It is 2019, so it’s safe to say that the look of a particular outfit and combination is not the only thing that matters. Actually, we are slowly entering the age when it is not important at all, it is of what it is made of that counts. Sustainability has become a very important factor in fashion, and not only in fashion, but in architecture and other businesses as well. We all know that we need to keep our eyes open for sustainable materials when buying clothes, but what about when we want to get ourselves a new suit? It is not like there are thousands of stores out there with great suits so that you could choose a shop that makes suits out of sustainable materials. Let’s take a look at several ways in which you can get yourself a suit that both looks amazing and is good for the environment.
Second-hand suits
It is high time we cut the idea that second-hand is poor or bad. Second-hand clothes are as good as the new ones, and even better – they are cheaper. By buying something that is second-hand, you immediately encourage second-hand shops, and thus, in the long run, many people will buy your second-hand suit as well. Of course, if you keep it in good condition. There are amazing shops out there that sell second-hand suits (and clothes in general), and you would be surprised at how many like-new clothes there are. Perhaps you will be able to find the suit of your dreams. On top of it all, there is a possibility of finding a perfect vintage suit that would otherwise cost an arm and a leg. This way, you not only get to look quite dapper, but you also advocate for less pollution and less production of clothes made out of unsustainable materials.
Think tailored
Buying cheap suits means the following: you will wear them a couple of times, then they will be good for nothing (as they were cheap), you will throw them away and they will rot somewhere and hurt the environment because of the way they were made. On the other hand, you can always opt for having a custom-made suit. First of all, this is a good reason as, if you choose a good artist or store, your fashionable men’s suits will last a lifetime and they will forever keep their trend. This means that you will be able to pass it on to somebody else, so you save the creation of one unsustainable suit. Apart from that, stores and tailors who make high-quality suits are usually very careful with the fabrics they use, so you will know that you won’t be doing harm to the environment.
Why not rent
The same thing as with buying second-hand goes here as well. There is literally nothing embarrassing in renting your suit for one occasion. You’ve seen it in movies, and you can totally do that for yourself. However, it is not because of a lack of money that you will be doing this, but because of being sustainable. Renting a suit that fits you the most and returning it will make sure that less low-quality suits, and suits in general, are produced in this world, and we definitely need something like that. This is especially important if you’re not wearing suits very often – why would you go and buy one that is not sustainable only because of that one event that you have to go to? Find a good rental place and rent your next suit. It will look good, you will be saving some money, and you will be doing the Earth a favor.
Know the fabrics
Finally, if you really, really, really want to buy a suit rather than rent it, buy a second-hand one or have it tailored for your needs, you can always go to the store and buy the one that you fell in love with and fits your budget. However, make sure that you at least try and find one that is made out of sustainable materials. This might have been easier said than done in the past, but nowadays there are so many brands (both high-end and casual) that produce all clothes out of sustainable materials, so you just need to look around for a bit. You will definitely find one that you like.
We always talk about how important sustainability is, especially in architecture or in everyday clothing. But nobody mentions how to have sustainable suits, well – here you go. This is possible as well, and the only thing you need is to open up your eyes and think outside of the box for a second.
Fiona Wood is a lifestyle blogger based in Melbourne, Australia. She is a fan of beauty, healthy lifestyle and above all our mother nature. In spare time she plays tennis and travels around the world.
