Our 5 step guide to Conscious Fashion

We all want to make better choices when we shop and ultimately do things that bring us happiness about the items we purchase. Maybe your inner moral compass is finally pointing north and you’re ready to make this transition. However, we understand that making the right choices with our wardrobe can not only feel expensive but also extremely overwhelming. 

Let’s make things a little simple for you. To make the shift towards conscious consumption choices, it’s firstly important to understand what fast fashion is. In simple words, do you ever see rows and rows of clothes in brands like Zara, H&M and other major brands? Clothing racks that change every few weeks or so? They are all a result of fast fashion.

For many of us, the journey of sustainability starts with our wardrobe. Why? Because sadly, the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, impacting millions of people. We as shoppers want to make better fashion and buying choices. We want to do good, look good, and feel good. And if you’re one of those people — congratulations, you’re in the right place! 

At Commnsens, we want to help you make sustainable choices by empowering you with the right knowledge towards taking simple actions. Fast Fashion is a vicious circle really. So how do you get off this cycle? Here’s a step-by-step guide we’ve curated for you! 

1. Question your choices, Hone in on your ‘why’ 

If you were to open your wardrobe and start clearing things out. You’d soon realise how much of it we don’t need or have never even worn. You don’t need to upgrade your wardrobe every time there is a new trend or season. Learn to pick pieces that will last you a long time and can be easily mixed and matched to create new outfits! 

Invest more in sustainable brands, that being said. We understand that most sustainable brands have expensive price tags and all though these brands might seem unrealistic for your budget, keep in mind—fast fashion is commonly known to fall apart in a few months or even weeks due to its poor quality, while sustainable fashion is designed and manufactured for longevity and to make you feel good when you wear it.

2. Buy smart and responsibly 

We understand that there are going to be times when you might need to make a new purchase. In times like this, it’s important to be educated about the brands around you, their values, worker rights and overall credibility.

Understanding who is making your garment, where it’s been made, the fabric breakdown and its process will make it easier for you to know if a certain brand aligns with your values. 

3. Make an effort to upcycle

Nothing holds more meaning than clothes that have been cared for and stood the test of time? Ever wonder how you see girls and boys on Instagram styling their parents clothes from the 90s and you’re sat there wondering how everything still looks so new? Mindful fabric and proper care are the answer to that question. Those clothes come from a generation of slow and thoughtful fashion, where people ensured their clothing lasted them a lifetime. 

Spending time dropping your clothes off at dry cleaners will save you the cost of buying a new item every time.

If you have a skirt that does not fit you? Turn it into a pillow cover! Not sure if upcycling is your cup of tea? Take it to your local tailor! That way you’re not just being mindful about your clothes but you’re also supporting local crafters. 

4. Thrift more and Buy used 

Thrifting does not have to be boring, we’ve got a big collection of stores now reselling new and hardly worn clothes via Instagram. 

By purchasing someone else's garments, you’re not directly contributing to the production of new garments and therefore reducing the waste chain and demand for fast fashion in the long run! Mother Earth, gives you brownie points. 

5. Don’t be scared to repeat and do this for yourself 

Don’t worry about repeating outfits. Try getting creative and showing off the many ways you can style it by putting together a range of looks! Don’t fall for social media stigmas around not wearing an outfit more than once. Rather embrace your values and the love for mixing and matching the clothes you already own. 

The goal is to become more timeless with our purchases rather than following along with trends that only stay relevant for a few weeks before it moves o something new again! It’s almost impossible to keep up, so find items that are classic and easy to incorporate. 

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If you’ve made it this far, thank you! Thank you for trying to make an effort to become more conscious. What matters is small changes for a better tomorrow and we welcome you on to this journey!

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@commnsens.com or join our community on Instagram @commnsens

Love, from team
Commnsens x