As many times as I’ve heard, “I can’t afford ethical beauty!” I have probably heard, “I can’t afford ethical fashion!” even more. But, when done right, you can find affordable ethical fashion.
Because of that, I’ve written a broke girl’s guide to ethical fashion.
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Ethical fashion is first and foremost (in my opinion) about reducing (link) purchases to what is necessary and what works. It is about buying fewer higher quality things that last longer. All of this is much cheaper than continuing to shop regularly. It is also about buying with purpose and finding the right things that work with your body, your lifestyle, and your existing wardrobe.
This alone can reduce the amount you spend on clothing. Just by becoming more purposeful, buying the highest quality you can, wearing it often, and then taking care of it, you should find that you spend less. I know that I have! Even when I buy more expensive things, all together, I spend much less.
Why is Ethical Fashion More Expensive?
Unfortunately, ethical fashion is almost always going to be more expensive.
Why?
The quick answer is that you are paying a living wage for the maker of your garment. You are also paying for a method of production that values the earth. This comes with research and design costs, waste disposal costs, and often more expensive raw materials.
So What Should I Do?
Fortunately, ethical fashion can actually be more affordable than traditional fashion.
Seriously. I spend less now that I focus on ethical fashion than I ever did before. How? Well, I buy fewer, better things and take good care of them. I don’t buy things I don’t need and I am purposeful and intentional when creating my wardrobe.
Here is my broke girl’s guide to ethical fashion:
Just don’t buy it.
Ok, this might be obvious or even rude (not my intention!). But the best way to have an ethical wardrobe is to limit what you buy. Consider if you need it, if you will wear it at least thirty times, if it works with the rest of your wardrobe, it fits well, is well made, and you love it. If not, skip it. Budget!
Shop second hand.
If you do need something, or fall in love with something in a traditional shop, try to find it second hand. I love Poshmark for this. If I see something I just have to have (and it meets all the criteria above), but it isn’t ethical, try Poshmark or ThredUp, or a local consignment store. There are so many great options, and ways to save without compromising ethics or style. If you wait a month or two, you can usually find something that you saw at the mall on Poshmark. And usually, it will only have been worn once or twice.
Buy higher quality.
I know that often (but not always) higher quality = higher price. But, in the long run, higher quality is usually less expensive than cheap clothes. A well-made item made out of high-quality fabric will usually last longer than its cheap counterpart, preventing you from having to replace it.
Shop with purpose.
Don’t buy anything that doesn’t fit in with your existing wardrobe, your lifestyle or your current size. Purposefully consider each item and determine its role. Shoes that are gorgeously well-made but too high for your lifestyle, a pair of jeans in your “aspirational” size, a dress for a night out when you are a homebody are all a waste of money and resources. Wait until you have the occasion or fit into that size. You are just asking to have to buy more.
Don’t buy anything that doesn’t fit in with your existing wardrobe.
Yes, I realize that I’ve already said this, but it is worth repeating and highlighting. I used to be guilty of buying a new sweater, bringing it home, and realizing that I didn’t have the right camisole to go with it. So, back to the store I went. One “small” purchase would lead to hundreds of dollars spent making sure I could actually wear the “inexpensive” sweater.
Do not buy anything that requires more. A blouse that needs a specific bra, a skirt without a matching shirt, pants that are too long to wear with any of your shoes. Because, inevitably, you either will never wear it (ethical fashion fail) or you’ll have to buy more so that you can (another ethical fashion fail). And also, expensive.
Repair what you own.
Repairing something is often cheaper than replacing it. Resole your boots (or put a rubbler sole on them before you wear them in the rain), fix that zipper, hem those jeans, and repair the button. Find a great tailor and cobbler and your well-loved, high-quality, frequently-worn favorites will last a lot longer.
Find ethical goods at lower priced stores.
Ok, this is a little challenging, but ethical options do exist in lower price points.
A few of my favorites are:
Pact: basics, all organic or sustainable, made fairly
Threads 4 Thought: When F:S was a shop, Threads 4 Thought and Groceries (another inexpensive ethical fashion brand) was a best seller. Both have recycled, organic, and other eco-friendly clothing made with respect to the people who make them.
For Days: My new obsession. All zero waste and when you are done with an item, you can trade it in for another one (at a very steep discount!) and they will recycle your old item.
Alternative Apparel: Another one of my favorites. Eco-friendly basics.
Renewal Workshop: Renewal Workshop partners with other eco-friendly brands to sell what they can’t, upcycle it into other items, or recycle it. It is an effort to create a circular industry, but results in deep discounts for you!
For more ideas, take a look at my 25 Affordable Ethical Fashion Brands (that I Love).
Wait for a sale.
Even ethical goods go on sale from time to time. And some of the more expensive things can all of a sudden become an affordable ethical fashion option, if you can wait!
Everlane has a “Choose What You Pay” event in December that has really great ethical basics at low prices.
Nordstrom often has ethical fashion items on sale.
Take a look at these sales here, here, and here of some of my favorite ethical shops.
You don’t have to break the bank to buy ethical clothing. You just have to be thoughtful about your purchases. In the long run, buying ethical can often save you money. You just need to plan ahead, not make impulse buys, and be conscious of what you are buying.
Do you have any favorite places to buy discount ethical fashion or second hand clothes? Any tips to staying on budget while also shopping ethically?