Whether you’re planning a little getaway, a longer holiday, or a daring adventure, it’s easy to be tempted by trends and new travel clothes that you probably don’t really need.Advertisers promote the idea that we need to have new outfits for each holiday to look different in every photo. So, many people see their travel clothes as separate from their usual wardrobe and before a holiday, they buy brand new clothes they’re only going to wear once or won’t wear at all.
5 simple tips on being sustainable with your holiday clothes while looking and feeling fabulous.
1. ‘Shop’ your holiday clothes in your wardrobe
We’re not saying you won’t ever need to buy new holiday clothes again, but do resist that initial temptation, we bet your wardrobe is filled with forgotten favourites, versatile gems, and garments that would be perfect for a sunset in Kenya or a stroll around Cape Town’s beaches. So, take everything out your wardrobe and go through it with that mind-set.
1. Master the trick of creating several outfits with the same holiday clothes
When looking for the right holiday clothes in your existing wardrobe, focus on:
- Versatile garments – Basics, neutrals, and monochrome pieces are easy to pair up with multiple clothes. for example, a white t-shirt can go with shorts, a skirt, long trousers, jeans, and even underneath a spaghetti strap dress
- Strategic statement pieces – Rather than bringing multiple clashing ones, consider having a couple of attention-grabbing items like patterned or particularly colourful garments that go well with multiple basics. Take a colourful skirt and a bright pair of shorts, and combine them with different monochrome tops in simple designs, but you might want to do the opposite
- Multi-purpose items – You don’t always need to have different garments for different occasions! For example, the right dress can be worn when sightseeing during the daytime and for a romantic dinner under those foreign skies
- Layers and accessories – These can also give a completely different vibe to the same items
- Thinking beyond one specific trip – Try to ignore the hottest trends and throwaway pieces promoted by fast fashion. Instead, invest in items you can see yourself wearing for multiple holidays or even better, throughout the rest of the year, too
- Keeping your existing wardrobe in mind – When purchasing new holiday clothes, look for pieces that go well with some of your usual outfits. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with something that looks good on its own but doesn’t go with much else and will just gather dust at the back of your wardrobe
- Choosing sustainable holiday clothes – Instead of buying lots of fast fashion clothes that were designed to fall apart after a few wears, invest in fewer and higher-quality staples, made ethically and to last.
4. Think before buying technical outwear and sports gear
Your usual clothes will be just as perfect for most holidays. But what about ski trips, camping, trekking, or other adventures in the wilderness?
On top of the usual waste, technical clothes often involve petroleum-derived synthetic fabrics and harsh chemicals to make them waterproof. So, if you’re only planning on wearing them once, that’d be bad news for the environment.
You could consider investing in high-quality outerwear and gear that’ll last you for years to come. The best choice, if you’re already planning your next adventure or if you tend to go on ski trips every year, choose durable items made by sustainable brands.
5. Don’t forget about your impulse purchase on holiday.
The one last tip we want to share is for you to keep in mind when you’re away. Before buying any clothes on holiday, ask yourself, do I really want or need this? And, will I wear it a good few times once I get home?
- Avoid tacky souvenir t-shirts you’re not going to wear again.
- If you do buy something, consider supporting locals and choosing clothing or jewellery that was hand-made or produced in that area, you’ll cut out the middle man, reduce additional transport emissions, and support the community.
Remember, the most sustainable travel clothes are already in your wardrobe, and if you do need to buy new ones, think beyondone trip.
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