I’m fixing a small moth hole in a full length lambswool sweater as I watch this video. This incredibly beautiful garment cost me US $1 at a thrift store and now it will be loved and appreciated again for years! I just love thrift shops!
Same! My latest find was a cashmere/wool/silk/mohair/ hooded cardigan with a few tiny moth holes for Au$20. I have washed and mended it and it's now ready for a LONG second life in my wardrobe.
I was raised to mend clothing and keep things as precious- my family were immigrants from Eastern Europe! I’m glad you are tackling this issue for today’s world and it’s problems, thank you Justine ❣️
I mend my clothes, too! It just makes more sense. By mending even a sock or a pair of tights, I can usually make the item last another few years. As a result, I rarely have to buy new clothes.
Some brands (i.e. Eileen Fisher) take back their clothes, mend them (if needed), and resell directly back to the consumer. I really like this concept as the company is showing their confidence in their quality to show the consumer how their items will look after being used.
In Denmark we have something called "The Collective Closet" (Det kollektive Klaedeskab). As a member, you get points for the clothes/bags ect. you deliver to the shop, and then you can "buy new clothes" from the points. Clothes that has been delivered from other members of course. I looove this concept. In the town where I live they even have hired a tailor, so that every member can get 30 minutes help pr. month from the tailor. Since I have become a member, I have spend waaaay less on new clothes.
I don’t know why no one talks about learning to sew. Fix the rips and hems to thrift flips. Sewing should be part of school curriculum same as cooking for boys and girls
Hello Justine, you’ve really taught me how to shop less and shop better! Would love if you continue to do clothing reviews from brands or comparing clothing items from different brands (like the trench coat one you did). I learnt a lot on how to analyse the fabrics, construction and such!
My great grandmother made carpets out of fabrics, which they don't use anymore, everyone did that, back then. This carpets have a long life, we still have it.
thank you for discussing the fact that “donating” clothes is not the universal solution people think it is. i think it might be helpful if you dived deeper into this topic, e.g. not just how discarded fast fashion pieces aren’t helpful to local people in need, but also how the west’s discarded clothes end up in places like the Kantamanto market, sabotaging local producers and creating mountains of garbage on other people’s doorsteps. side note, you and leena norms really need to do a responsible fashion discussion collab! as always, thank you for raising awareness about sustainable consumption and being a leader in responsible design.
Hi there! I would like to add one detail on the topic of thrifting: I thrift about 2/3 of my closet and I love it so much as there is a real choice in a bigger secondhand/thrift/vintage store. You can browse fashion trends from different eras! I am very bored when I go to "normal" shops as the collections look all the same regarding colours, cuts and even fabrics.
I'd like to see more videos about clothing quality. I liked the format where Justine bought clothes from a fast fashion brand and looked at their construction. I'd be interested in a version of that model looking at clothes in thrift stores
surprisingly i find myself learning from every video, this channel never gets outdated. always thorough, always educative, always competent these aren't simply videos but lectures we need.
This is how I feel as well. I get a lot of trustworthy knowledge communicated in an accessible way that does have real consequences in the way I make decisions about clothing on aspects that I have always wondered but never dug into. Justine's videos are very precious.
My dusting cloths are made from my worn-out 100% cotton knit nighties and PJs, they’re the best. Worn-out cotton towels I make into general cleaning rags. I even cut up old cotton socks, for small “disposable rags” for my husband to check the car’s oil, he used to use my nice, big cleaning rags, then throw them away, and won’t use paper towels because they can introduce bits of paper fibers into the oil. The toes and heels of old socks are great for this, and I cut the main tubular parts of the socks flat for general cleaning rags. My Mom also taught me to use worn-out textiles as much as possible.
I saw a dress on ASOS and immediately went to Vinted and got the dress for £7, instead of £21 in the ASOS sale. A lot of people selling these clothes only wore it once or a few times.
I think these types of tips are just invaluable. Encouraging consumers to make small changes in behavior without demonizing consumers or blaming individuals for not doing EVERYTHING to fix this global issue. Thanks as always for your guidance and wisdom!
Nowadays like 80-90% of my clothes are second hand and I'm never going back! We started doing clothing exchanges in my city and it's gotten really big so I'm super happy more and more people are moving away from fast fashion. We're doing it via volunteers and the clothes are free so I'd really encourage everyone to start and support sustainable community initiatives
I started buying in our local thrift shop this year.. not the curated half-the-price-of-new one, though I also have one cardigan from a place like that, but the mothball overstuffed place. Absolutely worth it, you just have to come in knowing what you're looking for, then you spend some time scanning the rows until you find something that might be it. You don't have to consider every single thing on the hangers. Last month I got a new looking suit vest out of there. Literally no wear signs showing. It cost me 6 polish zloty (less than a loaf of bread from a bakery) and was already there, unwanted. If I went to buy one from a fast fashion brand here I'd need to shell out 120+ polish zloty, for the same quality. Save in both ethics and money, and I get to enjoy this thing I didn't *need* per say, but will wear a lot happily Mom looked at me funny in the beginning. Now she's planning to go there on restock day to find jeans as her old ones are worn out. Win?
Two things Justine. As a bag designer could you incorporate replacable elements, so that the parts that deteriorate fastest can be replaced when they deteriorate without replacing the entire bag? You could also possibly have interchangeable elements (I am thinking mainly straps in this instance) that would work on more than one bag in a range? On a different note could the small advertising pop ups for your products be moved to one of the top corners, as currently they block the auto transcript which will make it hard for anyone with hearing issues. Very happy you made this video, as it helps clarify what we as consumers can do to help stem the appalling waste in the fashion industry.
Justine, when I received my wallet I loved that the label was an offcut of the leather and love that you used the offcuts for something rather than letting them go to waste! I've been buying second hand now for 3 years since lockdown and can definitely advise anyone who is worried about "old clothes" that it is really not like this. Stopped buying any H&M or shein and honestly don't miss it!! Love the videos ❤
I think a video about thrift shopping would be very interesting and valuable. I attempted this a few times but, as a plus-size woman, I found it very difficult to find clothes that fit me properly either in second-hand shops or online (i.e. Vinted). Happy with the high outpouring of videos on sustainability Justine! Thank you so much :)
as a loooong time thrifter/estate saler key is to know your measurements and carry a tape measure. If buying online, get measurements from the seller. Know how brands fit you in certain sizes. (like NYDJ on me can range and so you need to be sure what line you are buying from) Clothing from "the day" is just smaller. Period. If you like a vintage look, there are many youtubers and instagrammers who sew and sewing is a greate gateway into that realm.
ebay can actually be quite good especially if you are into vintage. some sellers are really good about measuring the clothes and posting that instead of just the size included in the garment (since, as we all know, women's sized especially are inconsistent)
I am very tall and finding jeans that fitt in stores is already challenging. Second hand impossible. I love buying knitted sweaters en t-shirts second hand. Vinted is amazing, as long as you buy kwality brands. Other stories is my favorite.
Yes, I try to do this. And very good point about the 'donation'. Most clothes are so bad (and there is too much of it) that they will be thrown away anyway after you donated them. Some extra ideas: Nr. 7: making your own clothes. Nr. 8: taking very good care of your clothes, so that you can use them for a long time. Nr. 9: not buying clothes of bad quality that are out of shape or broken within a month.
Thanks for the tips! ❤ I’m below the poverty line right now but after finishing school I’d like to curate a more sustainable wardrobe. Secondhand is my budget!
Very nice video. I’m a sewist and there is a lot of excess cloth when cutting things out. I’m trying to reuse as much as I can: pockets/linings out of scraps, pet beds stuffed with excess tiny scraps, layer four old tshirts and serge edges for best rag you’ll ever have, and I want to start quilting. Sewists can also find donated fabric, sheets, or curtains for garments and bags. I sew my clothes with French and felled seams so they last a long time. Quality matters and keeps clothes lasting longer. In the sewist community, mindful mending has caught on where you have colorful and/or decorative mending similar to Japanese style of making flaws highlighted and beautiful. Could you also discuss how only a small fraction of donated clothes are reused. And how it can negatively impact garment industries in poorer countries?
The one not mentioned in this video; mend your clothes as needed in order to get more life out of them. The vast numbers of people who cannot even resew a button is ridiculous. Mending a seam also is quite easy to do. If you have kids, just have the clothes go on down the line to the next child. It does no harm and saves a lot of money. Just make sure that the clothes are classic instead of a fad. An aside to thrift stores, my nicest clothes mostly come from there. Well made blazers of natural fibers. I found a long black wool coat at the Goodwill a few years ago by Liz Claiborne that still had the factory finish on it. It cost me $13 to buy it new would have cost me over $200. I love it.
Since I’ve started my capsule wardrobe I’ve never dressed so well and also, I really wear everything I own and so many times… it really pays off and it also made it a lot easier to get ready in the morning 🥰
My youngest daughter, 10 yes old, asked me to help her upcycle a cotton dress, it was a nice experience she is happy with her "new" skirt.thanks Justine!
I have been "shopping" my own wardrobe lately & "refurbishing" via alterations, etc....what ever I don't want anymore I have been reusing the fabric for clothes for my granddaughter (kids grow fast!!) My clothes have always been classics & natural fibers..Sewing is a relaxing for me as well as creating "new things" Been sewing for 60yrs. since I was 10 yrs. old. My Mom sewed also....she made my kindergarten coat from her fabulous tweed wedding suit she made for herself!
Merci, Justine! What a week: four Justine videos in a row, a series dedicated to the all-important topic of buying sustainable garments over fast-fashion crapola. Thank you for answering the “how do we do it?” question, which I hear a lot. I’m particularly interested in your notes on finding circular fashion brands & on upcycling. I’ve seen some recent mentions of the Japanese mending technique (sorry, can’t remember the name) that foregrounds the mend rather than trying to hide it, making the mend a beautiful enhancement of the piece, as they do with ceramics. Why shouldn’t a good garment become even more beautiful & intriguing with age, just like us humans?
There is nothing except the cheapest, Mexican-brand, worn-out, polyester clothes in local thrift shops where I live. They are in such poor condition that they are not really saleable, they should be sent for recycling instead. The reason for this is that the thrift shop workers are professional resellers and they get to take the best of the donations for free before they ever get to the shop floor. That’s the only reason they work there, at minimum wage, they are making excellent money reselling the high-end items that are donated by the very wealthy community here. I found only one cotton shirt, after many times going through all the shops, but it had a huge India ink stain right down the front, but still cost $10! The was little, if any, usable fabric at all. After working at this for a few years, I gave up, I couldn’t find a single natural-fiber garment in usable condition, in any adult size. I’ve checked out many resale online shops, the garments are in better condition, but again, are all synthetics, which I can’t wear. I never found a single wool, cotton, linen or silk item I could wear, not even a scarf!
Since the UK high street shops went mostly on line I find it difficult to buy new clothes. I don't buy on line because it's never a good fit and it's never right for me. So I just haven't brought new clothes for a very long time. I did however have enough clothes to last me a very long time. I now need new things but just don't know how to go about buying them any more because my local shops are rubbish. I also find that I can't afford to buy quality clothes anymore. I must be really good for the environment because I don't buy full stop. I do feel that I am starting to look a bit scruffy though. I just don't know what to do about it. Second hand is not an option for me.
I have learned so much about sustainable fashion from you. I was always a thrifter, but I also enjoy buying fabrics that I like at the thrift store, cutting them up and make them into something even more useful for me. I've also had luck with the rehab of vintage bags, which allows me to continue to buy a design that I particularly like.
I really agree about the vintage shopping points you made. I was really turned off by shopping vintage until I realized it was the sensory experiences that made me want to run away and not actuallythe clothes. I started shopping thrift online where I could avoid the weird smells and piles of clothes and cramped spaces that made me want to leave the store. I also find that I get a much better fit for my clothes when I shop thrift online because the sellers are more likely to clearly list measurements instead of number of letter sizes. The quality is often better and more durable too.
I would love a refresher on how to spot quality construction, finishing and materials used, and why it's worth it to not settle for less. E.g., what are the advantages to lining a skirt or trousers? What does a sturdy buttonhole look like? How to tell if buttons have been properly sewn? When do seams need to be enclosed (silk?) and when is overlocking an ok choice? etc.
💖THIS!!! Your encouraging of people to stay away from Earth destroying fast fashion & promoting shopping thrift shops / higher-end consignment shops, etc is a major reason that Justine Leconte is my favourite RUclips channel for fashion. Once a year a growing circle of friends gather in one of our homes and bring our clothing to Swap and we have a great night of finger foods and cocktails. Any clothing article left over is donated to a non-profit previously chosen from a "hat" Thank you, Justine! 💗
Hi J! Would love to learn more about upcycling. And I think during our grandmas generation this was and is an apparent and practical way of reusing garments that has been partially damaged or what have you. All of a sudden I feel like I can’t keep up with your frequent video uploads 😂 but I love it though 😊
I still have some quilts made by my grand mother from clothes that I grew out of. They are my most prized possessions since they have great sentimental values to me.
Hello Justine, I have loved your videos for years. Thank you for teaching me so many useful things. One thing I still struggle with is knowing which pieces to buy. I wasn’t raised in an environment where expensive clothes were bought. The goal was always to just find the cheapest items. I want to do better but it is hard for me to spend hundreds of dollars on any one piece.
You can find quality 😊n sale. You have to remember - when you pay more and purchase higher quality, you will have those clothes for years. Divide the price by estimated years and you won’t feel so bad.
Alyssa Beltempo has a podcast called Sustain This with 2 other content creators about this exact topic. It’s great to listen to and they all have great insights.
Fabulous video, Justine! I try to only buy pre-owned clothes, and am pleased that you promoted this idea. Also, good to have learned about disassembling. Thank you!
I'd be really interested in videos about what you can turn clothing into when damaged and/or how to fix them easily by yourself. :) But the other topics also sounded interesting. :)
Thank you, Justine! I think I'm pretty good about buying quality clothing that I use for years (and years and years), but the brilliant concept of designers designing items and clothing with its eventual deconstruction in mind was new to me. I would love it if you would make more educational videos along the lines of this one and continue a "deep dive" into the topic of more conscientious consumption and using things up.
So good to hear this from a designer! I have been mending and upcycling since my teenage years and now my children do the same. And I'm happy, we all like to shop second hand and thrift stores. Your video just gave me a big boost doing the right thing! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I appreciate your videos so much, and anything about upcycling, thrifting, and sustainability are always of interest. Thanks for creating worthwhile content and inspiring us all on our fashion journeys. I appreciate you!
First I would like to thank you for raising awareness about clothes donation consequences. I think it needs to be said more. I've recently talked to someone who is involved in donations regarding refugees and they were specifically talking about how people DUMP their useless clothing and then encourage others to donate this way fully, I repeat, fully believing refugees need thin polyester evening party dresses and whatnots. Generally I have been told, unless it is for homless in the winter, nobody needs clothes to be donated anymore. Secondly, although it isn't the greenest, I think it still is greener than nothing, and as stated by a couple other commenters, it shouldn't be our deep guilt of not wanting to change our entire life because the companies refuse to do anything about the planet! So, making your own clothes. Yes, you'll purchase new fabric (ofc very often you can upcycle, too my mother just thrift some curtains to chop up for chair coverings ;) and other bits, BUT I firmly believe that garments made with one's own hand more often than not are much more cherished than anything store bought, also maybe passed down to the next generation. At least that's how I grew up. My wardrobe is one third home made, one third thrift/hand me downs and one third new garments. And in this I calculated tights and underwear, too. Otherwise I can probably count on one hand the new things I have bought for each season, now not every year, but overall since I'm alive :D And the older I get, the less satisfied I become with store presented garments, including many high end brands, too!
One of the best things we can do is to keep wearing what we already have. I altered myself everything I could, several times. Even though I’ve lost 50 lbs. over the last 5-10 years, from aging I suppose, I only just this autumn bought new clothes. I hope I don’t lose more weight, it’s expensive buying new, natural-fiber clothes. I hit the limit of how much clothes could be sized down, having gone from a US size 16 to a size 6 already. I put on an old dress this morning, but it won’t even stay on my shoulders, I’ll have to donate it, it’s in perfect condition. Trousers are the hardest, they have to be able to stay up on my skinny hips. I’m always putting back-elastic into my skirts or taking shoulder darts in my tops, to make them work just a bit longer. But, clothes that much modified won’t appeal to re-users, so I’m rethinking this, perhaps I should just donate them instead of making alterations.
Very good point about donation. I think many people think getting their clothes into donation bins means they are helping the less fortunate. But I have heard that many of the bins serve to benefit huge companies that collect them and re-sell at high prices again in developing nations. In the end no needy person is benefited. If you have some more info on the path a „donated“ fashion item takes, it would be interesting to hear. I receive lots of hand-me-downs of good branded coats and tops. The ones I cannot wear and are still in good condition are taken to the local Red Cross shop, where I also bought some great winter coats for my child at prices so low you wouldn’t believe it. I also buy toys like jigsaw puzzles there, and re-donate them if they are in good condition. I think this is how the world should function, but the stigma is real.
Hello Justine, ive lately been interested in linen when i choose to buy new. Mostly this is because it biodegrades in the end and i understand it takes less water than cotton. But im not sure about durability and upcycling this textile. Could you share with us, your thoughts on the sustainability of manufacture, use and upcycling of linen please. Ps. Im so much more informed since i found your channel. Thank you for your work in educating the community
i'm interested to hear more about clothing rental services. I never looked into them, but was surprised you brought them up because when i first heard about those kind of services, i automatically thought, "oh classic greenwashing. They must be sending people fast fashion overstock that would be dumped new, only for the consumer to wear once and then dump anyways, but let them think its 'sustainable'. " I'm sure not all are created equal though.
There are some articles online. The downside is that drycleaning is often used and items still get shipped around. No doubt somebody has calculated how many times a garment has to be rented for it to be less damaging for the environment than a new item? The prices are reasonably high, to me it makes more sense to get used or only rent high couture which I cannot afford anyway. But for people that need a lot of partywear perhaps it is a good service?
Justine, I was wondering if you know anything about clothing recycling options like For Days. My understanding is you pay for a bag to be shipped to you, you fill said bag with damaged unwanted clothing, mail it back to them, and they recycle/repurpose the fabric and give you credit toward a future purchase on their website. It sounds to good to be true! Love your videos. Thank you for providing us resources for more sustainable fashion!
Brilliant as always! I am so happy that you brought up the subject of donating! It is something I think you could do more with. I think it is a big misstake to donate! Especially if you have that in your mind from the start ” someone else will need this after me” ( and then think ”so I can buy more”. Every fast fashion piece you buy stimulators more fast fashion even if you buy it in a second hand shop I read some where.
Brilliant. Thank you Justine!! Excellent thought-provoking arguments I can use to discuss with my friends and family to inspire them to consider when clothes shopping. One of your best (and you have a lot of good videos!)
I LOVE upcycling! It’s a great creative outlet for me, plus I save a FORTUNE on clothing and soft line domestics (pillows, napkins, etc). As a bonus, I’m keeping clothing and textiles out of the landfills. My latest project is upcycling good quality but inexpensive bags and shoes. I experimented flipping a pair of shoes by using leather dye and paint for the soles, and they looked AMAZING. No, I didn’t try to make the Louboutin knockoffs - I dyed a leather pair of shoes from beige to gray, and I painted the soles pink.
Could you do a video about the transport of fashion? If that's a topic you're happy to cover. I never want to buy from even sustainable companies that are based in the US or Canada, as I live in the UK and I just feel like the carbon footprint of the shipping would be HUGE!
I completely agree on the fact that thrift store owners are soo knowledgeable about each garment and some even know their detailed history! Also yes, one more thumbs up from me to Vinted-my whole family has had a good experience so far
As I already mentioned, 90 percent of my clothes are from thrift stores. You can get very original pieces and it's so much cheaper! What's not too like!
I love hearing about designing for circularity! I am working in the manufactuirng industry (not the fashion industry) and Circular Design and Eco Design are hot topics! I also wish you all the best with the Elixir collection.
I wanna see a thrift shop visit video with you! Even if you dont buy anything, I just love to browse through thrift shops all over the world and see whats up, plus would be nice to hear you talk about some good finds you come across in terms of recognising quality etc
Growing up as a teen and in my early 20s i was really into alternative style and still am, reworking clothing is still huge in that scene, i constantly buy patches, safety pins, studs, etc to rework stuff, a lot of my work stuff will get reworked into that lifestyle with some of those pieces being reworked into something else such as cleaning rags or patches for jeans in order to be dresscode compliant at my job, chores around the house, hair wrap, and even graphic tees will be reworked into a blanket that meet smy style, even my home has used stuff nothing matches some of my favorite pieces i bought 10 plus years and still in great quality, and yes some pieces are from fast fashion but that stretched out sweater from forever 21 that lost its shape after 1 wash has now been reworked into a sweater dress, or cropped into a boxy sweater with distressing and safety pinned to match my style
Thank you for your videos, you really changed my perspective on clothing! In Italy we have a beautiful reality called Rifò, which sells garments and accessories made with recycled fabric (cotton from denim and cachemire mainly) I think a deep dive into recycled fabrics with pros and cons would be interesting!
I appreciate your channel and others like it because it has definitely made me more aware of what I am purchasing and why I am purchasing it. I am mostly so my clothes now but I am finding that I don’t need as many as I think in spite of my vast stash so I have learned to just use what I have. Right now much of my stash is in another country and another continent so it is inaccessible so what I am doing now is having no more than three projects worth of fabric and materials purchased at any given time which is keeping me honest and minimizing my shopping. It’s not always easy.
When you are donating clothes check to see if there is a bit for profit or business that takes old clothes and turns them into rag bundles for resale. Also remember old towels are often in demand at pet shelters and vets.
My last 2 purchases were a beautiful wool kilt, as new bought on eBay. I just had to shorten it and press it. The other was a wool Harris Tweed jacket. I have just shortened the sleeves and plan to upgrade the buttons. I will wear these garments for years to come because they are quality classics that don’t date and look individual and fab.
I purchased a Saville Row tailored suit (jacket and two pairs of pants) in excellent condition from my local thrift store. $150 for the lot. Would have been easily four and perhaps five figures new.
This video, your videos regarding core wardrobes, purchasing fewer properly fitting, good quality, versatile clothing items, and additional videos are truly helpful. It is not easy to locate such clothing, but I'm always determined.
I strongly agree. I have always moved my clothing along to my friends and or work mates. I love seeing the clothes walk back in on someone else. Great advise. Thank you
Two thumbs up. Thank you, Justine. Now, to be of the mindset, to implement these strategies. That is the toughest part for me. My clothing was “third” me down, from cousin, to sister, to me! Being very thin as a child, I always got two years out of each garment. The first year, they were too big! I’m wondering if that’s why my sisters and I over buy clothing. I am more conscious of my choices, as I’ve begun Swedish Death Cleaning. (The method really needs a name change!). I’m much more conscious now, then I’ve ever been about purchases, but the bar is set low. Thinking along the “deconstructing” idea, I plan to be much more vigilant. Thanks again. Have a great holiday!
Here in the US, thrifting is huge business. We have chain brick and mortar stores, online stores, major charity shops like Goodwill and Salvation Army, local charity shops, and random thrift and consignment shops. Fast fashion traps consumers with cheap clothes that don't last. It's hard to afford a more sustainable wardrobe when you have to replace so much of it so frequently. The easiest and most ethical way to buy clothes with higher quality fabric and construction at fast fashion prices is thrifting.
Are you near a cobbler? Zippers etc can be repaired and replaced. Straps can be shortened or replaced with something else. I have changed out one of my purses to a chain (a former chain belt) strap. A second hand belt can be turned into something complementary. It is true that it may not look the same, but it can be reimagined.
Thank you for this video. I thought that i had done a lot of things regarding reusing clothes, but you informed about several more. I wish we hade good second hand shops where i live, but they have not so good quality - yet....
I have never bought anything from a thrift store, but I use a lot of second hand garments: every season I purge my closet and then, change the clothes I don't want anymore with my family! I like calling it "going shopping to the auntie's wardrobe"
I would love to keep my garments around for longer but I have noticed a decrease in the quality of the cottons and/or weaves over time. When I was younger, I had shirts for many years and they would only fade. Now, after only 1-3 seasons, the shirts have their first holes, lose their seam alignment etc. I have found this to be true even at higher price points and fair/sustainable brands. For me, willing to use clothing for longer, it's very frustrating. I'm buying more and more used to reduce my impact and have had good success on EBay and (EBay) Kleinanzeigen (Germany). Many of these used clothes are practically new.
I'm 35 and still wear clothes I bought when I was in middle school (just stopped growing; I'm 5'1 and about 100 lbs). The last article of clothing I bought was 9 months ago when I finally had to replace my work boots, since the marine sealant couldn't take any more layers without cracking. Get stuff that's designed to last if you have an active and physical lifestyle. Three good pairs of Carhartts will last longer than 50 pairs from the mall or the thrift store. I'm doing my part. 😂
Clothes rental sound great, for occasions, for example I only wore my prom dress ones and I always hate to buy things which I wear once. In my country mostly everyone( women) they rent their wedding dress.
I would like to know more about ways to use torn or damaged clothing to make other things like bags, etc. I try to use some things as rags, but sometimes things that have been dyed (like denim) bleed the dye if you use it as a rag. I’m sure I can find vids on RUclips, but just a thought.
Growing up with a mother who was a talented seamstress these are things I live by except for second-hand clothing. Only because I really wear out my clothes so they can only be donated for rags. I'm fortunate enough to be able to buy new but then that's not often because I wear out everything I have first.
I have been sewing since I was 9 years old. Think I will be repurposing beautiful fabrics. When combining do you have any tips? Should the fabric be the same density? What different fabrics go well together? (Like cotton and rayon? ) I will say I avoid polyester like the plague! Thank you, Merci Justine.🌸V
It would be interesting (if this happens) if there are cuts or styles of clothes that last better than other ones? I have really enjoyed your videos about prolonging/caring for garments
I've never shopped at Shein, I just got a really negative vibe just from looking at the website. In the last 3 months, I've really started to consciously look at my wardrobe of clothes, and I'm making decisions on quality over quantity.
I’m fixing a small moth hole in a full length lambswool sweater as I watch this video. This incredibly beautiful garment cost me US $1 at a thrift store and now it will be loved and appreciated again for years! I just love thrift shops!
Me too. Love finding wool sweaters. Just got a wool coat for $4 US and had it cleaned.
@@morganqorishchi8181 love it! Thrift stores and consignment shops are my favorite way to shop.
Same! My latest find was a cashmere/wool/silk/mohair/ hooded cardigan with a few tiny moth holes for Au$20. I have washed and mended it and it's now ready for a LONG second life in my wardrobe.
I did the same to a thrifted 100% merino wool sweater. Of course, I frozen it in my refrigerator for a week before the mending.
@h.r7050I'm afraid this will not happen
I was raised to mend clothing and keep things as precious- my family were immigrants from Eastern Europe! I’m glad you are tackling this issue for today’s world and it’s problems, thank you Justine ❣️
I mend my clothes, too! It just makes more sense. By mending even a sock or a pair of tights, I can usually make the item last another few years. As a result, I rarely have to buy new clothes.
That’s so cool! I’m learning how to mend socks now on RUclips and it feels like a super power.
@@CMBauer
That’s great, love it🥰!!
Some brands (i.e. Eileen Fisher) take back their clothes, mend them (if needed), and resell directly back to the consumer. I really like this concept as the company is showing their confidence in their quality to show the consumer how their items will look after being used.
Nudie Jeans does this. They offer repairs for free on their products :)
In Denmark we have something called "The Collective Closet" (Det kollektive Klaedeskab). As a member, you get points for the clothes/bags ect. you deliver to the shop, and then you can "buy new clothes" from the points. Clothes that has been delivered from other members of course. I looove this concept. In the town where I live they even have hired a tailor, so that every member can get 30 minutes help pr. month from the tailor. Since I have become a member, I have spend waaaay less on new clothes.
I don’t know why no one talks about learning to sew. Fix the rips and hems to thrift flips. Sewing should be part of school curriculum same as cooking for boys and girls
Hello Justine, you’ve really taught me how to shop less and shop better! Would love if you continue to do clothing reviews from brands or comparing clothing items from different brands (like the trench coat one you did). I learnt a lot on how to analyse the fabrics, construction and such!
My great grandmother made carpets out of fabrics, which they don't use anymore, everyone did that, back then. This carpets have a long life, we still have it.
thank you for discussing the fact that “donating” clothes is not the universal solution people think it is. i think it might be helpful if you dived deeper into this topic, e.g. not just how discarded fast fashion pieces aren’t helpful to local people in need, but also how the west’s discarded clothes end up in places like the Kantamanto market, sabotaging local producers and creating mountains of garbage on other people’s doorsteps.
side note, you and leena norms really need to do a responsible fashion discussion collab!
as always, thank you for raising awareness about sustainable consumption and being a leader in responsible design.
Hi there! I would like to add one detail on the topic of thrifting: I thrift about 2/3 of my closet and I love it so much as there is a real choice in a bigger secondhand/thrift/vintage store. You can browse fashion trends from different eras! I am very bored when I go to "normal" shops as the collections look all the same regarding colours, cuts and even fabrics.
very true. In thrift shops you can find several decades, styles and trends at the same time.
I'd like to see more videos about clothing quality. I liked the format where Justine bought clothes from a fast fashion brand and looked at their construction. I'd be interested in a version of that model looking at clothes in thrift stores
Great idea
surprisingly i find myself learning from every video, this channel never gets outdated.
always thorough, always educative, always competent
these aren't simply videos but lectures we need.
🙏 thank you
This is how I feel as well. I get a lot of trustworthy knowledge communicated in an accessible way that does have real consequences in the way I make decisions about clothing on aspects that I have always wondered but never dug into. Justine's videos are very precious.
My dusting cloths are made from my worn-out 100% cotton knit nighties and PJs, they’re the best. Worn-out cotton towels I make into general cleaning rags. I even cut up old cotton socks, for small “disposable rags” for my husband to check the car’s oil, he used to use my nice, big cleaning rags, then throw them away, and won’t use paper towels because they can introduce bits of paper fibers into the oil. The toes and heels of old socks are great for this, and I cut the main tubular parts of the socks flat for general cleaning rags. My Mom also taught me to use worn-out textiles as much as possible.
I saw a dress on ASOS and immediately went to Vinted and got the dress for £7, instead of £21 in the ASOS sale.
A lot of people selling these clothes only wore it once or a few times.
I think these types of tips are just invaluable. Encouraging consumers to make small changes in behavior without demonizing consumers or blaming individuals for not doing EVERYTHING to fix this global issue. Thanks as always for your guidance and wisdom!
Nowadays like 80-90% of my clothes are second hand and I'm never going back! We started doing clothing exchanges in my city and it's gotten really big so I'm super happy more and more people are moving away from fast fashion. We're doing it via volunteers and the clothes are free so I'd really encourage everyone to start and support sustainable community initiatives
I really appreciate that you made sustainability a priority in the manufacturing process of your handbag collection.
I started buying in our local thrift shop this year.. not the curated half-the-price-of-new one, though I also have one cardigan from a place like that, but the mothball overstuffed place. Absolutely worth it, you just have to come in knowing what you're looking for, then you spend some time scanning the rows until you find something that might be it. You don't have to consider every single thing on the hangers.
Last month I got a new looking suit vest out of there. Literally no wear signs showing. It cost me 6 polish zloty (less than a loaf of bread from a bakery) and was already there, unwanted. If I went to buy one from a fast fashion brand here I'd need to shell out 120+ polish zloty, for the same quality. Save in both ethics and money, and I get to enjoy this thing I didn't *need* per say, but will wear a lot happily
Mom looked at me funny in the beginning. Now she's planning to go there on restock day to find jeans as her old ones are worn out. Win?
Two things Justine. As a bag designer could you incorporate replacable elements, so that the parts that deteriorate fastest can be replaced when they deteriorate without replacing the entire bag? You could also possibly have interchangeable elements (I am thinking mainly straps in this instance) that would work on more than one bag in a range? On a different note could the small advertising pop ups for your products be moved to one of the top corners, as currently they block the auto transcript which will make it hard for anyone with hearing issues. Very happy you made this video, as it helps clarify what we as consumers can do to help stem the appalling waste in the fashion industry.
Justine, when I received my wallet I loved that the label was an offcut of the leather and love that you used the offcuts for something rather than letting them go to waste!
I've been buying second hand now for 3 years since lockdown and can definitely advise anyone who is worried about "old clothes" that it is really not like this. Stopped buying any H&M or shein and honestly don't miss it!! Love the videos ❤
I think a video about thrift shopping would be very interesting and valuable. I attempted this a few times but, as a plus-size woman, I found it very difficult to find clothes that fit me properly either in second-hand shops or online (i.e. Vinted). Happy with the high outpouring of videos on sustainability Justine! Thank you so much :)
as a loooong time thrifter/estate saler key is to know your measurements and carry a tape measure.
If buying online, get measurements from the seller.
Know how brands fit you in certain sizes. (like NYDJ on me can range and so you need to be sure what line you are buying from)
Clothing from "the day" is just smaller. Period. If you like a vintage look, there are many youtubers and instagrammers who sew and sewing is a greate gateway into that realm.
Fully agree, if you are taller and/or larger, thrifting can be really daunting, and sometimes depressing… and it is easier to buy new then, or to sew…
I have found a lot of stuff on thred up in plus size. It’s still hit or miss as with a lot of thrift stores but a lot of gems!
ebay can actually be quite good especially if you are into vintage. some sellers are really good about measuring the clothes and posting that instead of just the size included in the garment (since, as we all know, women's sized especially are inconsistent)
I am very tall and finding jeans that fitt in stores is already challenging. Second hand impossible. I love buying knitted sweaters en t-shirts second hand. Vinted is amazing, as long as you buy kwality brands. Other stories is my favorite.
Yes, I try to do this. And very good point about the 'donation'. Most clothes are so bad (and there is too much of it) that they will be thrown away anyway after you donated them. Some extra ideas: Nr. 7: making your own clothes. Nr. 8: taking very good care of your clothes, so that you can use them for a long time. Nr. 9: not buying clothes of bad quality that are out of shape or broken within a month.
Avoid over consumption! If you do not need it do not get it! Also, buy clothes made from natural product..cotton, bamboo, etc..
I wonder if bamboo is really natural or it is a scam
Thanks for the tips! ❤ I’m below the poverty line right now but after finishing school I’d like to curate a more sustainable wardrobe. Secondhand is my budget!
There is a gal on instagram who does this a lot, I can't remember her name, but she does show workmanship and materials in fast fashion.
Hi, i mention the clothing swaps that a growing circle of friends and i do once a year with appies & coffee/tea/cocktails. It's so great!
Very nice video. I’m a sewist and there is a lot of excess cloth when cutting things out. I’m trying to reuse as much as I can: pockets/linings out of scraps, pet beds stuffed with excess tiny scraps, layer four old tshirts and serge edges for best rag you’ll ever have, and I want to start quilting. Sewists can also find donated fabric, sheets, or curtains for garments and bags.
I sew my clothes with French and felled seams so they last a long time. Quality matters and keeps clothes lasting longer. In the sewist community, mindful mending has caught on where you have colorful and/or decorative mending similar to Japanese style of making flaws highlighted and beautiful.
Could you also discuss how only a small fraction of donated clothes are reused. And how it can negatively impact garment industries in poorer countries?
This is good for cashmere too visible mends
The one not mentioned in this video; mend your clothes as needed in order to get more life out of them. The vast numbers of people who cannot even resew a button is ridiculous. Mending a seam also is quite easy to do.
If you have kids, just have the clothes go on down the line to the next child. It does no harm and saves a lot of money. Just make sure that the clothes are classic instead of a fad.
An aside to thrift stores, my nicest clothes mostly come from there. Well made blazers of natural fibers. I found a long black wool coat at the Goodwill a few years ago by Liz Claiborne that still had the factory finish on it. It cost me $13 to buy it new would have cost me over $200. I love it.
Since I’ve started my capsule wardrobe I’ve never dressed so well and also, I really wear everything I own and so many times… it really pays off and it also made it a lot easier to get ready in the morning 🥰
My youngest daughter, 10 yes old, asked me to help her upcycle a cotton dress, it was a nice experience she is happy with her "new" skirt.thanks Justine!
I have been "shopping" my own wardrobe lately & "refurbishing" via alterations, etc....what ever I don't want anymore I have been reusing the fabric for clothes for my granddaughter (kids grow fast!!) My clothes have always been classics & natural fibers..Sewing is a relaxing for me as well as creating "new things" Been sewing for 60yrs. since I was 10 yrs. old. My Mom sewed also....she made my kindergarten coat from her fabulous tweed wedding suit she made for herself!
Merci, Justine! What a week: four Justine videos in a row, a series dedicated to the all-important topic of buying sustainable garments over fast-fashion crapola. Thank you for answering the “how do we do it?” question, which I hear a lot. I’m particularly interested in your notes on finding circular fashion brands & on upcycling. I’ve seen some recent mentions of the Japanese mending technique (sorry, can’t remember the name) that foregrounds the mend rather than trying to hide it, making the mend a beautiful enhancement of the piece, as they do with ceramics. Why shouldn’t a good garment become even more beautiful & intriguing with age, just like us humans?
The Japanese visible mending technique is called sashiko. 🧵🪡
I'm happy to say after following your channel for a while now, I've already been following most of these tips :) ❤
There is nothing except the cheapest, Mexican-brand, worn-out, polyester clothes in local thrift shops where I live. They are in such poor condition that they are not really saleable, they should be sent for recycling instead. The reason for this is that the thrift shop workers are professional resellers and they get to take the best of the donations for free before they ever get to the shop floor. That’s the only reason they work there, at minimum wage, they are making excellent money reselling the high-end items that are donated by the very wealthy community here. I found only one cotton shirt, after many times going through all the shops, but it had a huge India ink stain right down the front, but still cost $10! The was little, if any, usable fabric at all. After working at this for a few years, I gave up, I couldn’t find a single natural-fiber garment in usable condition, in any adult size. I’ve checked out many resale online shops, the garments are in better condition, but again, are all synthetics, which I can’t wear. I never found a single wool, cotton, linen or silk item I could wear, not even a scarf!
I always loved upcycling. Many of my tshirts when their colours fade, I turn them into shopping/grocery bags
Justine, thank you so much for talking about this. Keep talking about this and giving consumers knowledge. Cheap prices = exploited labor & pollution.
Since the UK high street shops went mostly on line I find it difficult to buy new clothes. I don't buy on line because it's never a good fit and it's never right for me. So I just haven't brought new clothes for a very long time. I did however have enough clothes to last me a very long time. I now need new things but just don't know how to go about buying them any more because my local shops are rubbish. I also find that I can't afford to buy quality clothes anymore. I must be really good for the environment because I don't buy full stop. I do feel that I am starting to look a bit scruffy though. I just don't know what to do about it. Second hand is not an option for me.
I have learned so much about sustainable fashion from you. I was always a thrifter, but I also enjoy buying fabrics that I like at the thrift store, cutting them up and make them into something even more useful for me. I've also had luck with the rehab of vintage bags, which allows me to continue to buy a design that I particularly like.
I really agree about the vintage shopping points you made. I was really turned off by shopping vintage until I realized it was the sensory experiences that made me want to run away and not actuallythe clothes. I started shopping thrift online where I could avoid the weird smells and piles of clothes and cramped spaces that made me want to leave the store. I also find that I get a much better fit for my clothes when I shop thrift online because the sellers are more likely to clearly list measurements instead of number of letter sizes. The quality is often better and more durable too.
I would love a refresher on how to spot quality construction, finishing and materials used, and why it's worth it to not settle for less. E.g., what are the advantages to lining a skirt or trousers? What does a sturdy buttonhole look like? How to tell if buttons have been properly sewn? When do seams need to be enclosed (silk?) and when is overlocking an ok choice? etc.
The BEST video I've seen on the topic. Congratulations. Very informative. Good luck with your bags.
Justine is blessing us with videos this week!
"Buy what is here already ❤ " Upcycle and deconstructed styling is fun 🌼
I love it!!! it is fun!!!
💖THIS!!! Your encouraging of people to stay away from Earth destroying fast fashion & promoting shopping thrift shops / higher-end consignment shops, etc is a major reason that Justine Leconte is my favourite RUclips channel for fashion. Once a year a growing circle of friends gather in one of our homes and bring our clothing to Swap and we have a great night of finger foods and cocktails. Any clothing article left over is donated to a non-profit previously chosen from a "hat" Thank you, Justine! 💗
Many of the items in my wardrobe are second hand, and I cannot tell you how many compliments I’ve received on them!
Hi J! Would love to learn more about upcycling. And I think during our grandmas generation this was and is an apparent and practical way of reusing garments that has been partially damaged or what have you. All of a sudden I feel like I can’t keep up with your frequent video uploads 😂 but I love it though 😊
I still have some quilts made by my grand mother from clothes that I grew out of. They are my most prized possessions since they have great sentimental values to me.
Hello Justine, I have loved your videos for years. Thank you for teaching me so many useful things. One thing I still struggle with is knowing which pieces to buy. I wasn’t raised in an environment where expensive clothes were bought. The goal was always to just find the cheapest items. I want to do better but it is hard for me to spend hundreds of dollars on any one piece.
You can find quality 😊n sale. You have to remember - when you pay more and purchase higher quality, you will have those clothes for years. Divide the price by estimated years and you won’t feel so bad.
Alyssa Beltempo has a podcast called Sustain This with 2 other content creators about this exact topic. It’s great to listen to and they all have great insights.
Fabulous video, Justine! I try to only buy pre-owned clothes, and am pleased that you promoted this idea. Also, good to have learned about disassembling. Thank you!
I'd be really interested in videos about what you can turn clothing into when damaged and/or how to fix them easily by yourself. :) But the other topics also sounded interesting. :)
Thank you, Justine! I think I'm pretty good about buying quality clothing that I use for years (and years and years), but the brilliant concept of designers designing items and clothing with its eventual deconstruction in mind was new to me. I would love it if you would make more educational videos along the lines of this one and continue a "deep dive" into the topic of more conscientious consumption and using things up.
So good to hear this from a designer! I have been mending and upcycling since my teenage years and now my children do the same. And I'm happy, we all like to shop second hand and thrift stores. Your video just gave me a big boost doing the right thing! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I appreciate your videos so much, and anything about upcycling, thrifting, and sustainability are always of interest. Thanks for creating worthwhile content and inspiring us all on our fashion journeys. I appreciate you!
First I would like to thank you for raising awareness about clothes donation consequences. I think it needs to be said more. I've recently talked to someone who is involved in donations regarding refugees and they were specifically talking about how people DUMP their useless clothing and then encourage others to donate this way fully, I repeat, fully believing refugees need thin polyester evening party dresses and whatnots. Generally I have been told, unless it is for homless in the winter, nobody needs clothes to be donated anymore.
Secondly, although it isn't the greenest, I think it still is greener than nothing, and as stated by a couple other commenters, it shouldn't be our deep guilt of not wanting to change our entire life because the companies refuse to do anything about the planet! So, making your own clothes. Yes, you'll purchase new fabric (ofc very often you can upcycle, too my mother just thrift some curtains to chop up for chair coverings ;) and other bits, BUT I firmly believe that garments made with one's own hand more often than not are much more cherished than anything store bought, also maybe passed down to the next generation. At least that's how I grew up.
My wardrobe is one third home made, one third thrift/hand me downs and one third new garments. And in this I calculated tights and underwear, too. Otherwise I can probably count on one hand the new things I have bought for each season, now not every year, but overall since I'm alive :D And the older I get, the less satisfied I become with store presented garments, including many high end brands, too!
One of the best things we can do is to keep wearing what we already have. I altered myself everything I could, several times. Even though I’ve lost 50 lbs. over the last 5-10 years, from aging I suppose, I only just this autumn bought new clothes. I hope I don’t lose more weight, it’s expensive buying new, natural-fiber clothes. I hit the limit of how much clothes could be sized down, having gone from a US size 16 to a size 6 already. I put on an old dress this morning, but it won’t even stay on my shoulders, I’ll have to donate it, it’s in perfect condition. Trousers are the hardest, they have to be able to stay up on my skinny hips. I’m always putting back-elastic into my skirts or taking shoulder darts in my tops, to make them work just a bit longer. But, clothes that much modified won’t appeal to re-users, so I’m rethinking this, perhaps I should just donate them instead of making alterations.
Very good point about donation. I think many people think getting their clothes into donation bins means they are helping the less fortunate. But I have heard that many of the bins serve to benefit huge companies that collect them and re-sell at high prices again in developing nations. In the end no needy person is benefited. If you have some more info on the path a „donated“ fashion item takes, it would be interesting to hear.
I receive lots of hand-me-downs of good branded coats and tops. The ones I cannot wear and are still in good condition are taken to the local Red Cross shop, where I also bought some great winter coats for my child at prices so low you wouldn’t believe it. I also buy toys like jigsaw puzzles there, and re-donate them if they are in good condition. I think this is how the world should function, but the stigma is real.
Hello Justine, ive lately been interested in linen when i choose to buy new. Mostly this is because it biodegrades in the end and i understand it takes less water than cotton. But im not sure about durability and upcycling this textile. Could you share with us, your thoughts on the sustainability of manufacture, use and upcycling of linen please.
Ps. Im so much more informed since i found your channel. Thank you for your work in educating the community
i'm interested to hear more about clothing rental services. I never looked into them, but was surprised you brought them up because when i first heard about those kind of services, i automatically thought, "oh classic greenwashing. They must be sending people fast fashion overstock that would be dumped new, only for the consumer to wear once and then dump anyways, but let them think its 'sustainable'. "
I'm sure not all are created equal though.
There are some articles online. The downside is that drycleaning is often used and items still get shipped around. No doubt somebody has calculated how many times a garment has to be rented for it to be less damaging for the environment than a new item? The prices are reasonably high, to me it makes more sense to get used or only rent high couture which I cannot afford anyway. But for people that need a lot of partywear perhaps it is a good service?
Justine, I was wondering if you know anything about clothing recycling options like For Days. My understanding is you pay for a bag to be shipped to you, you fill said bag with damaged unwanted clothing, mail it back to them, and they recycle/repurpose the fabric and give you credit toward a future purchase on their website. It sounds to good to be true!
Love your videos. Thank you for providing us resources for more sustainable fashion!
Brilliant as always! I am so happy that you brought up the subject of donating! It is something I think you could do more with. I think it is a big misstake to donate! Especially if you have that in your mind from the start ” someone else will need this after me” ( and then think ”so I can buy more”. Every fast fashion piece you buy stimulators more fast fashion even if you buy it in a second hand shop I read some where.
Brilliant. Thank you Justine!! Excellent thought-provoking arguments I can use to discuss with my friends and family to inspire them to consider when clothes shopping. One of your best (and you have a lot of good videos!)
I LOVE upcycling! It’s a great creative outlet for me, plus I save a FORTUNE on clothing and soft line domestics (pillows, napkins, etc). As a bonus, I’m keeping clothing and textiles out of the landfills. My latest project is upcycling good quality but inexpensive bags and shoes. I experimented flipping a pair of shoes by using leather dye and paint for the soles, and they looked AMAZING. No, I didn’t try to make the Louboutin knockoffs - I dyed a leather pair of shoes from beige to gray, and I painted the soles pink.
Could you do a video about the transport of fashion? If that's a topic you're happy to cover. I never want to buy from even sustainable companies that are based in the US or Canada, as I live in the UK and I just feel like the carbon footprint of the shipping would be HUGE!
I completely agree on the fact that thrift store owners are soo knowledgeable about each garment and some even know their detailed history!
Also yes, one more thumbs up from me to Vinted-my whole family has had a good experience so far
As I already mentioned, 90 percent of my clothes are from thrift stores. You can get very original pieces and it's so much cheaper! What's not too like!
I love hearing about designing for circularity! I am working in the manufactuirng industry (not the fashion industry) and Circular Design and Eco Design are hot topics!
I also wish you all the best with the Elixir collection.
thanks!
I wanna see a thrift shop visit video with you! Even if you dont buy anything, I just love to browse through thrift shops all over the world and see whats up, plus would be nice to hear you talk about some good finds you come across in terms of recognising quality etc
Growing up as a teen and in my early 20s i was really into alternative style and still am, reworking clothing is still huge in that scene, i constantly buy patches, safety pins, studs, etc to rework stuff, a lot of my work stuff will get reworked into that lifestyle with some of those pieces being reworked into something else such as cleaning rags or patches for jeans in order to be dresscode compliant at my job, chores around the house, hair wrap, and even graphic tees will be reworked into a blanket that meet smy style, even my home has used stuff nothing matches some of my favorite pieces i bought 10 plus years and still in great quality, and yes some pieces are from fast fashion but that stretched out sweater from forever 21 that lost its shape after 1 wash has now been reworked into a sweater dress, or cropped into a boxy sweater with distressing and safety pinned to match my style
Thank you for your videos, you really changed my perspective on clothing! In Italy we have a beautiful reality called Rifò, which sells garments and accessories made with recycled fabric (cotton from denim and cachemire mainly) I think a deep dive into recycled fabrics with pros and cons would be interesting!
I only purchase Pre-owned used clothing, and I wear them until they're worn out whilst mending along the way; Then I recycle the garments. xo
I appreciate your channel and others like it because it has definitely made me more aware of what I am purchasing and why I am purchasing it. I am mostly so my clothes now but I am finding that I don’t need as many as I think in spite of my vast stash so I have learned to just use what I have. Right now much of my stash is in another country and another continent so it is inaccessible so what I am doing now is having no more than three projects worth of fabric and materials purchased at any given time which is keeping me honest and minimizing my shopping. It’s not always easy.
Lovely. I keep my trousers for 12 years or more. This is validating.
When you are donating clothes check to see if there is a bit for profit or business that takes old clothes and turns them into rag bundles for resale. Also remember old towels are often in demand at pet shelters and vets.
You're smart, elegant and beautiful. Speak so fluently and poignantly. I look up to you so much
My last 2 purchases were a beautiful wool kilt, as new bought on eBay. I just had to shorten it and press it. The other was a wool Harris Tweed jacket. I have just shortened the sleeves and plan to upgrade the buttons. I will wear these garments for years to come because they are quality classics that don’t date and look individual and fab.
I purchased a Saville Row tailored suit (jacket and two pairs of pants) in excellent condition from my local thrift store. $150 for the lot. Would have been easily four and perhaps five figures new.
This video, your videos regarding core wardrobes, purchasing fewer properly fitting, good quality, versatile clothing items, and additional videos are truly helpful. It is not easy to locate such clothing, but I'm always determined.
I strongly agree. I have always moved my clothing along to my friends and or work mates. I love seeing the clothes walk back in on someone else. Great advise.
Thank you
Ideas for how clothes can be upcycled could be an interesting video idea. I never thought about upcycling jeans the way you described it Justine. :)
Congrats on 1 million subscribers, Justine!
Justine I recently tried on a blazer in a charity shop....used hankerchief in the pocket
Two thumbs up. Thank you, Justine. Now, to be of the mindset, to implement these strategies. That is the toughest part for me. My clothing was “third” me down, from cousin, to sister, to me! Being very thin as a child, I always got two years out of each garment. The first year, they were too big! I’m wondering if that’s why my sisters and I over buy clothing. I am more conscious of my choices, as I’ve begun Swedish Death Cleaning. (The method really needs a name change!). I’m much more conscious now, then I’ve ever been about purchases, but the bar is set low. Thinking along the “deconstructing” idea, I plan to be much more vigilant. Thanks again. Have a great holiday!
Once again, you've made me think more deeply on a few points.
I'll be passing this information on to my four daughters.
Thank you!❤
Thank you for the information and the committment.
Here in the US, thrifting is huge business. We have chain brick and mortar stores, online stores, major charity shops like Goodwill and Salvation Army, local charity shops, and random thrift and consignment shops.
Fast fashion traps consumers with cheap clothes that don't last. It's hard to afford a more sustainable wardrobe when you have to replace so much of it so frequently. The easiest and most ethical way to buy clothes with higher quality fabric and construction at fast fashion prices is thrifting.
How about repairing your handbags? Do you have options to buy spare parts that might brake or get used?
Are you near a cobbler? Zippers etc can be repaired and replaced. Straps can be shortened or replaced with something else. I have changed out one of my purses to a chain (a former chain belt) strap. A second hand belt can be turned into something complementary. It is true that it may not look the same, but it can be reimagined.
Thank you for this video.
I thought that i had done a lot of things regarding reusing clothes, but you informed about several more.
I wish we hade good second hand shops where i live, but they have not so good quality - yet....
After my wedding early in 2024 I’m so excited to support you Justine (and the Earth) and get a beautiful hand bag from your collection❤
I have never bought anything from a thrift store, but I use a lot of second hand garments: every season I purge my closet and then, change the clothes I don't want anymore with my family! I like calling it "going shopping to the auntie's wardrobe"
I just love 2° hand clothes....better Quality at low prices....sometimes almost new....
This is such a neat, helpful guide. I loved your piece of (rethinking) donation and circularity.
I would love to keep my garments around for longer but I have noticed a decrease in the quality of the cottons and/or weaves over time. When I was younger, I had shirts for many years and they would only fade. Now, after only 1-3 seasons, the shirts have their first holes, lose their seam alignment etc. I have found this to be true even at higher price points and fair/sustainable brands. For me, willing to use clothing for longer, it's very frustrating. I'm buying more and more used to reduce my impact and have had good success on EBay and (EBay) Kleinanzeigen (Germany). Many of these used clothes are practically new.
I really liked the story about your grandmother upcycling her jeans ;-) Please, more content about upcycling!
I'm 35 and still wear clothes I bought when I was in middle school (just stopped growing; I'm 5'1 and about 100 lbs). The last article of clothing I bought was 9 months ago when I finally had to replace my work boots, since the marine sealant couldn't take any more layers without cracking.
Get stuff that's designed to last if you have an active and physical lifestyle. Three good pairs of Carhartts will last longer than 50 pairs from the mall or the thrift store.
I'm doing my part. 😂
Clothes rental sound great, for occasions, for example I only wore my prom dress ones and I always hate to buy things which I wear once. In my country mostly everyone( women) they rent their wedding dress.
I would like to know more about ways to use torn or damaged clothing to make other things like bags, etc. I try to use some things as rags, but sometimes things that have been dyed (like denim) bleed the dye if you use it as a rag. I’m sure I can find vids on RUclips, but just a thought.
Growing up with a mother who was a talented seamstress these are things I live by except for second-hand clothing. Only because I really wear out my clothes so they can only be donated for rags. I'm fortunate enough to be able to buy new but then that's not often because I wear out everything I have first.
Thank you for the info, Justine. I’ve learned to become more aware of clothing sustainability through your videos.
I have been sewing since I was 9 years old. Think I will be repurposing beautiful fabrics. When combining do you have any tips? Should the fabric be the same density? What different fabrics go well together? (Like cotton and rayon? ) I will say I avoid polyester like the plague! Thank you, Merci Justine.🌸V
It would be interesting (if this happens) if there are cuts or styles of clothes that last better than other ones? I have really enjoyed your videos about prolonging/caring for garments
I've never shopped at Shein, I just got a really negative vibe just from looking at the website. In the last 3 months, I've really started to consciously look at my wardrobe of clothes, and I'm making decisions on quality over quantity.
Yes. These are great suggestions I wish we all followed.