Such a good read, so relatable and so important of you to show that thinking about the next buy is already an important and sustainable process - if we all did it more that would already be quite a win
I'm almost 58 and still wearing a few items from the 80s! My favourite jacket was made and belonged to my grandmother... couldn't agree more. Good quality clothing you love and therefore take care of can last a long time.
Sometimes, even with small ethical brands, I just get so overwhelmed at the sheer amount of 'new' stuff that is being created when there is just an unfathomable amount of clothing that's already been made.
I've been so impressed at how I can go on the likes of Vinted / Ebay and find a lightly used (or sometimes not even used!) version of whatever I'm looking for, brand/style/etc, and at least know that my money isn't going straight into refueling the beast that is virgin clothing.
But I've also been thinking about more about the environmental costs and labor associated with delivering a t-shirt or pair of shoes across the country, even if secondhand. However, if we're shopping intentionally and functionally, rather than at the whim of a trend or fleeting outfit inspiration, it seems like the best option? Even then we're only taking it out of the landfill until we're gone -- once it's been made, it's here on this planet and will have to go somewhere when not in our closets. There's no good solution inside an ecosystem that is inherently unsustainable!
Really enjoyed this thread, since moving to the UK from NZ it’s been really hard to find sustainable options outside of second hand but I love the points you made especially about length of a garments life.
Thanks for this. It sucks to feel like whatever decision we make it's the wrong one. Or each decision has dark side. I think the best thing you can do regardless of where the long sleeve comes from, or what it's made of is WEAR IT A LOT. Get use out of it. Make it work for the investment you put into finding it.
To that end: I've found the Tees and Henley's from Helen-Biarritz to be incredible comfortable. There are long sleeve options. Very well made. Incredibly soft cotton. Below is their sustainability commitment page. For what it's worth.
Such a good read, so relatable and so important of you to show that thinking about the next buy is already an important and sustainable process - if we all did it more that would already be quite a win
Think this is a great and relatable perspective, thank you!
Studio Nicholson has nice long sleeves tees… not cheap but can be worn almost everyday for years.
those guys make really nice stuff!
I'm almost 58 and still wearing a few items from the 80s! My favourite jacket was made and belonged to my grandmother... couldn't agree more. Good quality clothing you love and therefore take care of can last a long time.
Sometimes, even with small ethical brands, I just get so overwhelmed at the sheer amount of 'new' stuff that is being created when there is just an unfathomable amount of clothing that's already been made.
I've been so impressed at how I can go on the likes of Vinted / Ebay and find a lightly used (or sometimes not even used!) version of whatever I'm looking for, brand/style/etc, and at least know that my money isn't going straight into refueling the beast that is virgin clothing.
But I've also been thinking about more about the environmental costs and labor associated with delivering a t-shirt or pair of shoes across the country, even if secondhand. However, if we're shopping intentionally and functionally, rather than at the whim of a trend or fleeting outfit inspiration, it seems like the best option? Even then we're only taking it out of the landfill until we're gone -- once it's been made, it's here on this planet and will have to go somewhere when not in our closets. There's no good solution inside an ecosystem that is inherently unsustainable!
thanks for the reminder. and I like your 'chain-of-thoughts' re: your upcoming long-sleeve purchase.
this piece about 'sustainable commerce' might resonate too: https://objet.substack.com/p/telling-the-truth-about-sustainable
Really enjoyed this thread, since moving to the UK from NZ it’s been really hard to find sustainable options outside of second hand but I love the points you made especially about length of a garments life.
Good stuff. Erm, still want a sustainable rugby shirt.
second hand is the way to go here, IMO. so many cool vintage rugbys out there
Not sure if your UK based but these have some nice options.
https://communityclothing.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw26KxBhBDEiwAu6KXt2FJrWNr2LiFML1QjSC5W4NW685qnNpm3N2iSGmCJKxP3p-iL-JR4xoCTH0QAvD_BwE
Thanks for this. It sucks to feel like whatever decision we make it's the wrong one. Or each decision has dark side. I think the best thing you can do regardless of where the long sleeve comes from, or what it's made of is WEAR IT A LOT. Get use out of it. Make it work for the investment you put into finding it.
To that end: I've found the Tees and Henley's from Helen-Biarritz to be incredible comfortable. There are long sleeve options. Very well made. Incredibly soft cotton. Below is their sustainability commitment page. For what it's worth.
https://hemen-biarritz.com/our-commitments/?v=7516fd43adaa