With the need to save money and live a more sustainable lifestyle, a lot of people are going the DIY route, and this applies to fashion as well. A report from e-commerce site Depop shows that 90% of its community members are making active changes to live more sustainably, which means a lot of upcycling and DIY fashion. This also ties up with the desire of most Gen-Zers to have clothes that feel unique and shows their true self. If you’re interested in DIY fashion, here are some tips that can help you look unique and stylish while supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Go Thrifting
Thrifting is an excellent way to curate a unique wardrobe. When you buy clothes from popular brands, there’s a big chance that you’ll come across someone wearing the same outfit. However, with the diversity of clothes in thrift stores, it’s easy to find one-of-kind clothes that fit your own style. This is also a very sustainable way to find stylish clothes. Every year, 84% of clothing end up in landfills. By thrifting, you can help in cutting down the number of clothes that go to waste, too.
The key to thrift shopping like a pro is to create a list of the clothes that you want even before stepping into any second-hand store. Then, you need to have patience and flexibility. Do not just settle for the first cute find you will see. Try to look around just to check if there are other options. As well, it is better to go for clothes that are on the larger side as they are easier to alter to fit your size.
Support Start-Ups
If you’re looking for a more unique look, another way to have a standout look is by supporting start-up fashion brands. Not only do smaller start-up brands have unique designs that are easier to personalize, but Vogue Business also states that these brands are driving the entire fashion industry to rethink how things are done. This is because fashion start-ups tend to go to more ethical clothing manufacturers to create their clothing lines, or they make them themselves. Fashion start-ups are also keen on improving their environmental impact and adopting responsible business growth.
When looking for fashion start-up brands to support, researching is key. These brands tend to use social media platforms, particularly Instagram, as their primary marketing tools. This should not be surprising since 71% of consumers say that social media affects their purchasing decisions. As such, browsing through social media platforms is a good way to go when looking for start-up brands to support. Look for brands that are in line with your personal style so that at the end of the day, you still end up with a cohesive wardrobe.
Try DIY Kits
The main point of DIY fashion is to do things yourself, so it’s good to also learn how to alter your clothing and accessories – things like sewing patches, tie-dyeing shirts, and adding beads and studs to your existing clothes will go a long way in revamping your old clothes. Honing the skills and acquiring materials for your DIY projects are easier these days as well. There are countless websites dedicated to DIY tutorials, and DIY kits are also available online.
One tip is to start with easier projects. Learning new skills takes time, so if you’re new to sewing or quilting or knitting, don’t expect to be an expert at it on your first go. Look for tutorials done by experts, ideally those with detailed explanations. Finally, instead of splurging on new materials, try looking around your home for anything that you can use, such as old clothes and fabrics that you can repurpose.
Following these simple DIY fashion tips is a good way to show your style without breaking the bank. Moreover, DIY-ing your own fashion helps you live more sustainably. With a little bit of patience and creativity, you are surely able to come up with a wardrobe that is undeniably you.
