/ot/ - off-topic

where i live there is a huge national charity that takes old clothes and makes them new. I also think H&M has a campaign with used clothes or something.

When I was a kid I used to donate my clothes to orphanages where I lived and in Russia/Ukraine.

>>220487
That's a good question. My old clothes basically just gradually disappear as I have two siblings. Aside from that, I don't buy new clothes more than two times a year or so.
Where do you people buy your clothes in the first place? I prefer Zara because it does seem to be at least not as shit as H&M in terms of labour conditions since it's mostly produced in Europe, but I'm aware that Zara is, in absolute terms, still a bad company. I just don't think that buying at high end stores is automatically better for it seems these companies just spend more on advertisement etc. instead of paying decent wages and caring about the environment.

>>220487
>>220489
When I got into high fashion, I became really aware of how fast fashion is so excessive and cheap. Don't expect people around you to be nearly as conscious about it as you are. It's basically ingrained into society that if you spend more than $20 on a t-shirt or blue jeans that you're ironically the wasteful one. They will absolutely shame you over making an expensive purchase that are more ethical for the environment, factories involved, and industry.

If you're worried about the environment in particular, look into organic clothing or simple reputable labels that are open about factory conditions and how they're made. Clothing is notorious for being one of the most "dirty" industries, with how toxic dyes are, bleaches, and awful factory conditions. Look into silk worm farms if you want to be angry.

You need to run far away from common brands if you want to get away from things like that. Pretty much, if it's in an average mall, it's likely guilty of all of thee above unless they explicitly state otherwise. Some may state "we got good factory conditions" but that doesn't matter if the factories are polluting the environment. You're just going to have to pay more for very ethical clothing and can't deceive yourself into thinking something like H&M is good just because it's made in Europe. Fast fashion is basically a detriment to fashion as a whole.

I cleaned out my closet a couple years ago and barely have clothes now. I like shops like Everlane, and have been pickier about my clothes. That way I’m buying something that not only lasts, but I will actually keep for years and will be able to donate if I ever do.

I think fast fashion is ok, once in a while I need something affordable. But seeing so many people buy so much just to toss it out when the next trend comes in gives me a lot of anxiety when I think about it and my role.

I can’t afford anything too expensive, but I try to save up and find places that are more conscious of the environment, consumers, and ethics.

Sorry for any mistakes. On my phone.

>>220489
I'm OP, and a lot of my clothes I buy secondhand already. I'm also into lolita and usually buy from the big brands. With my regular clothes (work stuff) I have a few online small business I like to order from, but I can't deny that there have been times I've bought from H&M or Forever 21 when I needed something cheap and quick (I know these are terrible businesses to support and I want to stop).

hey i have some experience working at a thrift store. unfortunately you are correct and a lot of clothing does get thrown away, some because it was disgusting and some because we simply didn’t have room. the whole system was pretty janky because the back room would already be overflowing with things intended for recycling and we had to watch out for things being piled up over our heads etc. so if you do have actually crappy clothes and rags, just mark the bag as intended for recycling because it then has a better chance of getting a second life. on a better note the textiles that make it on the right truck actually do get recycled, i’ve seen the rags for sale at hardware stores and stuff.

it is good to be thoughtful about where your things end up, but also don’t stress too much becaue most of your things will eventually end up in a landfill anyways.

ultimately fast fashion and over consumption in general resembles a sort of spiritual sickness from which i feel the cure is just abstaining from want. if you can free yourself from desire for something then it’s kind of like you already own it.

i say all that as someone who loves fashion btw. personally i bought the majority of my wardrobe secondhand, for philosophical reasons but also it’s just cheaper. i also have a capsule wardrobe which has forced me to be conscientious about every single item since it has to go with everything. i don’t really purchase on whims anymore because it would just stress me out. and just to be fair i think it is sustainable to buy nice durable things brand new if one is able to

i still have a long way to behave more conscientiously but i do love that sustainability is popular right now because it’s absolutely necessary. and to answer your last question - tbh i don’t have anywhere i love to shop right now but i would love to find some conscientiously made and also cute undergarments

>>220495
Ty for weighing in. I appreciate the tip about labeling bags that should be for recycling and I'll try that next time I donate.

I also think capsule wardrobes are a fantastic idea, and luckily there are many small businesses who do collections like that (they can be expensive, but I think it's better to save up for items in the collection once or twice a year instead of going to the mall every other weekend).

It's sad how much of our culture is just buy buy buy and then throw away. It doesn't help knowing about the people who make the clothing and the hardships they are facing.

>Are there any places you prefer to shop?
I buy nearly all of my tops from Uniqlo because they fit petite frames really well, and they seem to last for a decent amount of time. Aside from buying a couple jfash items to gaze at I just layer solid colored clothing.

>>220495
That’s some great info. I’ll ask at the local goodwill/salvies if they separate the clothing before I donate anything.