How many things do you need to buy in a year to save the planet from global warming Fashion

The fashion industry has been on fire in recent years with a new ethic. You can perceive it in different ways, with joy or irritation, but it is so. Recently, we were just talking about why fashionistas are already focusing more on Scandinavian fashion weeks than on Paris or Milan: the fact is that in the Nordic countries, saving materials, recycling, upcycling and other ways to save the planet come to the fore. in front and the fashion adjusts underneath them, not the other way around.

It has become fashionable to go out on the red carpet not in super fresh couture dresses, but in old clothes. Or handing over your designer wardrobe to star kids and demonstrating that even with great affluence, celebrities think about the environment – or at least pretend they do (not a bad thing anymore). Gradually, the topic of nature protection is becoming more prevalent – even the most ardent shopaholics feel the wind of change. And don’t resist him.

Lauren Invik, fashion editor of the Financial Times, says: “I bought 20 new things last year and I didn’t think it was a lot until I did the math. At least it’s better than 2014, when I bought 82 new clothes, shoes and accessories – and still felt underdressed.” What can I say – we get it, Lauren!

According to a study by the Hot Or Cool Institute, to prevent the average temperature from rising further, you need to reduce annual carbon emissions (which are the culprits of our wardrobes) to 128.7 kg. In addition, each country has a purchase maximum that does not allow us to go beyond these limits. For example, fashionistas in the UK and G20 countries will have to reduce their wish list to 9 items.

The same institute calculated that for a comfortable life a person needs 74 wardrobes, from which 20 looks can be assembled: 6 for work, 3 for home, 5 for training, 2 for vacation and 4 for casual outfits. In general, these calculations fit well with the capsule wardrobe theory – only extended. And if it seems to you that 6 pieces for work and 4 for every day are not enough for you, think about it: according to statistics, about 70% of our wardrobes are not used at all!

Based on this logic, Lauren Invik plans to buy only 9 things in 2023, 5 new and 4 vintage or secondhand. It sounds quite risky, but British stylist Lauren Bravo has already invented a similar trick. You can read about the results of her experiment here – and maybe even get inspired to repeat it!

Photo: Jacek Dylag, Artificial photography