If you’ve ever thought “sustainable fashion is too expensive for me” we’re here to say it’s probably not. You don’t have to rid your closet of every fast fashion item and invest thousands into a new collection of clothes made by small independent designers and makers. 

Here are 5 tips on how to make your closet more sustainable, while working for you.

1. Be an outfit repeater! Repeating outfits is cool, and more sustainable. When you’re out shopping and find something you want to get, ask yourself if you could wear it at at least 30 times. If the answer isn’t ‘heck yea’, then maybe it stays on the rack. Invest in clothing pieces that have longevity within your existing wardrobe and that you truly love. Forget staying on top of trends - they’re overrated, and your personal style has no expiration date!

1. Be more informed. Learn where and how your clothes are made. For example we use recycled materials, dead stock, and manufacture in the USA - those all have a low impact by comparison to many practices within the fashion industry.  Buying directly from the designers and makers often gives you the best understanding of how products are made, but many retail displays proudly highlight this information too through signage or tags. 

1. Properly care for your clothes. It sounds obvious, but it's so important. If you buy higher quality clothes they are likely to last longer, but they often have materials and washing recommendations that require a little extra attention. We’ve all put a cashmere sweater in the dryer...so learn a little about fabrics and what they do/don’t like. Clothing companies are legally required to label clothes with the fabric content and washing instructions, but reach out to them and ask if you’re unsure - we love when people do this with our stuff.  

1. Learn to Repair. Mending is trending, and for good reason. Mending and repairing your clothes not only keeps them in use longer, preventing waste and keeping money in your pocket, but also gives an item a fun story and aesthetic that no one else has. Repairing clothes makes them unique like you!

1. Quality (and peace of mind) over quantity . In 1930 the average American woman owned 9 outfits - today that number is 30, we average 22 unworn items in our closet, and we’re spending $1800 year on clothes. Which means those 30 outfits (1 for every day of the month) are costing way less than they should. Shopping with brands who make clothes ethically and sustainably, means you’ll probably be closer to the 9 outfit figured for $1800, BUT that $1800 went to people, locations and causes that you probably know a bit about. 

So yes, shopping sustainably isn’t cheap. But styling a sustainable wardrobe isn’t about spending more - it’s about changing the way you look at fashion. Here at Youer, you can count on beautiful clothes that use recycled materials, and are built to last in the U.S.A. by people who are paid well enough to care about all these things too. You won’t be able to buy 30 outfits for $1800, but you will get pieces that don’t go out of style, last for beyond 30 wears, and supported a local business eco system.