How to Be a Better Consumer

Who would like to buy a piece of clothing or shoes, love it, wear it at least 20 times a year, and save the planet at the same time?

 

As we move towards buying online, there is a scatter shot approach to our clothing needs.  We tend over buy, buy with emotion, buy at the wrong time and buy the wrong size.  The most environmentally aware person probably doesn’t think of the greenhouse gases from their clothing or shoes purchases.  But, textiles and clothing manufacturing is more impactful than the cars we drive, the houses we live in and the airplanes we fly in.

 

Here are a few ways to eliminate the madness and make more thoughtful apparel decisions:

 

1. Simplify!  You need some good quality items that can be worn at least 20 times a year.  You’ll tire of the vivid prints.  The special occasion dress is better rented, or better yet, borrowed.  If you have had this item for decades, it most likely is not only very worn out, but it may be terribly aging.  Nothing says aging than someone stuck in a style from 20 years ago, albeit clothing, makeup or hairstyle.
2. Three buckets:  keep, donate and trash.  Only keep if it is either usable or it has a special sentimental quality.
3. Eliminate all clothing and shoes that you haven’t used in one year.  If it is worn out, throw it in the garbage.  It will go there anyway, despite your thoughts of the poor peoples’ needs.  Seventy-five percent of Salvation Army’s donations are sent to a landfill.
4. Save only the good stuff. Work clothing in good, clean condition can go to organizations that cater to those in need, such as Wardrobe for Work.  Now that you’ve cleared out the excess, you can see what you need to make your clothing and shoes work for your lifestyle and your look.
5. How much do you need?  Depends on how often you want to launder the items.  Repeat and wear often – new to us now, but this way of life use to be how our parents lived.  Small closets had a couple of work outfits, a couple of casual outfits and one special occasion type outfit.  There isn’t a clear answer on this, only to keep simplifying.  It will shorten the amount of time you get ready in the morning and the time to pack on a trip.
6. Your tape measure is a tool to your fit satisfaction.  Know where you are (without judgement) and what brands and styles are best for your shape and your lifestyle.  You are not the problem.  The sizes are the most standard measurement that manufacturers have determined, and they aren’t perfect.  Some brands are close-fitting and some are generous. They are trying to satisfy their target customer.
7. Get help! Brands have size charts, or have customer service people to help with fitting.  They want you to love the fit.  Find out which brands work for YOU.  Go and try on the pants, shirts, jackets and shoes at a brick and mortar store, if available.
8. Document it! Keep your measurements handy for your significant other.  Also, brands and stores you like.  They want to satisfy you!  Help them.
9. What is a good fit?  The pants should fit comfortably without binding and without sagging or lines.  Tops shouldn’t pull, as well as not collapse.  Look for the lines.  Go to the shops with mirrors and preferably a tailor.  Have jackets shortened at the wrist, pants taken in or out.  Dresses hemmed to the best length for whatever your height is.  With bras, head to Title Nine or Nordstroms and have an experienced  salesperson measure you.
10. Buy the best quality you can afford. What is good quality?    Fabrics that can be worn for many times and not fall apart – is the short answer.  No pilling from wear. No shine from pressing.  Seams lay flat.  Leather stretches.  It works for you.  Close stitches.   A good pair of shoes that can be worn with multiple outfits, feel amazing and can be repaired are well worth the extra money.  A human being made your shoes or shirts with care and hopes you will love them.
11. Wash according to instructions, and remember, less is more.  Washing clothes doesn’t make them last longer.  The process of machine wash and tumble dry will increase the shrinkage and pilling and torqueing of the fabric.  Air dry all spandex and block all sweaters.  When at a smoky bar, air out your jackets.
12. Dry cleaners use harmful chemicals.  Use sparingly and when home, take off the plastic and let the air dissipate the toxic fumes.
13. When to buy?  After your closet renewal, after food and rest, and preferably in the late afternoon for shoes.  Mid-week to get the best deals.  Weekend selling will determine markdowns.  Pre-season sales are best timed with your closet renewal project.

 

Follow these simple tips and you’ll be on your way to a simpler life with thoughtful purchases.  The high quality online retailers will thank you and look forward to helping you buy smart.  Plus, the planet will thank you with not overloading it with useless textiles.  Nice job!