For those looking for more ethical ways to clothe themselves and their families, in addition to thrifting secondhand, I encourage three things: First, remember that the abundance in the average closet in the West is an historical anomaly, and consider paring back the amount of clothing you own. Second, wear things until they wear out, then patch and wear them even longer. I have clothes in my closet that are 10 or even 20 years old in some cases. You don’t have to buy new things with every season or even every year. Third, consider sewing your own. If that’s a practical impossibility for you, consider if there is a local seamstress or tailor you could support. If entire articles of clothing are prohibitive (would they be if you only ordered once or twice a year?), consider paying for mending services. I’ve taken winter coats with broken zippers to our local dry cleaner, and had the zipper replaced for less than $20, which extends the life of the coat for an entire new user. This both supports your local economy and ensures that the labor going into your clothing is completely ethical since you know the person personally. It also means that your clothing will always fit correctly and be exactly what you want it to be. (Admittedly, other than mending, I don’t exercise the last option myself very often, but it’s worth considering.)
Also chiming in to say that I know of several public libraries in our area that offer drop in mending classes/guidance! Some even have sewing machines!
For those looking for more ethical ways to clothe themselves and their families, in addition to thrifting secondhand, I encourage three things: First, remember that the abundance in the average closet in the West is an historical anomaly, and consider paring back the amount of clothing you own. Second, wear things until they wear out, then patch and wear them even longer. I have clothes in my closet that are 10 or even 20 years old in some cases. You don’t have to buy new things with every season or even every year. Third, consider sewing your own. If that’s a practical impossibility for you, consider if there is a local seamstress or tailor you could support. If entire articles of clothing are prohibitive (would they be if you only ordered once or twice a year?), consider paying for mending services. I’ve taken winter coats with broken zippers to our local dry cleaner, and had the zipper replaced for less than $20, which extends the life of the coat for an entire new user. This both supports your local economy and ensures that the labor going into your clothing is completely ethical since you know the person personally. It also means that your clothing will always fit correctly and be exactly what you want it to be. (Admittedly, other than mending, I don’t exercise the last option myself very often, but it’s worth considering.)
Yes, yes, yes! All great ideas. Especially #1: We simply do not need this many things.
Also chiming in to say that I know of several public libraries in our area that offer drop in mending classes/guidance! Some even have sewing machines!
The Diary of Ann Frank is being banned in schools? Why, in heaven’s name?
And where have I been that this is news to me?