We’ve all been there – giving in to a sale, buying a one-off outfit or impulse shopping for a dopamine fix. But those choices add up.
The fashion industry is now the planet’s third largest polluter, releasing 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Did you know Australians throw away more than 6,000kg of textiles and clothing every 10 minutes? In one week, that’s enough to fill about 2 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The good news? We have the power to change this. By making smarter shopping choices, we can reduce waste before it even begins. Here are 6 conscious ways to make choices that are better for your wardrobe and the planet.
“Buy less, choose well, make it last.” – Vivienne Westwood
1. Swap your style
Clothes swaps are a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a cent. They’re a chance to discover unique styles, connect with like-minded people and pass on good quality items you no longer wear. Join our free Darlinghurst clothes swap on Saturday 20 September to help keep clothing circulating.
2. Own high-end fashion for less
For special occasions, consider renting outfits and accessories instead of buying something you’ll only wear once. Renting helps cut down on carbon emissions and water use, while giving you high-end fashion without the high-end price tag.
Websites such as The Volte, Dress for a Night, Dressed Up, Man About Town, Mr Fierze, InRo and Glam Corner make it easy to rent outfits for special occasions.
3. Support Seamless
Seamless Australia is a clothing project working to change how clothes are made and used. It brings together brands that design durable garments and support reuse, repair and recycling to reduce clothing waste.
By choosing Seamless labels, you’re not just looking good – you’re helping keep textiles out of landfill. Explore Sydney-based members such as Bianca Spender, MJ Bale, Sussan Group, Universal Store and RM Williams.
4. Shop your wardrobe
Sometimes the most sustainable choice is already hanging in your wardrobe. Before buying something new, take another look at what you already own. You might rediscover forgotten favourites or find new ways to style and mend old pieces. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and make the most of what you have. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and make the most of what you have.
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM5kiB4AESA
5. Hunt for pre-loved treasures
Second-hand shopping is an easy way to find unique, affordable pieces while keeping clothes in circulation. Online marketplaces such as Depop, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and eBay make it easy to buy and sell your pre-loved pieces.
If you prefer browsing in person, Sydney has plenty of great boutiques to explore, from SWOP in Darlinghurst to Di Nuovo in Paddington.
6. Know every thread counts
When buying new clothes and shoes, choose well-made pieces that will last the test of time. Look for:
- Fabric quality: Natural fibres like cotton, linen, silk and hemp are durable, breathable and often recyclable.
- Seams and stitching: Select straight and neat seams – loose threads and uneven stitching usually mean faster wear and tear.
- Durability: Good textiles hold their shape and stay opaque even after repeated washes.
- Investing in quality reduces waste, saves money over time and builds a wardrobe that doesn’t wear out quickly. For more tips on spotting long-lasting garments, visit SwapUp.
When clothes are too worn to keep in circulation, recycling is the final step. Discover how you can pass your pre-loved clothes forward.
Published 9 September 2025
