The 10 Garment Challenge Year
Image from report title page
In November, I read a report published by Hot or Cool highlighting that “current trends in fashion consumption, in particular fast fashion, cannot be maintained if we aim to achieve a fair and just transition to climate neutrality.”
“The richest consumers should only buy an average of five new fashion garments per year by 2030 to keep the 1.5C climate target alive.”
Clothing manufacturing and consumption are huge contributors to carbon emissions, especially fast fashion. Not to mention the social injustices associated with the industry of poor working conditions and unfair wages.
Last year, I made a decision to only buy second hand or buy from sustainable clothing companies. A commitment that has forced me to really think about my purchases, not impulse buy, and really research brands.
However, even when purchasing from sustainable and ethical clothing brands, any consumption - like all things - has an impact.
So this year I am giving myself another challenge. I am limiting myself to 10 pieces of clothing this year, new (from sustainable brands) or used. Shoes, activewear, pyjamas, bathing suits all included.
With my lifestyle changing to work from home, as well as having gained some weight during the pandemic (who didn’t!), there are still a few staple pieces I am on the hunt for. The formal office pieces in my wardrobe no longer fit or don’t suit the now business casual dress code for office days. And as I near my 30s I now feel that I know my personal style alot more and am still swapping out pieces from my early 20s that are just not me anymore. I am now looking for more timeless pieces that can easily be used for worked from home, camera ready but comfortable, to office days, to casual weekend put-together-classy.
If anyone knows of a sustainable brand with cotton long sleeve shirts that are not too thin, or a fitted, thick, cotton white button up - please let me know, they have been challenging to find!
This target of 10 seems reasonable for this year. Low enough to have to think really intentionally about my purchases, but generous enough to allow the addition of some pieces that I feel I have been missing in this season of life. My goal will be to drop this number down once I have filled a few more staples in my wardrobe.
My current wish list includes:
White cotton oxford button up
White cotton long sleeve
Black cotton long sleeve
White cotton tee - replacement
Denim overalls (the multi-year search continues!)
Black dress pants
Black blazer
Plaid blazer
Black A-line skirt
Linen pyjama set
Walking boots to replace my 6 year old blundstones
I don’t expect that I will find all of these items from sustainable companies or second hand this year, but I find having this wish-list helpful for staying on track and knowing what I actually need vs. want.
I would love to know if you think 10 items is a lot or a little, and if you are doing any sort of low-buy challenge this year.