Is sustainable fashion more expensive?

Not when you factor in cost-per-wear. A well-made item worn 100 times is cheaper per wear than a fast fashion piece worn 5 times. Sustainable habits like repairing and buying secondhand also reduce total spending.

What is the single most impactful sustainable habit?

Wearing what you already own more often. It costs nothing, prevents new purchases, and keeps existing clothes out of waste streams. Everything else builds on that foundation.

Sustainability Tips CapsuleMarch 12, 2025

5 Sustainable Wardrobe Habits That Save Money

Sustainable fashion does not have to cost more. These five everyday habits reduce waste and keep money in your pocket.

Posted by

TRY Team

Sustainability Starts With What You Already Own

The most sustainable garment is the one already in your closet. Before thinking about what to buy next, focus on wearing what you have more often and in more combinations. That single shift reduces waste, saves money, and makes your wardrobe work harder.

1. Wear Each Piece at Least 30 Times

The 30-wears test is simple: before you buy something, ask whether you will wear it at least 30 times. If not, skip it. This one question eliminates most impulse purchases and trend-driven buys that end up donated or trashed after a few wears.

2. Learn Basic Repairs

A missing button or small tear does not mean an item is done. Basic sewing skills — reattaching buttons, fixing a hem, patching a seam — extend the life of your clothes by years. Five minutes of repair beats buying a replacement.

3. Wash Less, Wash Better

Over-washing wears clothes out faster. Unless something is stained or sweaty, most items can be worn two or three times before washing. When you do wash, use cold water and skip the dryer. Your clothes last longer and you save on energy bills.

4. Buy Secondhand First

Before buying new, check secondhand options. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and resale apps often have quality pieces at a fraction of the original price. You save money and keep clothing out of landfills.

5. Build a Capsule System

A smaller, intentional wardrobe means every piece earns its spot. When your clothes all work together, you buy less, waste less, and get dressed faster. Use TRY to see all possible combinations from your current closet before adding anything new.