Fashion is personal – it’s how we show up in the world, how we express ourselves. 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.
The good news? Looking good and making responsible choices aren’t mutually exclusive. From investment pieces to ethical sparkle, here’s how to build a sustainable wardrobe that aligns with your values – without compromising on style.
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 that prioritise craftsmanship and sustainability. Bassike, Kowtow, and ELK produce thoughtfully designed, high-quality staples that prove ethical fashion doesn’t mean compromising on fit or aesthetics, making them great investment choices.
2. The Power of Pre-Loved and Vintage
Buying second-hand is one of the easiest ways to make fashion more sustainable.
Shopping second-hand reduces demand for new production, cuts down on textile waste, and delivers one-of-a-kind finds that scream personal style rather than ‘Zara sale rack.’ Plus, nothing feels quite as satisfying as scoring a designer piece for a fraction of the original price.
If digging through racks isn’t your thing, focus on curated resale platforms that do the hunting for you. Try online platforms like Depop, or Vestiaire Collective, and The RealReal for pre-loved designer fashion that’s been curated for quality.
3. Sustainable Jewellery That Shines
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 require significantly fewer resources to produce and eliminate 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 often come at a lower price point, making them a smarter purchase for the long haul.
4. Support Ethical and Transparent Brands
Not all brands that claim to be sustainable actually are. Greenwashing is everywhere, which means doing a little research goes a long way.
Need help figuring out which brands are worth your money? Use platforms like Good On You, which rates brands based on ethical production, materials, and labour practices. If a brand refuses to disclose its supply chain, consider it a red flag.
5. Rent Instead of Buying for Special Occasions
Weddings, galas, milestone birthdays – events that demand a showstopper outfit but don’t justify an expensive, single-use purchase. Instead of splurging on something that’ll sit in your wardrobe for eternity, consider renting your outfit.
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.
We hope you like the products we recommend on The Green Hub. Our editors select each one independently. We may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
The brands included in this list have a range of ethical and sustainable certifications, audits/visits to factories, pay living wages and/or can trace part or all of their supply chain. This does not take into account all personal ethical considerations like the use of animal products and the country they are manufactured in.
We include brands in our guides that are transparent with their practices and continuously strive to improve. Please read the brand’s individual about pages to ensure they meet your personal requirements. Note the ethical and sustainable practices of a company can change over time.
