There is no one-size-fits-all way of curating an ethical +/or minimal wardrobe. Some of us will use our love of browsing to score the best thrift store finds. Some of us would rather find one good t-shirt + stick with it.
The people I live with each have their own ethical wardrobe superpowers. Each of their closets looks different. Each of them has skills + ways of seeing that I admire. I've asked each of them to share a little bit more about their superpowers + I'm so excited that they agreed! First up is my partner.
Jane :: I know you don't spend as much time as I do thinking about your wardrobe, but do you have any things you try to keep in mind when it comes to your wardrobe...ethically speaking?
Him :: I try to remember to wear what I have + to wear it as long as it looks good + functions well. When I choose to replace something I try to buy from a company whose style I like but that also uses responsible practices.
Jane :: I think you have a few ethical wardrobe superpowers. One is that you have a few categories of clothing that you know work for your life + you stick with those. What pieces do you find are "enough"?
Him :: t-shirts, button-downs, jeans, khakis (don't have to be khaki), trainers, boots, Vans
Jane :: Do you think that finding a middle ground with your style (casual vs. business) has allowed you to have fewer pieces?
Him :: Definitely. A button-down shirt with (dark) jeans works for work + when I get home I can just untuck the shirt + I feel more relaxed. I have a crewneck sweatshirt that I can wear over a button-down to work + over a t-shirt on the weekend. For me, a zip-up hoodie would seem a bit too casual for work. I like clothes that I can wear in a variety of different situations.
Jane :: Do you have any shortcuts when it comes to shopping?
Him :: We've found a bunch of my shirts at the same thrift store when we travel. If I don't find something I need at a thrift store, then I will look at Outerknown. I like their style + they fit me well. Their commitment to responsibility is something I can get excited about + respect. For example, their SEA jeans are fair-trade certified, made with organic cotton + they are guaranteed for life!
Jane :: Are there ways that you can feel somewhat uniquely "you" while keeping your wardrobe minimal?
Him :: Yeah, I'm just careful about what I choose. If I can find a brand with an aesthetic that I really like, then I can choose things that reflect who I think I am + what I stand for. I do like having a pair of old skool Vans + having a t-shirt or two that reflects something I'm excited about.
Jane :: Do you still want new things all the time? How do you counter this urge?
him :: Not all the time. When I do, I remind myself that I have things that I really like + if I continue to wear my clothes until they wear out...then I can get something new that I really like. It makes me feel good to get life out every piece of clothing that I like + enjoy wearing. A few months ago, my Vans completely wore out + I felt good about choosing a new color.
Jane :: I admire your ethical wardrobe superpowers which I recognize as:
Jane :: Is there any reason that these don't apply to cycling clothes? (haha)
Him :: Yeah, it's an area for improvement. I wish there were more cycling companies that took sustainability seriously.
Thank you, my love, for taking the time to think through + share some of your thoughts on clothing (not your favorite topic...but one of mine)! :)
The fairdare can end up looking so many different ways + I love that! Recognize, celebrate + use those superpowers!
Love,
Jane
The people I live with each have their own ethical wardrobe superpowers. Each of their closets looks different. Each of them has skills + ways of seeing that I admire. I've asked each of them to share a little bit more about their superpowers + I'm so excited that they agreed! First up is my partner.
Jane :: I know you don't spend as much time as I do thinking about your wardrobe, but do you have any things you try to keep in mind when it comes to your wardrobe...ethically speaking?
Him :: I try to remember to wear what I have + to wear it as long as it looks good + functions well. When I choose to replace something I try to buy from a company whose style I like but that also uses responsible practices.
Jane :: I think you have a few ethical wardrobe superpowers. One is that you have a few categories of clothing that you know work for your life + you stick with those. What pieces do you find are "enough"?
Him :: t-shirts, button-downs, jeans, khakis (don't have to be khaki), trainers, boots, Vans
Jane :: Do you think that finding a middle ground with your style (casual vs. business) has allowed you to have fewer pieces?
Him :: Definitely. A button-down shirt with (dark) jeans works for work + when I get home I can just untuck the shirt + I feel more relaxed. I have a crewneck sweatshirt that I can wear over a button-down to work + over a t-shirt on the weekend. For me, a zip-up hoodie would seem a bit too casual for work. I like clothes that I can wear in a variety of different situations.
Jane :: Do you have any shortcuts when it comes to shopping?
Him :: We've found a bunch of my shirts at the same thrift store when we travel. If I don't find something I need at a thrift store, then I will look at Outerknown. I like their style + they fit me well. Their commitment to responsibility is something I can get excited about + respect. For example, their SEA jeans are fair-trade certified, made with organic cotton + they are guaranteed for life!
Jane :: Are there ways that you can feel somewhat uniquely "you" while keeping your wardrobe minimal?
Him :: Yeah, I'm just careful about what I choose. If I can find a brand with an aesthetic that I really like, then I can choose things that reflect who I think I am + what I stand for. I do like having a pair of old skool Vans + having a t-shirt or two that reflects something I'm excited about.
Jane :: Do you still want new things all the time? How do you counter this urge?
him :: Not all the time. When I do, I remind myself that I have things that I really like + if I continue to wear my clothes until they wear out...then I can get something new that I really like. It makes me feel good to get life out every piece of clothing that I like + enjoy wearing. A few months ago, my Vans completely wore out + I felt good about choosing a new color.
Jane :: I admire your ethical wardrobe superpowers which I recognize as:
- knowing what your basics are + sticking with them
- making "style" with a few signature pieces
- narrowing down your go-to ethical shopping choices
- deciding to stop shopping just for fun + following through
Jane :: Is there any reason that these don't apply to cycling clothes? (haha)
Him :: Yeah, it's an area for improvement. I wish there were more cycling companies that took sustainability seriously.
Thank you, my love, for taking the time to think through + share some of your thoughts on clothing (not your favorite topic...but one of mine)! :)
The fairdare can end up looking so many different ways + I love that! Recognize, celebrate + use those superpowers!
Love,
Jane
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