Spring Cleaning *Part Two* Building your Closet Backup Ethically

So, you condensed your closet….now, how do you replenish it ethically, by making mindful choices? Ready to support safe work conditions, fair compensation standards, and reduce your environmental impact?

We purchase and consume more than ever, later leading to mass quantities of unworn or underserved textile waste. The increasing awareness of our impacts spearheads us collectively toward conscious consumption. We can surely evaluate our levels of consumption, directly rooted in one's closet. It is crucial to take time to understand what is most important for you in your everyday wear.  For example, is comfort or performance most attractive? Athleisure and outerwear companies are investing heavily in materials that support the technical performance and longevity, without compromising quality. Brands like Cotopaxi, Prana, and tasc performance put both environmental impact and performance top of mind.  Activewear weighs in on sustainable performance materials, and prioritizes the consumers journey of continued movement.

Indeed, our greatest opportunity lies within our capability to do our research on the brands we support. Marketing and branding “sustainability” is attractive, although in reality sustainability is completely multi dimensional and impacts many value chains. While we are not perfect, we surely do our due diligence to ensure the brands we partner with place the same level of importance in sourcing and sustainability measures. Athleisure and activewear apparel are becoming increasingly attractive following COVID-19, while many individuals are working remotely and seeking around the clock comfort. But what other fitness or physical activities do you participate in? WHAT is it exactly that fuels and empowers you in relation to the function of your clothing?

ActiveThreads specializes in carrying activewear and outerwear brands that empower you in your daily movement. Have a look below at some examples that help guide you toward materials in support of your lifestyle and activity.

Enjoy high impact workouts like running, or spinning? 

• Moisture resistant, wicking or quick drying fabrics are ideal. 
• Seek durable wear that will stand up to consistent wearing and washing
• Compression fabrics will enhance performance and offer support

Prefer low impact workouts like walking, yoga or Pilates?

• Antimicrobial for odor resistance and heated activities
• Embrace softer feeling materials
• Fitted fabrics that in stay in place 

Into outdoor activities?

• Seek sun protection and weather related performance materials
• Breathable fibers to keep you cool and dry during your physical activity
• Consider investing in quality layering pieces that can serve you across activities and seasons

Ethical closet hacks and ideas for inspiration to reduce your footprint by decluttering and revamping:

• Get to the bottom of your clutter. Get organized, know what you have and what you utilize! Host a closet sale once or twice a year to avoid over accumulation. Consider giving a portion of the proceeds to a social or environmental cause
• Work toward a capsule wardrobe. This accentuates what you DO already have
• Innovate and repurpose your current clothing to give it other uses
• Check out thrift stores. By giving clothing a new home, you will minimize the chances these garments will ends up in a landfill
• Choose vintage and gainfully become unique. Improve your buying habits to encourage high quality, eco materials. Similar to consignment or thrifting, you can revamp your ethical closet by purchasing garments made many years ago and (ideally not in a factory)
• Consider investing in staple pieces. We understand your initial purchase may seem daunting for a pair of athletic pants, but for instance if you are capable of investing in such pieces, you can reduce your reliance on purchasing fast fashion. These performance materials are built to last. This is vice versa when you sell your unwanted items to consignment. One man's trash is another man's treasure!
• If possible, do your research when shopping online. Place fewer orders even if you know you will need to return some items. One box out is better then sending items back and forth as you find what you need, and will further minimize your footprint. Less is more.
• Have something unworn? Regift your piece! Find a friend who is new to a hobby. Nothing means more then an item someone gave you to help you get started. 
• Check out social media accounts across various channels, that encourage creativity when reviving your closet
• Keep getting creative! Sustainability is on the rise. Aim for non toxic clothing materials, organic fabrics, and brands that are third party certified (1% for the planet, Fair Trade, GOTS etc)