Men’s fashion has transformed a lot in the last few decades, and it’s simultaneously easier and harder than ever before to be fashionable. There are more options to choose from, and social media constantly bombards us with some hot new trend or item we “must have.” Unfortunately, as trends turn over more quickly, and fast fashion becomes the norm, a lot of the clothing we see out there isn’t very environmentally friendly. Thankfully, there are some sustainable fashion choices every man should consider to minimize your impact on the environment and look stylish at the same time.
Invest Instead of Cutting Corners
One of the best choices you can make to approach fashion from a more sustainable perspective is to invest in clothes instead of cutting corners. So many pieces on the market today are poorly made. Fast fashion produces a vast number of garments cheaply and unethically, and these pieces often fall apart after just a few uses.
Instead of dealing with that, dole out the extra money to get high-quality, sustainable clothes that will last for years. These clothes come with a higher price tag, but that price means your wardrobe will be a lot greener and last longer than if you opted for the fast-fashion alternatives. Just remember that expensive does not mean sustainable; always research brands before purchasing, and be wary of greenwashing.
For instance, although a pair of Raleigh Denim jeans cost much more than a pair from your typical mall brand, they are made by hand in America by workers paid fair wages. The quality and construction is such that these jeans will last many more years than most of your regular brands. This improved uality will likely end up saving you more money in the long run. In the end, spending a little more on an item like this will lessen your impact as well as support living wage practices.
There are a ton of brands like this out there. It’s necessary to do your research before making a major purchase if you want to prioritize sustainability.
Get Sustainable Accessories
Another fashion choice every man needs to consider is getting some sustainable accessories. Most men carry around a wallet and their keys, and many also accessorize with sunglasses, watches, or jewelry. You need to find what works for you and your outfits, but you should also keep eco-friendliness in mind.
Whatever you accessorize with, numerous sustainable options exist to choose from. For example, a wooden wallet is unique and sustainable—the perfect fashion choice for every man. Alternatively, if you’re more interested in jewelry, consider avoiding authentic diamonds. Instead, go for something lab grown. It will still look amazing and be better for the environment.
Remember, less is more with accessories. Any more than 2-3 with your outfit will appear tacky. Choose your signature accessories, invest in quality (as we mentioned), and don’t be tempted to buy the new thing just because someone told you to. Consider its use in your wardrobe and only buy if you see yourself wearing it often over the next several years.
Buy Secondhand
Secondhand shopping is another fantastic way you can be sustainable with your fashion choices without compromising your style. There are so many secondhand stores and thrifting sites where you can find pieces perfect for you. Shopping secondhand is a great way to be sustainable and extend the lifespan of clothes, diverting them from environmentally damaging landfills.
These are the sustainable fashion choices every man should consider to be eco-friendly while still elevating their style. With the right knowledge, you can get the perfect pieces for Earth, your wallet, and your wardrobe.
In addition to your local thrift and consignment stores (check out these places in upscale neighborhoods… they tend to have the best deals), you can check ebay for great secondhand options. Sites like Put This On publish a weekly review of the best ebay deals. Our recommendation for the best products are shoes (lightly worn), sport coats, ties, and outerwear.
Choose Classic Styles
Building on our point about investing in your style, it’s important to choose pieces that are less likely to go out of style. Our post Trend Proof Basics to Complete Your Wardrobe outlines the classic styles that form the cornerstone of a complete wardrobe. Follow this guide to ensure that you’re not buying a bunch of overly-trendy crap you’ll be throwing away in a couple of years.
