Who said you can’t be sustainable and stylish? Finding an eco-friendly wardrobe for the office doesn’t have to be difficult. There is a variety of workwear choices available that are created to reduce environmental impacts and help to create a greener office. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best sustainable workwear options to help you dress appropriately and stay true to your eco-friendly values.
1. Bear in Mind Eco-Friendly Workwear
It’s important to bear in mind that many workwear items on the market today are eco-friendly — and we should embrace them whenever possible. Investing in high-quality, garment-dyed, organic cotton uniforms protects both the environment and your employees. Here’s a quick guide to why:
- Low environmental impact: Garment-dyed organic cotton fabric uses 20 to 50 percent less water than conventional fabric-dyeing methods, and no harsh chemicals or dyes are used.
- Safe for workers: Organic cotton fabric is free from insecticides and other hazardous chemicals, providing a safer work environment.
- Long-lasting: Organic cotton uniforms are made of sturdy material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, unlike flimsy synthetic fabrics.
Organic cotton fabrics are also incredibly comfortable, offering an excellent way to stay cool and dry all day — making it the ideal workwear fabric for any job. Plus, for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact, organic cotton fabric reduces emissions by as much as 20 percent.
There are even some more advanced eco-friendly workwear materials on the market today, such as bamboo and hemp. Bamboo is naturally breathable, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and hypoallergenic, providing an excellent alternative to synthetic workwear fabrics. Hemp, on the other hand, is extremely durable and resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew, making it a great choice for anyone in need of tough workwear.
When shopping for eco-friendly workwear, be sure to look for fair trade certification and organic labeling, as these marks indicate that the product is produced in a manner respectful of the environment and the people who work to create it. With the wide range of eco-friendly workwear available today, it’s much easier than ever to do your part to protect the environment.
2. Clothing for a Greener Office Wardrobe
It’s important to look the part when you’re heading to the office. But don’t let that look come at the expense of our planet. Instead, find clothing to liven up your office wardrobe that’s also eco-friendly.
Recycled Materials – Reducing waste has become de rigueur. Opt for blouses made from eco-friendly recycled materials, such as post-consumer plastic bottles. As a bonus, many recycled materials are also soft and lightweight for all day comfort.
Organic Cotton – Make sure your office wardrobe is natural. Look for options made from organic cotton, safeguarded from synthetic materials and genetically modified organisms. Since it’s free from chemicals, organic cotton is also naturally breathable.
Tencel – A good wardrobe needs a reliable fabric, and that’s where Tencel comes in. Made from renewable sources of wood pulp, this fabric is lightweight and durable. From shirts to blazers, Tencel is the go-to green collection.
Fair Trade – Get expressively stylish in office-ready shirts made with fair-trade materials. Not only will it make you look great but it also supports a good cause. This is also a great way to add some character to your wardrobe.
Be a trendsetter and elevate your green game. Take your pick of clothing that won’t just help you rock the office, but also help save the environment.
3. Sustainable Solutions for Professional Attire
Employees looking to minimize their carbon footprint while still looking professional need not look any further. There are numerous sustainable options when it comes to professional attire.
Professional wear can be tricky to ethically source, but luckily there are several brands dedicated to providing sustainable solutions. Buying clothes made from natural materials such as organic cotton and wool are a great starting point. For those who prefer man-made fabrics, recycled polyesters, which are mainly derived from plastic bottles, make a great eco-friendly option. From corporate wear to everyday work attire, there are options to suit every style.
A popular trend among those looking for sustainable solutions is choosing to rent rather than buy. Websites such as Rent The Runway allow shoppers to rent designer clothing for short-term periods of time. This is an excellent option for special occasions such as interviews and events. In addition, renting eliminates the need to continually purchase new outfits.
Another perk of renting is that it allows people to experiment with different looks and styles without having to make a large commitment. Renting also removes the need to store items when they are no longer needed, as they can simply be returned after use.
When it comes to sustainability, however, there is no one size fits all solution. The best way to approach the search for green professional clothing is to mix and match sustainable options. As a starting point, here a few ideas to help get you on the right track:
- Try thrifting: Thrifting is a great way to find unique pieces without having to worry about their environmental impact.
- Shop only what you need: When shopping for professional attire, it’s best to look only for items you know you will actually wear.
- Look for durable options: Choosing pieces made from high quality fabrics that will last is a great way to reduce consumption.
With these tips in mind, dressing in a professional and sustainable way becomes much simpler. Becoming more sustainable doesn’t mean having to compromise style, it simply means taking a more conscious approach to the clothing we purchase.
4. Keeping Your Look Sustainable and Chic
Styling your look sustainably is all about finding quality pieces that can last through seasons. While these investment pieces can have a pricier price tag, they can end up saving you money in the long run by being staples of your wardrobe. Here are our favorite tips to make your look last the long haul.
- Choose quality, classic cuts. Look for classic shapes in quality materials that won’t wither away with a few wears. Sticking to timeless silhouettes will help you transcend trends and keep your look relevant even through the years.
- Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. By finding pieces that go with a variety of items in your closet, you can mix up your look with fewer items. That being said, you don’t have to skip out on prints and colors; just look for patterns and hues you can pair with diverse pieces.
- Upcycle, tailor and repair. Upcycling offers a chance to give old clothes new life. Find a tailor to give a pre-loved item a makeover that makes it fit your style or match the current season’s trends. If you invest in pieces that need mending, have a pro take care of any repairs for you.
- Go Mom-style. Don’t be afraid of borrowing from the older generations. My mom’s classic pearls and structured blazers look as timeless today as they did two decades ago. All it takes is a few thoughtful accessories to lend a traditional vibe to your look.
- Create Capsule Wardrobes. Creating a capsule wardrobe is a fool-proof way to make sure the clothes you have are working with one another. It can also make getting dressed in the morning a lot less daunting. Building a capsule wardrobe gives you the opportunity to choose the pieces that you know you will get mileage out of.
With the focus on sustainability in fashion, there is no deny that there is a surge of sustainable options available that won’t hurt your wallet or the planet. Sustainable style is all about acquiring pieces that will last, and with these tips you’ll be able to make sure your look is chic, timeless and sustainable.
No matter what your professional dress code is, why not make a conscious decision to move towards a more sustainable wardrobe? Having environmentally friendly workwear shows that you have your eyes on both the present and the future. With a change in the fabric of your office wardrobe, you can make a positive contribution to the environment.
