As the sunny days of summer return to the Northern Hemisphere, you may feel like refreshing your wardrobe. The catchy image of the "new me" is ubiquitous and serves as the basis of many successful marketing campaigns. As the weather changes and we spend more time outside, you may need lighter summer clothes. But before heading to H&M, it's worth considering how you can add to your wardrobe in a sustainable way while reducing your carbon footprint.

A sustainable approach to adding to your wardrobe involves critically evaluating your needs and thoroughly researching the origin and production of each item of clothing. This is in contrast to fast fashion, which dominates the world's shopping trends.

These tips can help you build a more sustainable wardrobe:

1. Shop less, shop better: Opt for fewer, higher-quality pieces from brands that focus on sustainability. While it would be ideal to forgo shopping altogether or go second-hand, if that's not possible, focus on making informed decisions. Most vendors do not control the entire supply chain, so it is important to be prudent and make informed decisions. Consider recycling and renting clothes, but be aware of the environmental impact.

2. Repair, reuse and recycling: Extending the life of your clothes by wearing pieces over the years and repairing them instead of throwing them away can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of your wardrobe. Companies like Patagonia and government subsidy programs, like in France, encourage repair instead of throwing away clothes.

3. Prefer natural fibers:

Choose clothes made from natural materials such as organic cotton, linen, silk, hemp and bamboo. For sportswear and outdoor pieces, prefer recycled materials and circular production processes.

4. Choose simple, timeless pieces: Invest in simple and durable pieces that you can wear for a long time. Clothing such as jeans should be made from renewable materials and the design should be minimal. Avoid short-term fashion trends and focus on clothes that will serve you for years.

5. Support local designers and brands:

By buying from local designers, you not only support the economy of your region, but also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Local manufacturers often put more emphasis on quality and ethical working conditions.

6. Organize clothing exchanges:

Organize swaps with friends or the community where you can exchange clothes you no longer need. This is an effective way to keep clothes in circulation and avoid unnecessary waste, while getting new pieces without having to shop.

7. Choose certified products:

Look for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, or Cradle to Cradle, which will give you the assurance that the clothing is produced ecologically and under ethical working conditions. These certifications help ensure that your purchases are truly sustainable.

8. Minimize the use of plastic bags and packaging:

Avoid plastic bags and packaging when buying clothes. Bring your own bag and try to shop in stores that use eco-friendly packaging. Including a selection of packaging-free warehouses and online sellers who send goods in ecological packaging.

In today's world of fast fashion, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged by the lack of sustainable options. However, carefully considering your needs and carefully researching the origin and production of your clothing can help you sustainably add to your wardrobe. Over time, you can appreciate a quality wardrobe of timeless pieces that will serve you for years, not just weeks. (Co2AI)