BY MAKA MUTAMIRI
27 July 2020
Investment is usually associated with spending money on a particular asset in the hope that the asset will yield great results over time. What if we were to take that same concept but apply it to clothes, especially the ones we have locked away in our closets for no one to see? We have all spent hours rummaging around our wardrobes before going out, searching endlessly for something to wear. Top after top. Jean after jean. From skirts to shorts. Suddenly there is a massive pile of clothing on the bed and we somehow whip up the conclusion that we don’t have any clothes anymore. The irony. It’s hilarious what we say to ourselves. The very next day, the hunt for the next wardrobe addition begins as every possible reason to buy something new swarms in your mind. The shopping bug is very real and one of the hardest personal dilemmas fashion lovers face which is why it is part of the first step:
Step 1: Buy less! – Especially when it comes to purchasing things you don’t really need nor will use over time
Redirecting your ears and eyes back to your previous purchases can help you see that all those clothes in your very closet are still calling out to you. The reason why you first loved them can easily come back. More importantly, they still have value. If that old pair of jeans have seen years but hasn’t faded, they are still 100% wearable. But what good is their value if they aren’t being worn? There are ways around making old clothes work for current events, trends and most importantly for you. So, before you click ‘purchase’ on that item that’s been on your wish list, consider if you need it right now?
Step 2: Be creative! – You can change what you think is boring into an unrecognisable clothing item
Investing in the clothes you have is about longevity. Creative methods such as tie-dying, altering designs, painting and even experimenting with different outfits and styles can transform the way you view your current clothing selection. Fashion as we know it is constantly evolving with the new and the old. Before you know it, flared pants are in, animal print is back and even neon. Within your wardrobe, there is already a fresh new look and a comeback season to discover. When you invest some creative time into those clothes you will never call nor see them as dull again.
Step 3: Good Maintenance is key to clothing longevity!
How do you maintain the clothes you have? How often do you wash your clothes? Once or every 2 weeks? Do you repair or dump? Seeing the value and revamping your clothes is one thing but looking after them is another…
Did you know that the recommended wash routine for jeans is after every 3 to 10 wears according to the sustainable clothing brand DEUR? In fact, the king of all jeans, Levi Strauss & Co. advise washing your jeans once a month to help them last in appearance. By taking steps and precautions like washing less, avoiding difficult stains and repairing clothes, you can have lasting items in your closet that you don’t have to throw away because you have invested in them through up-keeping.
Dumping clothes is cancelled in 2020!
Step 4: If you can no longer invest, let someone else invest!
In the case where you absolutely hate that dress, your aunt gave you three years ago, whatever it may be…Passing down clothes to family members, friends and charities is an easy eco-friendly way of investing in the clothes you have. In giving away and hoping that someone else will fall in love with that dress, you have invested in the purpose and future benefits that item can achieve for another person. Investing doesn’t just have to be applied to businesses and the economy, it can be applied to your very closet and fashion lifestyle. With these few steps, you’ll be saving more money, wearing clothes that last you longer, helping others and the environment. Even more so, you will be on your way to becoming a responsible shopper cured of the shopping bug. Who knew an asset like the wardrobe could yield so many wonderful possibilities?