Summer is on the way, which means so is the sunshine! After months of wrapping every outfit in a big puffa jacket, we can finally show a little bit more expression. So the question is – what are you going to wear?!

In this Earthastic blog, we’ll be explaining how shopping sustainably can not only help the planet - by reducing waste, cutting emissions and avoiding exploitative labour practices, but also how it can help YOU to discover and express your personal style!


1. SUSTAINABLE FASHION CAN GIVE YOU A UNIQUE LOOK

Sustainable fashion is usually sourced secondhand, vintage or from small independent brands. Clothing from these sources does not typically follow trend cycles; the supply is just what is available at the time and particularly with second hand there are no duplications. This means that by shopping from sustainable sources, you're way more likely to find a unique piece that no one else will have.

Additionally, you have to search more specifically and have a vision in mind - there is less influential marketing telling you what is ‘cool’ to buy. The decision is up to you and therefore you reclaim the autonomy over your look!


2. IT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY!

Fast fashion has the appeal of affordability, but often the cost is visible in the quality. Secondhand apps and marketplaces have loads of sellers wanting to quickly clear out their wardrobes, so if you put some time in you can find steals for only a couple of euros per piece. If you have absolutely no money you can try asking friends to do clothes swaps - hand me downs are completely free!


3. HELPS YOU CONSIDER THINGS MORE AND CREATE 'WARDROBE LOVE'

We’ve all experienced the feeling of hating our wardrobes and feeling like we never have anything to wear. Shopping sustainably takes more time, which makes it harder to make rash decisions by purchasing something because it looks pretty in the picture or because it's on sale. A sustainable mindset also usually involves the intention to keep things for a long time. This careful consideration when shopping means you’ll be far less likely to wear something once and hate it after.


4. SEEING CLOTHES ON 'NORMAL' BODIES

Often fast fashion looks amazing online but when it arrives you realise either the quality is terrible or the model had 'just perfect proportions', and that the piece just doesn't look the same in real life. Secondhand clothing online usually involves a direct conversation with a seller. You can ask questions about the quality, ask for more pictures and see it modelled realistically.


So there you go folks! Fast fashion sites are stressful and overwhelming, constantly churning out new collections and fast trend cycles. When shopping sustainably, the options and places to find them are more limited, but like with a dietary requirement on a large menu - the restriction actually makes the decision easier. In this way, sustainable fashion can help you find your unique style; meaning it’s not only good for the PLANET but also good for YOU!