We always say that the skin is a mirror of our emotions, but our closet also says a lot about our mood. Bianca Fuentes, from Conscious Styling, tells us how through our clothes we reflect how we see ourselves, how we would like to be, and how we think others see us. And you, do you want to know what your closet says about you?
Our closet defines who we are, but also our lifestyle.
If we have several athletic outfits in our closet, we probably like comfort or do a lot of sports. If, on the other hand, we usually wear glitter and sequins, we are probably more extroverted and daring.
The fabrics, the amount of unworn clothes we have, our way of consuming clothes, or our way of washing them also define whether we are more or less environmentally sustainable.
How to be more sustainable in the fashion world?
Undoubtedly, if there is one thing that characterizes the world of fashion, it is consumerism, but is it possible to reduce it?
Bianca tells us that there are several ways to reduce the budget we allocate to clothes and reveals small tricks to wear new clothes more often without harming our environment, and even to make our clothes last longer.
What you don't use, sell or give it away!
If you have a blouse or a pair of pants that you only wear once a year, it's time to banish them from your closet, as someone else can probably make better use of them.
As Bianca assures, "for a garment to be considered useful, we must wear it at least 2-3 times a month." Anything that is not used that often is a completely unnecessary purchase, so think before you buy and opt for basics!
Second-hand clothing, an option to consider
How much almost-new clothing has ended up in the trash? Do you have unworn clothes in your closet or clothes that you no longer use because you consider them 'out of fashion' or you no longer like them?
Second-hand apps and stores have boomed in recent years, not only because they offer us the possibility of wearing new outfits at a low cost, but also because of their commitment to sustainability.
Before throwing away clothes, we recommend that you use apps like Vinted or Wallapop. They work like a virtual flea market where you can sell or buy second-hand clothes below their market price.
If you prefer, there are also stores that collect second-hand clothes to sell them to the public with full guarantees.
Tell me what fabric you use and I'll tell you who you are
Our closet speaks about us, and the fabric of the clothes we wear does too. Tencel, for example, is a super sustainable fabric, because very little water is needed for its extraction, and it is biodegradable. However, cotton is a fabric that consumes a lot of water, which is why it is considered very unsustainable.
Remember that the fabric does not define whether an item is sustainable. Its manufacturing process, logistics... There are several factors that we must take into account if we want to opt for a truly sustainable item at all levels.
The way you wash your clothes matters
The way we wash clothes also defines a sustainable lifestyle, or not. Fabrics like denim or wool should not be washed frequently. In fact, Bianca reveals that "it's enough to air them out from time to time."
Other fabrics can be washed sustainably, but how can we do it? Try to fill the washing machine whenever you can and opt for washing with cold water, at approximately 20º.
Also, try to eliminate the use of fabric softeners, as the softness they give your clothes is due to them 'eating away' the surface layer of the clothing, causing a 'pilling' effect that makes clothes last less time. Whenever possible, opt for vinegar; we assure you that your clothes won't smell bad!
To avoid further environmental damage, we advise you to put certain garments, especially those made of polyester, in a small laundry bag to prevent microplastics from ending up in the sea.
We remind you that polyester is the fiber most commonly used to make clothes, and polyester is plastic.
At Maminat, we encourage you to have a wardrobe with usable garments that perfectly adapt to your lifestyle. Leading a sustainable lifestyle implies changing our way of consuming, whether it's fashion, cosmetics, or food.