sew them into durable, colourful rugs or mats.

One can also upcycle clothes into other apparel items like torn jeans into shorts, or a full-sleeved top into a tank top with some adjustments.

Creating a capsule wardrobe

Besides upcycling, another way to reduce overconsumption and be creative in your style with limited clothing pieces is to create a capsule wardrobe. It embodies a minimalist approach towards fashion wherein one can curate a collection of clothes and accessories that can be mixed and matched, and styled in multiple ways, to create different outfits.

It is not only an environmentally conscious approach but also reduces decision fatigue i.e., the difficulty in deciding on what to wear.

A capsule wardrobe has a few pieces that can be styled in different ways to create several looks (Representational Image/Pexels)

Ankita recommends the following tips to curate an interesting capsule wardrobe:

1. Define your lifestyle first. Choose pieces that suit how you live not just how you want to look.

2. Focus on versatile silhouettes and classic pieces that can be styled in multiple ways across seasons.

3. Stick to a cohesive colour palette that suits your personality and makes mixing and matching effortless.

4. Prioritise quality over quantity. Fewer, better-made garments last longer and feel better.

5. Include statement or artisan pieces that add individuality and connection.

“Make room for repeat-wearing. Repeating isn’t a fashion faux pas; it’s a sustainable superpower. A capsule wardrobe isn’t about owning less. It’s about owning with purpose,” she remarks.