Organic clothing is becoming increasingly popular as people become more conscientious of the environment and their health. But, many people are hesitant to switch to organic clothing because they think it will be too expensive.
This doesn’t have to be the case! Suppose you’re interested in incorporating more organic clothing into your wardrobe but are on a tight budget. In that case, there are a few ways to do it without breaking the bank, and it is possible to find affordable, fashionable, and sustainable organic clothing if you know where to look.
Buy Secondhand Organic Clothing
You can often find good-quality items at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces. If you’re not opposed to wearing secondhand clothing, this is a great way to find organic items without spending much money. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find stores that specialize in secondhand organic clothing. If not, any thrift store or consignment shop will likely have at least some organic items.
In fact, shopping secondhand is one of the most sustainable ways to shop because you’re giving new life to an existing item instead of buying something new that requires resources and energy to produce.
Online marketplaces are also a great option for finding secondhand organic clothing. Sites like Poshmark, Mercari, and thredUP have sections for organic clothing, and you can filter your searches to only show items made with sustainable materials.
Look for Sales and Discount
Organic clothing companies often have sales and discounts, so it’s worth checking their websites or signing up for their email lists to be alerted when there are deals.
You can also find discounts on certain websites that sell a variety of brands. For example, Nordstrom Rack often has a good selection of organic clothing, and you can filter your searches to only show items made with sustainable materials.
Other good places to look for sales and discounts on organic clothing include Overstock, Zulily, and Wayfair. Each has a section for organic and sustainable items, and they frequently have deals.
Scout Out Local Brands
If you’re interested in supporting local businesses, there are probably some local brands that sell organic clothing. You can often find these brands at farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and small boutiques, depending on what’s available in your area. You can also check out online directories like LocalHarvest (US) and GreenPeople (UK) to find local brands that sell organic clothing.
Buying local brands is a nice way to support small businesses, and you’re likely to find unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s also an excellent way to get to know the people behind the brand and learn more about where your clothing comes from.
Additionally, when you buy locally, you’re reducing your carbon footprint because the clothing doesn’t have to travel as far to get to you. When the cost of logistics is lower, that’s often reflected in the clothing price.
Buy From Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Brands
There are a growing number of direct-to-consumer brands that sell organic clothing at more affordable prices than some of the high-end designer brands. Some of our favorites include Everlane, Pact, and Boody Wear. These brands are all transparent about their pricing, and they avoid the traditional markups that are common in the fashion industry.
Additionally, many of these brands have committed to sustainability by using sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp. And, since they sell D2C, you’re likely to find good quality items at lower prices than you would from a traditional retailer.
Look for Multi-Purpose Pieces
One way to get more mileage out of your organic clothing is to look for pieces that can be worn multiple ways. You can often style things like dresses, skirts, and scarves differently to get more use.
You can also wear tops in multiple ways. For example, you can wear a button-down shirt, tie it in the front, or wear it open over a tank top or t-shirt. You can also look for items that can be dressed up or down. A good pair of jeans can be worn with a dressy top for a night out or a t-shirt for a casual day.
Buying multi-purpose pieces is a great way to get more use out of your clothing and make your wardrobe go further. It’s also helpful if you’re trying to pack light for travel since you can pack fewer items and still have a lot to wear.
Buy Timeless Pieces
Another way to get more use out of your organic clothing is to buy timeless pieces that never go out of style. Things like denim jeans, black pants, white shirts, and trench coats are examples of items you can wear yearly.
Timeless pieces are a significant investment because you can keep them in your wardrobe for a long time and get a lot of use. They’re also helpful if you’re trying to build a capsule wardrobe since they can be mixed and matched with other items to create different looks.
Opt for Quality Over Quantity
It’s better to have a few well-made pieces that you can wear often than a closet full of cheap clothes that fall apart after a few washes. Not only is this better for your wallet, but it’s also better for the environment since you’re not contributing to the landfill as much.
When you’re shopping for organic clothing, look for items made with high-quality materials and construction. While high-quality organic items may be costly upfront, they will save you money in the long run because they will last longer.
Additionally, high-quality items often look better and feel more comfortable than cheap items. So, not only will you be saving money, but you’ll also look and feel your best in clothing made to last.
Make Your Own Clothing
If you’re feeling crafty, why not make your organic clothing? This is a great way to get exactly what you want, and it’s usually cheaper than buying ready-made items.
There are some ways to make your clothing, from sewing to knitting to crocheting. Making organic clothes is also a great way to be more sustainable since you’re not using any new resources to create them.
If you’re not sure where to start, plenty of books and online tutorials can help you learn how to make your clothes. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is and how much money you can save.
Of course, you don’t have to make all of your clothes yourself. Making a few items, like a scarf or a pair of socks, can help you save money and add some homemade flair to your wardrobe.
You can also upcycle existing clothing into something new. For example, you can turn an old t-shirt into a cute tank top or skirt, or a tired hoodie can be given new life as a pillowcase or tote bag.
Making your clothing is also a great way to get creative and have fun with fashion. It’s a unique way to express your style, and you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd.
Borrow or Rent Clothing
If you’re not ready to commit to buying organic clothing, you can always borrow or rent items from friends, family, or a clothing rental service. Although it’s not an option for everyone, it’s still a good way to try out different styles and see if you like the feel of organic clothing before making a purchase.
Plus, it’s a great way to access high-quality organic clothing that you might not be able to afford otherwise. If you decide to buy organic clothing, you can always sell or donate your borrowed items, so someone else can enjoy them.
Conclusion
Organic clothing is a great way to be more sustainable and reduce your impact on the environment. However, it can be costly if you’re not careful or simply do not know where to start.
Fortunately, there are ways to incorporate organic clothing into your wardrobe without breaking the bank. By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of organic clothing without spending a fortune. Do you have any suggestions for wearing organic clothes on a budget? Please share them in the comments below!
Leave a Reply