Cozy and Conscious: Your Winter Sustainable Fashion Guide

In this article, Daisy Culleton explores how you can make sustainable choices when it comes to fashion this winter.

Overconsumption is prevalent in nearly every aspect of our daily lives. From endless hauls on social media to stores filled with the latest trends that will inevitably be discarded once they go out of fashion, making sustainable choices can be challenging. It is exceptionally difficult during the winter season when overconsumption is at its highest due largely in part to Christmas and the New Year, as well as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day sales that seem to last long past their designated days. But there are ways you can stay cosy and stylish this winter without it costing the planet – both financially and environmentally speaking. 

Check Out Your Local Charity Shops

Charity shops provide an affordable and sustainable fashion choice all year round. However, during the colder months, charity shops are often overrun with the winter staples that members of the public have decided to donate during the warmer months. As such, it is good practice to buy your winter necessities, such as hats, scarves, gloves and thermals, from one of your local charity shops. Not to mention, it will also save you a great deal of money as these types of winter accessories are usually priced very reasonably in charity shops.

A Cancer Research Charity Shop in Knutsford. Photo Credits: Roger A Smith on Wiki Commons.

Suppose you can’t find what you are looking for in your local charity shops. In that case, there are also a variety of second-hand selling platforms you can use to source these types of items, including Vinted, Depop or even Tilt, a brand-new marketplace where sellers sell items via live stream.

‘Could I Be Wearing Anymore Clothes’

This winter, channel your inner Joey Tribbiani in season 3, episode 2 of Friends, by mastering the art of layering. You’ll discover that there’s truly no need to buy new this winter once you learn how to create new outfits through layering alone.

Start simple by layering your summer vest under your jumpers or sweatshirts to add an extra touch of warmth. Once you feel ready to experiment, consider pairing a skirt over trousers for a look that will make you stand out in a crowd.

Joey Tribbiani in Season 3, Episode 2 of Friends. Image Credits: @NicoleHaber on Pinterest.

Repair The Clothes Already in Your Wardrobe

Is your favourite winter coat desperately in need of some TLC? Instead of purchasing a new coat, you can refresh your existing one using a patch repair kit such as the one available on the Nordtown Amazon storefront. This kit includes 11 self-adhesive waterproof nylon repair patches in black that are perfect for puffer jackets. However, if you are looking to match your jacket perfectly, @downjacketrepairpatch on eBay provides a more customised service that lets you choose from 29 different shades to create patches you won’t even notice.

SOJO, a clothing alterations and repair platform, is a great option should your winter garments require more than a patch to fix them. With 13 million items being sent to landfill every week in the UK, SOJO was started with the mission to ‘reduce the negative impact of fashion by making clothing repairs mainstream’. You can book online to get your garment fixed or you can get it tailored in person at the SOJO concession in Selfridges.

If you want to support a local, small business while getting your clothes repaired, consider visiting a nearby tailor or even a cobbler if your winter shoes need a new lease of life.

A sewing machinist making an item of clothing. Photo Credits @Liscastelli on Unsplash.

Shop From Sustainable Brands 

If you must buy new this winter, consider purchasing from independent brands that operate using sustainable and ethical practices. For example, Pickles Knitwear, a London-based knitwear label specialising in custom and made-to-order pieces, is a go-to brand for many this winter. Their ‘Guinness is Good For You’ crew neck sweater vest has become so popular with customers that it is now available in jumper form for customers to purchase. Made using 100% soft Scottish wool, it is certain to keep you warm for this winter and many to come.

Caspar the Label, an independent London-based brand which prides itself on utilising deadstock fabrics, as well as a handmade-to-order model, has also released an A/W collection. Featuring intricate long-sleeve shirts, maxi skirts, and a 100% cashmere off-the-shoulder knit available in cornflower blue or black, they offer numerous pieces that are perfect for keeping you stylish in winter weather.

If you're seeking sustainable fashion brands, Instagram is an excellent platform to connect with small fashion businesses. Additionally, the Good on You app empowers users to make more conscious fashion choices by providing information on the sustainability ratings of some of their favourite brands.

With this knowledge, you should feel ready for your most sustainable and fashionable winter yet!

About the author: Daisy Culleton is an American Studies and History graduate from the University of Nottingham. She has a keen interest in both Art and Environmental History.