Q: I am a young professional in need of a wardrobe upgrade. But I don’t have a huge budget and I hear a lot about fashion’s role in climate change. I’ve rented most of my suits and dresses for work, and I’ve heard that this approach is less environmentally friendly than traditional shopping. What’s the most sustainable way to build your wardrobe? ? do you have? — Ellen, New York
When it comes to fashion, climate change and best practices, there are no simple answers, and never perfect answers. Well, except don’t buy anything.
There are so many parts in every supply chain, and often so many parties involved, that every choice is really a choice about priorities. Organic cotton is grown pesticide-free (good point) but consumes a lot of water (bad point). Recycled polyester (good) is still polyester (bad). Leather is made from cows. methane It’s exhausting (bad), but as long as you’re eating beef, skin is a waste product and should be used (good) instead of being thrown away.
The only way to start tackling this problem is to understand that every action and purchase has an impact. Overall, you should decide on the choice that does the least damage. So asking this question is the right approach.
Many fashion rental companies are presented as the most sustainable option because they meet your needs for new things without overfilling your closet with clothes. is Making You Sick, author of 2021 Study abroad in Finland As they famously “concluded that renting clothing is worse for the climate than reselling, recycling, owning it for a long time, or owning it for a short time and throwing it away”.
Wicker said some of the study’s assumptions were flawed (and Rent the Runway’s example is: offset has its transport emissions and the public Sustainability policy), the fresh plastic film that comes with each delivery and the required dry cleaning between renters are the main issues.
The point is that “anything can qualify as fast fashion, including rentals and used clothes, if you go through it fast enough.”
Both Wicker and Maxine Beda, executive director of the New Standards Institute, find that renting as one option in their responsible wardrobe toolbox is the best balance. Essentially, we want to build a core piece of go-to work worth investing in. A well-made black trouser suit made from natural fibers, some great blazers, jumpsuits and crisp shirts. You can’t go wrong with a dress. Then complement those pieces with rented occasion wear and trend-driven pieces.
“Personally, I use rentals to borrow costumes for special events such as weddings,” says Beda. “When it comes to workwear, I find a few brands that work well for me and invest a few pieces a year to build my wardrobe over time. Individual items were more expensive than they used to be. But now that I’ve worn it so many times, it’s proven to save money.”
“A home steamer is nice too, so you don’t have to wash or dry clean your clothes every time you wear them,” she added.
She likes brands like hypothesis Wicker suggests scanning, but for her investment work real real Seek out brands like Rachel Comey, sale Or if you can resell your own.
Then take proper care of what you have. (Honestly, I think all schools should bring home economics back as part of their sustainability strategy.) And keep asking smart questions.
Answer questions about your style
In a weekly open thread, Vanessa answers readers’ fashion-related questions. e-mail Also twitterThe question is edited and condensed.