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Before you hit “add to cart” or step into a fitting room, there are a few key considerations to help you invest in clothes that look good, feel great, and serve you well in the long run. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential factors so you can consciously shop with intention. Whether you’re refreshing your closet or shopping for a special occasion, these seven tips will save you time, money, and regrets:
1. Choose to borrow
If you’re only going to wear it once, skip the purchase and borrow instead. Consider swapping instead of shopping, sometimes the best finds are already hanging in a friend’s or relative’s closet. Consider whether you already own an item that does the job. It’s not about strict limits, it’s about being intentional. This mindset helps avoid unnecessary duplicates and lets you invest your clothing budget in pieces that truly add value to your wardrobe.
2. Buy secondhand or vintage
If you consider buying something, choose secondhand first. Before turning to something brand new, take a moment to see if you can find it preloved in a thrift store, online marketplace, independent makers, local boutiques and sustainable brands. It’s a simple habit that reduces waste, saves resources, and often leads to more unique and meaningful finds. Also consider shopping small: your purchase has more impact when it helps a real person, strengthens your local economy, and encourages more ethical production.
Visit the stores of BOAS, which offers vintage denim, and BUUF Rotterdam, known for second-hand children's clothing, both proud partners of Byewaste. Schedule a pickup via Byewaste now and get a discount on your next purchases at their stores!
3. Try pre-ordering clothing
This allows brands to produce only what’s on demand, reducing waste and creating healthier working conditions, a clear alternative to fast fashion’s fast-paced, wasteful model of fast fashion. It also gives you a chance to reflect: if waiting a few weeks feels too long, the piece might not be worth it after all.
4. Pick up a needle and thread: upcycling
To truly appreciate the value of your clothes try making something yourself. Whether it's sewing a simple tote bag, repairing a button, or following a pattern for a shirt, the process reveals just how much time, skill, and care goes into even the most basic garment. It not only builds respect for the hands behind your clothes, but also empowers you to repair, alter, and cherish what you already have.
5. Just stop shopping
It’s the most affordable way to shrink your fashion footprint. Try going a month (or three) without buying anything new. It takes time to unlearn the habit and let go of that quick dopamine hit from scrolling your favorite shops, and instead gain some clarity about your habits.
6. Recognise your shopping triggers
Recognising your personal shopping triggers makes it much easier to resist impulse buys. Are you shopping out of boredom, stress, insecurity, or just to fill an emotional gap? Start noticing the patterns and ask yourself, “How often do I actually wear the things I buy?”
7. Cut out the temptation by curating your social media feed.
Unfollow influencers whose main goal is to sell you things, and instead follow voices that inspire mindful fashion choices, like @secondhand.sustainability, @unmaterialgirl, and @goodthreadsstudio. Let your feed reflect your values.
