Fashion is personal – it’s how we show up in the world, how we express who we are.
But it’s also powerful. Every piece we buy has a story, and in an industry that’s one of the biggest polluters on the planet, our choices matter more than ever.
That doesn’t mean a wardrobe full of beige linen (unless that’s your thing). It’s more about investing in quality pieces you’ll actually wear, love, and keep for years.
Here’s how to start building a more sustainable wardrobe that feels just as good as it looks.
Image via Bassike
1. Invest in Timeless, High-Quality Pieces
The best wardrobes aren’t the biggest – they’re the most intentional.
A well-cut blazer, a tailored pair of jeans, and a crisp white shirt won’t just carry you through seasons; they’ll outlast the trend cycle entirely. Look for fabrics like organic cotton, linen, and TENCEL™. Not just for their durability, but because they age well, and are easier to care for.
If you’re unsure where to start, begin with brands prioritising quality, timelessness, and sustainability. We love Bassike, Kowtow, and ELK for those thoughtfully designed, high-quality wardrobe staples.
2. The Power of Pre-Loved and Vintage
Buying second-hand is one of the easiest ways to make fashion more sustainable. Shopping preloved reduces demand for new production, cuts down on textile waste, means more one-of-a-kind finds that scream personal style rather than ‘Zara sale rack.’
If you’d rather not spend your weekends sifting through op shops. Depop, or Vestiaire Collective, and The RealReal are fantastic sites for curated preloved designer finds.
3. Sustainable Jewellery
When it comes to jewellery, where and how it’s sourced matters.
Traditional diamond mining has long been criticised for its environmental and ethical implications, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo the sparkle. Enter the best lab grown diamonds – identical in brilliance and composition to natural diamonds but created in a way that’s kinder to the planet. They use fewer resources to produce and eliminate any concerns about unethical labour practices, so you can sparkle guilt-free.
For investment-worthy, ethically produced jewellery, brands like Mejuri and YCL Jewels offer collections that prove sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand. The added bonus? Lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable than the real thing.
4. Ethical and Transparent Brands
Greenwashing is everywhere, which means doing a little research goes a long way.
Need help figuring out which brands are worth your money? Good On You is a great place to start. They rate brands based on their supply chain, materials, and labour practices. If a brand refuses to disclose its supply chain, consider it a red flag.
5. Rent Instead of Buy
Weddings, birthdays, all those big events you’d normally splash out on a new outfit for, but don’t justify an expensive, single-use purchase. Instead of splurging on something that’ll sit in your wardrobe for the next decade unworn. Rent instead.
These days were spoilt for choice when it comes to rental fashion. A few of our picks that have been around for years: Glam Corner, The Volte, Dress Hire AU. Plus, it eliminates the guilt of an expensive impulse buy that sits unworn in your closet gathering dust.
6. Repair, Rework, and Reimagine
A great wardrobe is built to last, but that doesn’t mean it won’t need maintenance.
Small fixes – sewing a loose button, repairing a hem – can keep your favourite pieces in rotation for years. Learning basic mending skills can breathe new life into garments. If you’re not confident in your sewing skills, a good tailor can transform pieces that no longer fit or need an update. Or better still, invest in brands that will repair your clothes for you!
7. Wash Smarter, Waste Less
Over washing wears down fabric, wastes energy, and shortens the lifespan of your clothes. Instead of throwing everything in the machine after one wear, try spot-cleaning or airing garments out between washes. And remember, your jeans do not need washing as often as you might think.
When you do wash, opt for cold water, eco-friendly detergents (we love Ecostore or The Dirt Company), and a guppy bag to catch microplastics from synthetic fabrics. And whenever possible, line-dry – your clothes (and the planet) will thank you.
*This article includes a paid link
We only recommend products we genuinely like at The Green Hub. Every brand you see here has been independently chosen by our editors. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we might earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you.
The brands in this list meet various ethical and sustainable standards, from certifications and factory audits to paying living wages and tracking parts (or all) of their supply chain. But we know ethics very personal. This guide doesn’t cover every factor – like whether a brand uses animal products or where their goods are made – so it’s always worth checking a brand’s About page to see if they align with your values.
And just a heads-up: sustainability is an evolving journey, and companies change over time. If you notice something that no longer adds up, let us know!
