04 Jun 2022 | 4 mins

Showing off your character, personality and vibes can be fashionable, with less items than we think! You can be on the pulse and at the forefront of fashion trends, without sacrificing the planet. Sustainability might sound a little scary, but most of the time, it comes with little effort.

Sustainability is literally the act of being sustainable. We know that it’s not realistic to have access to thrift shops, the time to do your research, having your sizes available at all times, or to give up an arm and a leg to support a fully ethical wardrobe.

The truth is, you don’t have to be all in, cull half your wardrobe or give up the ‘fits you love either - that type of messaging generally drives people away from the common goal - to make our world a better place!

So in celebration of World Environment Day and Levi’s progress towards sustainability, we’ve put together our tips on how you can lessen your environmental footprint, without lowering your snazzy fashion game:

1. Build a capsule wardrobe

Think about the clothes you already own. Your favourite jeans, or maybe your basic tees that barely get a rest day in your clean clothes pile (aka your current fixation). Build around the clothes you love, and that doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing brand new - find some neutral basics that can be worn in different ways to mix and match, and invest in the necessities.

2. Wear the wardrobe you already have

If you’re someone that opens a full closet and says “I have nothing to wear”, this is your sign to look at fashion differently! It can be overwhelming to go through what you already own as opposed to the quick fix of buying something new, but trust me, it’s fulfilling giving your clothes a second wind. There could be an ‘un-sustainable’ tank top you’ve gotten fifty wears out of, and that’s a real decent effort. Plus, saving your $$$? Happy days!

3. Go for timeless style over seasonal fashion

There are trends that come and go, but ultimately, it’s called a fashion cycle for a reason.  Don’t lie, you’ve probably raided and ‘borrowed’ some gems from your rents’ wardrobe from time to time. Think of your clothing as an investment. Some of the best, unique and timeless pieces may cost a little more than you’d like to spend, but are fully worth it in the long run. 

We’re not saying save up copious amounts of money - but instead of buying ten $5 shirts that you would wear once, save up for one that you know you’ll wear for years to come! As a little example, Levi’s 501 jeans have had virtually the same design for nearly 150 years, and they’re still super in-style today.

4. Wash your clothes less

Over-washing, shrinkage, fabric softener and misshaping are the culprits to why you’re buying more often. Less washing means reducing your energy usage, as well as your energy and time to put on a load. Clothes that are close to the skin should be washed frequently, but other types are encouraged for multiple use - according to Levi’s, you can wash your jeans every 10 wears, or until they smell a little funky.

5. Learn how to repair your clothes, or find someone that can

You know all that sewing stuff in your mum’s cookie tin? Bust them out, because being sustainable can be as simple as re-stitching a pocket, or patching up a sweater. Just because something rips isn’t an excuse to buy something new! Give your clothes the second life they deserve - and if you don’t want to do it, we’re sure there’s someone that can give you a hand.

6. Choose sustainable fabrics

The most sustainable thing you can do is to wear what you have, but if you do buy, try to buy better. There are clothes with organic cotton that use less water and no toxic chemicals in the production stage, to alternative fibres such as hemp blends that are less harmful to our soil and environment.

It’s not just up to us, and with leading clothing brands like Levi’s on a mission to change the clothing industry and the impact they make, we know that positive change is in the works! Levi’s has been making some great changes to improve their manufacturing practices, and  reduce their environmental footprint - and they’ve put it all in a sustainability report. You can peep that over here if you’re looking for a quick read.

7. Don’t be too hard on yourself

Being ethically conscious with our purchasing habits and sustainability practices doesn't come overnight. Not everything in our wardrobe will be sustainable, but there’s no reason to turf outfits that have plenty of good times left in ‘em! Sustainable fashion looks different to different people, so remember to be kind to yourself next time you open up those wardrobe doors.

Get out there and style up your way!