As we inch our way towards warmer weather, one of the most popular summer activities is shopping. However, in recent years there have been severe spikes in overconsumption and fast fashion, where people buy clothes they only like because they are trending and then throw them away after a few months. Here are a few ways to avoid this.

Sit with your purchase for at least three weeks before you buy it. Let the clothes stay in your online cart or in your mind for a little while and after some time has passed look back at them and see if you still think they are worth buying.

Think of at least three ways you would style this new item of clothing. If you are buying a new shirt, can you think of at least three different bottoms and shoes that you would wear with this purchase? If not, then it should go back on the rack.

Look at your own closet before buying new clothes. Is it over-flowing with clothes, are there t-shirts and shoes piled in the back of it? Before you buy more clothes you should know what you have already bought. Go through your closet and decide what you want to keep, what you want to donate, and what can’t be worn as is. 

The clothes that you don’t donate or keep are probably being kept for one of these two reasons; a: you have some sort of sentimental attachment to this item or b: the clothing is too stained or torn to be worn. 

If it is sentimental to you, my answer relies on how many pieces of clothing you are hoarding due to this reason. If it’s only one or two things then I would say keep it, but if it’s more than five, it’s time to either donate them or sew them into pieces of clothing you can actually wear. 

If it is too stained to wear or donate I would suggest cutting the clothes up and using it as sewing scraps for patchwork or rags for cleaning. Both of these uses would be a great way to reduce clothing waste.

If you are really itching to go shopping, then I would suggest thrifting or going to local shops. Thrifting can be a great way to save money and you will find the occasional stunning piece that you wouldn’t be able to find for a reasonable price anywhere else. Local shops can be more expensive but they are a great way to support the local economy and provide you with one-of-a-kind handmade clothing.

Buying clothes can be very fun and great way to treat yourself, just  make sure your being mindful in your purchases and not contributing to the problem!