6 Essential Steps to Build a
Recyclable Wardrobe
As the harmful effects of fast fashion become more apparent, more Australians are seeking ways to minimise their environmental footprint. Building a recyclable wardrobe is one of the best ways to reduce clothing waste and support sustainable practices. By focusing on brands and habits that promote slow fashion recycling, you can make a lasting impact on both your wardrobe and the planet.
Stride Store - as a leader in sustainable fashion - is committed to helping Australians make eco-friendly choices. This guide will walk you through six essential steps to building a recyclable wardrobe, with practical tips for embracing fashion recycled clothes and slow fashion recycling.
1. Find Your Signature Brands
Building a recyclable wardrobe starts with choosing brands that align with your values. Look for companies that prioritise sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials, ethical labour conditions and low-waste production methods. Brands like Pinky & Kamal, ə'serdiv and Dorsu are excellent examples of Australian fashion labels that focus on creating recycled fashion while maintaining style and comfort. Another great option is ARCS recyclable fashion at Maple Store that offers stylish and sustainable pieces made to last.
Selecting a few signature brands simplifies your wardrobe choices and ensures you’re investing in pieces that will endure. Sustainable brands often design timeless items from durable materials, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, supporting these brands helps grow the market for eco-friendly fashion in Australia, making slow fashion more accessible for everyone.
2. Embrace Thrift Shopping
Thrift shopping is a fantastic way to extend the life of clothing and participate in fast fashion recycling. Australia is home to a vibrant second-hand shopping culture, with many local thrift stores and online platforms offering pre-loved fashion at affordable prices. Popular chains like Savers, Vinnies and The Salvation Army provide a wide range of second-hand clothing options. By choosing thrift stores, you reduce the demand for new clothing production, which in turn decreases waste and resource consumption.
When you shop second-hand, you’re not only finding unique pieces but also contributing to a circular economy where clothes are reused and recycled. Explore options like local charity shops, markets, or platforms like Depop and Gumtree for quality finds that fit your style and values. Thrift shopping also allows you to experiment with different trends and fabrics without contributing to fashion waste.
3. Invest in Quality Clothing
One of the most sustainable choices you can make is investing in high-quality clothing that is designed to last. Fast fashion may offer low prices, but these items often wear out quickly, leading to more waste. Instead, focus on well-made garments that will stand the test of time, saving you money and reducing the need to constantly buy new items.
Look for clothing made from durable, eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, linen, and recycled fabrics. These materials not only last longer but also have a smaller environmental footprint compared to conventional fabrics. By investing in quality, you ensure that your wardrobe stays sustainable over the long term, with pieces that remain in excellent condition season after season. Check out our sustainable fabrics guide to learn more about materials!
4. Remember the 20x Rule
A key rule to follow when building a recyclable wardrobe is the "20x rule." This simple guideline encourages you to only buy items that you intend to wear at least 20 times. By considering how often you’ll wear an item before purchasing it, you can avoid impulse buys and ensure that each piece has a long life in your wardrobe.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, such as special occasion outfits or items with sentimental value. However, applying the 20x rule to most of your purchases will help you create a more thoughtful and sustainable wardrobe, where every item serves a purpose and contributes to reducing fashion waste.
5. Repair, Don’t Replace
When clothes get damaged, your first instinct may be to replace them, but repairing is a far more sustainable option. Basic sewing skills can help you fix common issues like loose seams, missing buttons, or small tears. If you're not confident in your repair abilities, consider taking your garments to a local tailor or alteration service.
Repairing clothing not only saves you money but also keeps your favourite pieces in your wardrobe longer. This practice aligns perfectly with the principles of slow fashion recycling, as it reduces the need to buy new items and keeps existing garments in circulation. In Australia, many community organisations and local services offer affordable repair options, making it easier than ever to extend the life of your clothes.
6. Learn About Recyclable Materials
Understanding recycled materials is key to building a wardrobe that supports sustainable fashion. Here are some popular recycled fabric options:
Econyl - A regenerated nylon made from recycled ocean plastic and waste materials, reducing the demand for new synthetic fibres.
Repreve - An innovative fibre made from recycled plastic bottles, Repreve is widely used in activewear and outerwear for its strength and versatility.
Recycled Cotton - Produced by repurposing cotton fabric scraps or used garments, recycled cotton helps minimise textile waste.
Recycled Wool - Created from recycled wool garments or manufacturing scraps, recycled wool reduces waste while retaining the warmth and durability of traditional wool.
Final Thoughts
Building a recyclable wardrobe is a journey that requires thoughtful choices and a commitment to sustainability. By focusing on signature brands, embracing thrift shopping, investing in quality clothing, following the 80/20 rule, repairing garments, and learning about recyclable materials, you can make a positive impact on both your wardrobe and the environment.
Stride Store is here to support your journey towards slow fashion and eco-friendly living. Explore our collection of sustainable brands and start building a wardrobe that reflects your values today.
Shop leading Australian brands like La Enviro, Clemence Organics, Noskin, Active Apostle, Cloth & Co, Unwind Candle Co and much more today!