Try taking a closer look at your shopping habits and how you care for your clothes. Think about how often you throw things out of your closet and what percentage of your entire wardrobe are your most frequently used items. The new year is the perfect time for change and resolutions . Maybe this year you'd like to do something for yourself and the planet and become a conscious consumer? My challenge for 2021 is to strive for the most sensible approach to fashion. For yourself and for the good of all of us (because the textile industry significantly pollutes the Earth through the use of chemicals in production that later end up in rivers and forests). This could be a challenge like Zosia's ( HERE link to the video ) where you don't buy new clothes for a given period of time. There are many ways to implement positive changes in your life – maybe you'll try buying secondhand or pay more attention to the composition and quality of your clothes when shopping? Remember that every step, even the smallest, counts.
1. Quality
It's incredibly important because it determines how long an item will last. You can assess quality by, among other things, looking at the inside label with the fabric composition: the more natural the composition, the more comfortable the garment will be . Don't worry about small amounts of synthetic fibers; it won't significantly impact comfort. However, the thickness of the material matters; thin and sheer materials often don't stand the test of time and wear out quickly . Finishing also has a huge impact on the quality of the garment. The seams and edge of the material should be even and have a tight stitch pitch (the distance between the needle's insertions into the fabric).
2. Buying second-hand
If you're missing a piece of clothing in your wardrobe, look for it on platforms designed for selling used clothing (for example, Vinted)—you can often find real gems there, as well as new clothes, at affordable prices. Don't forget about second-hand shops, where you can find unique, well-made pieces for literally pennies. Remember that by giving clothes a "second life," you support clothing recycling and, most importantly, you're not contributing to the fast fashion market that pollutes our planet. If you're buying new clothes, choose a brand that sews and creates locally . At ANSIN, every garment is made in a printing and sewing facility near Warsaw—from the very beginning, we wanted to support Polish factories and create in Poland.
3. Renovation in conscious consumption
For any item that has a flaw (a hole, stain, or tear), or that you're simply tired of, try to repair or alter it instead of throwing it away. Often, it's enough to take the item to a tailor, or let your imagination run wild and alter it by ironing on patches, sewing on patches, or dyeing it a different color with specialized fabric dyes. You'll find plenty of ideas and inspiration for altering clothes in DIY tutorials on YouTube. It's great fun, but also a great way to extend the life of your clothes and support the idea of conscious consumption .
4. Caring for clothes
Proper care also extends the life of our clothes (for more details, be sure to read our blog article on this topic, HERE ). Remember to follow the washing, drying, and ironing guidelines, which you'll find in the form of pictograms on the clothing label. Also, remember that each wash slightly damages the garment, so remember that sometimes airing it out or hand washing only the stained area is enough .
5. Correct disposal
If you think your journey with a particular item is coming to an end, try giving it a new life by giving it to a loved one or, conversely, to a needy person or charity (after checking with them in advance if they agree to such a donation, of course). I recommend www.ubraniadouddania.pl , an organization that manages used clothing sustainably. You can also sell your clothes on the platforms mentioned above. Ideally, take a photo of yourself on a figure or mannequin, showing all the details of the garment (no one wants to be unpleasantly surprised), and include a detailed description of the item, including its measurements and the appropriate price. Such steps will certainly help you sell your clothes faster. Let containers without the PCK or Ecotextil logo (these organizations not only give second life to gifts but also process clothing waste into alternative fuel, among other things) be the last place you donate your clothes; many of them are unverified, and there's a risk of unethical management.
As you can see, with many everyday decisions, you can protect the environment and also take care of your clothes so they last. I wish you many conscious and sensible purchasing decisions. Let us know if, like the entire ANSIN team, you want to care for the environment and promote responsible fashion !
Anna Ochman Stylist
