by Amanda Ocampo

More and more consumers are aware of the harmful impacts of the fast fashion industry and are therefore altering their buying habits and style. One way to combat the impacts of the fashion industry is to embrace the notion of repeating outfits and clothing in general. Rather than shaming repeat outfits, the couture should be celebrated.

Choosing to repeat an outfit should be regarded as a timeless statement of quality that not only transcends trends but also combats a cheap, mass-produced and environmentally damaging industry. Here are a few reminders of the environmental destruction caused by the fast fashion industry:  

Excessive Water Usage
The fashion industry is thirsty and relies heavily on fresh water, a scarce and shared resource. Only 2.5% of total global water on this planet is suitable for human use and the industry alone uses 79 billion cubic meters of water…to put that into perspective that would fill 46 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. That’s enough water to quench the thirst of 110 million people for an entire year. 

Spread of Microplastic and Microfibers

Microplastics from the textile industry usually come in a fiber shape and thus are known as microfibers. Most microfibers are leaked from our washing machines to our water systems within the first few washes because of low-quality synthetic materials. Microplastics are weaved into the food chain and are ingested by a myriad of living organisms from plankton, fish, marine mammals, land animals, and humans. Many studies have already proven the harmful environmental impacts of microplastics and ongoing research is monitoring long-term effects on humans.

Colossal Carbon Impact 

The fashion industry contributes to approximately 2.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gasses in a single year. 70% of clothing carbon impact originates from the primary stages of raw material production and processing. Many brands still fail to monitor and reduce environmental impact at supplier sites (not to mention enforce fair wages and working conditions).

The culture of repeating outfits takes practice—it is a mentality. It starts with looking inward, and by inward, I mean looking into your own closet. Being aware of your wardrobe and the relationship to your clothing allows reflection on personal style and the connection with each garment. How many pieces do you own and proudly forecast re-wearing for the next 3, 4, 5… 10 years? Wouldn’t those pieces prove to outlive monthly trends and be of the highest quality?

By no means does your closet have to be dull or monotonous. If variety is needed just be mindful and approach the initial stages of purchasing something new with the repeat perspective. Ask yourself if I want to re-wear where should I shop? There is a myriad of charming vintage clothing stores that carry styles that have passed the test of time, from classic staples items to unique funky collections.

Usually, vintage stores sift through, clean, and select each article of clothing to ensure quality and good condition. Additionally, second-hand pop-up shops and markets are becoming more common and accessible. Markets usually have a variety of small stands that either sell second-hand clothing or alter older garments and textiles into something repurposed and new. 

Choosing to repeat an outfit resists the commercialization and consumerism of fast fashion made for short-term use. It combats the trend cycle that targets fast and low-quality purchasing. Instead, it encourages individual creativity and expression rather than being driven by what corporations want you to wear. Therefore, choosing to repeat an outfit contributes to a more sustainable circular economy by reducing water usage, avoiding the spread of microfibers and plastics, and mitigating climate change. 

Is that not a couture to embrace? 

Article cover image courtesy of Humana Vintage.