Fast fashion reigns supreme these days with its low prices and rising quality of clothing. It can be tempting to purchase from conglomerates that offer such low prices, no matter how harmful it can be for the environment or how underpaid their staff is.

Of course, you care about the conditions of workers – but you need clothing at an affordable cost. Here are some solutions to shop more sustainably and make the most of your wardrobe.

1. Revamp Your Clothing

Assess your clothing situation in your closet. Do you really need new clothes, or can you work with what you have? You can mix and match your patterns to create new ensembles from clothes you never paired together before.

You can adjust hems or create crop tops from shirts or sweaters. Get creative with putting together your outfits by dressing up items you’ve only worn with sweatpants. You can sophisticate loungewear like leggings and tees with a blazer and a nice pair of shoes.

There are many ways that you can turn old clothes into something new and fresh for your wardrobe. You can add new details to clothing items like bejeweling a denim jacket or adding fringe to an old handbag. There are multiple ways to freshen up a classic tee shirt, from cutting the hem to ironing on patches to add a little flair.

Upcycling your clothes can be a fun DIY project that gives you a new look. You can paint your jeans or shoes to give them a makeover or tie-dye any article of clothing you want.  Bleaching your clothing can make whites good as new and give other items a completely different look.

2. Find Fashion With a Conscience

Take care of your clothing to extend its lifespan. Don’t buy something you won’t wear more than a handful of times. Shop smarter and purchase available eco-friendly options. As much as you might enjoy trends, it isn't worth your money if it's just a passing phase. Shop sustainably by researching and finding brands that support the health of our environment.

You can look for products that make use of recycled or sustainable materials in packaging – even some plastics have become more Earth-friendly in recent years. Find brands focused on making an impact.

Sustainable brands can be a little more pricey than fast fashion, but for a good reason. Quality materials will last much longer and feel better on your skin than their counterparts. Don’t view your clothes as disposable – they’re an investment that can last a lifetime if you purchase from eco-friendly brands that use materials like organic cotton.

Buying second-hand clothing is another excellent way to be kinder to the environment. What is old to someone else can be new and exciting to you. Visit local thrift stores or second-hand shops to find gently used items that you can incorporate into your clothing lineup.

3. Clean Out Your Closet

Cleaning out your closet is a fun way to spend the day. You can swap out articles of clothing with family members to create new looks or donate your clothing responsibly. Decluttering has myriad benefits – if your clothes don’t bring you joy anymore, get rid of them. When you declutter, you can boost your mood, increase your energy levels, and sharpen your focus.

Decluttering can help you hone your creativity and make the most of items you want to try to repurpose. Try to reuse and upcycle them if you still love your clothing items. You can give your clothes a second life by learning to mend them or turning them into something new.

Research how to donate them properly in your local community if you’re through with them. You can consign them to give others a chance to purchase them and make a little extra cash. If you want to donate them, you can find local thrift stores or charities that give back to those in need.

Shopping More Sustainably

Shopping sustainably might not be the easiest choice, but it is the smartest one. Do your part by contributing to the health of our environment by taking baby steps. Use these tips to upcycle your clothes before eliminating them from your wardrobe. Shop local when you can and look into brands’ missions and values before purchasing from them.

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Mia Barnes is a health and wellness writer and the Editor In Chief at Body+Mind. She especially enjoys writing about mental health, physical well-being, mindfulness, and healthy living. When she's not writing, you can find Mia reading romance novels, jogging, and trying new recipes!