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💰 Create a more ethical wardrobe on a budget

It’s totally doable

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Some of the most common questions we get from readers are about affordability: Can more sustainable brands be budget-friendly? And can you create an ethical wardrobe when you don’t have loads to spend? The answer is yes.

We recognise that many responsible brands appear more expensive up front. That’s because more goes into a price tag than what fast fashion will have us believe. The industry has distorted our view of clothing prices, and we now spend much less and buy far more low-quality garments than we did years ago. When taking into account cost per wear, higher quality items you’ll wear again and again end up costing less in the long run despite the initial investment.

That said, an ethical wardrobe is not always about spending money, as our five tips below show. We’re also sharing top-rated brands with prices on the lower end of the scale, and highlighting our exclusive reader offers to help you save money on better brands.

In this week’s issue:
  • 5 tips for creating a more ethical wardrobe without spending anything
  • Top-rated brands for those on a budget: more affordable “Good” and “Great” fashion brands
  • Offers from better brands, to help you save money and access more sustainable fashion
Investing in more sustainable brands when you need to buy something new is great, but an ethical approach to fashion isn’t just about spending money. These five actions are key to dressing more responsibly and don’t require cash.
  1. Get clear on your own style and aesthetic so you’ll be smarter about choosing clothes. Try moodboarding your favourite items, colours, fabrics, and looks; photograph your outfit on days you feel great; and look beyond social media outfit inspiration that is often driven by trends. Instead, consider how the artists, movies, music, and things you love most might influence who you are.
  2. Catalogue your wardrobe with a free organising app like Whering, which will help you identify colour, pattern, and style themes. You might fall back in love with the things you already own, and you’ll be able to figure out new outfit combinations easily.
  3. Don’t throw your fast fashion away. If you’ve already bought something, the best thing to do is care for it and keep it in the loop. So don’t feel bad about holding onto fast fashion items, but do consider proper garment care if they are, for example, made from polyester that releases microplastics.
  4. Learn how to launder your items. An ethical wardrobe isn’t just about the brands you buy from, it’s about how you take care of the things you own. If you’ve got polyester and nylon items, consider washing them less to reduce microplastic release, and invest in a Guppy Bag, too.
  5. Upcycle your unwanted items. Got something that isn’t quite right? Consider if you could alter the hem, cut off the sleeves or collar, embroider it, or switch out the buttons to give it a new life. Plus, you’ll learn new skills in the process.
See the full guide.
If you’re building a more sustainable wardrobe, try starting with the basics as they’re typically more budget-friendly, and you can gradually build up your collection as the existing things in your wardrobe wear out. These top-rated brands are a great place to start.
  • Yes Friends (“Great”) is a UK-based label making versatile basics. Using large scale production and direct-to-consumer margins means it can charge you an affordable price for its more responsible clothing.
  • Canada’s Q For Quinn (“Good”) offers more sustainable, non-toxic, and eczema-friendly clothing for all ages.
  • Rapanui (“Good”) makes outdoorsy and surf-inspired clothing in a wind-powered factory.
  • Armedangels’ (“Great”) stylish and long-lasting men’s and womenswear is made from lower-impact and certified materials.
Discover more budget-friendly brands.
Clockwise from top-left: nat’v basics bralette; Elk Kirra dress; alchemist trousers; ThĂ©la work bag; Wild Clouds jumpsuit; alchemist white tee; No Nasties dress.

Another way to save money? Look out for seasonal offers from brands. Good On You’s network of independently rated, top brands has money-off codes exclusively for readers, and you’ll find them all in our Offers round-up, which is updated weekly. Check out our picks above, and click through for details of each brand’s offer.

Be sure to bookmark the page.
Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion and beauty brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory or app to search thousands of rated brands.

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