How can you choose your next garment?

Whether you are ready to start making an impact, but are still trying to figure out where to start or just need a quick refresher, check out our guide filled with tips and tricks to make your shopping behaviour more sustainable, fun, and rewarding.

What does your shopping behaviour look like? Complete our quiz for a chance to win a COSH! gift certificate!

1. Don’t buy

Probably not the answer that you’re looking for. But yup, it can be that simple. As Westerners, we’re so used to consumer culture that the threshold to buying something new is almost nonexistent. You probably recognize the short-term excitement that comes with a purchase, for it to slowly but surely fade away into just another item in your wardrobe. In the long term, this buying pattern is an unfulfilling process that results in us collectively buying way more than we actually need. So next time you’re thinking about buying something, just ask yourself: do I really need it? If you don’t, you’ll save money and the production impact on the environment. Did you know that the average person spends about €145 a month on clothes? Have you already calculated this for yourself? Maybe you can give your wallet a helping hand by shopping less and more consciously!

Also, by knowing your own style better, you can avoid impulse purchases. That way, you make sure you only buy clothes you will really wear a lot! 

Sometimes you can find real treasures in your own closet. Clean out your closet from time to time and you’ll soon notice that there are garments you didn’t know you had. Who knows, when combined with a nice accessory, you might find a whole new look.

Sometimes you find real treasures in your own closet! Thanks to the COSH! Digital Wardrobe app you can explore your own wardrobe. Simply take a picture of your clothes and the app will create the cutest combinations. This way, you get to see your clothes in a new way, and discover new value in them.

‘Look before you leap’

When you’re considering a purchase, sleeping on it for a night can really help you to evaluate whether you actually need it. Brands can toy with you by pretending that the offer is scarcer than it actually is to make you make up your mind at the moment. If you recognise yourself in such a consumption pattern, consider reading one of these great book tips on minimalism or fast fashion.

2. Repair

There’s no need to buy something new if there’s something slightly off. Some brands offer repairs for free or for a small fee. 

But even you or your local tailor can easily do this. So if you really love the garment or just want to extend its life, it’s time to get started!

Did you know at COSH! we also listed over 40 repair shops in Amsterdam? You can find them here. We have also seen garment and shoe repairers in Hasselt, Bruges, Antwerp and Arnhem joining COSH!

Rather get started yourself?
With a bit of creativity, a little wear and tear is no longer a nuisance, but an opportunity to breathe new life into your wardrobe! Unleash your creativity, learn some fun mending techniques in a workshop and participate in world mend in public day. 

For example, discover the popular repair technique Sashiko! Sashiko is a Japanese way of repairing jeans that makes them stronger. You too can repair jeans by, for example, patching holes with ironed-on or sewn-on patches, changing a button for another (and better) one, or whatever you can think of! 

There are countless repair workshops in Amsterdam. Follow one at De Steek, Studio Koekoek or at the Modestraat. 

3. Rent 

Looking for an outfit for a special occasion? Then renting is ideal! After all, why buy something if you are only going to wear it a few times?

When we need something necessary, our first reflex is to buy something. But have you ever considered the option of renting? Lena’s Library in Amsterdam, for instance, works with a points system that deducts points when you rent something. This ensures that you can revive your wardrobe regularly without buying anything! 

Also take a look at Outfit Library LESS in Arnhem, Dressr or Iconic Wardrobe to rent something.

Or just ask a friend to borrow something. Of course, this works best if you also lend out your own clothes from time to time!

4. Swap 

Would you rather not sell your old clothes? Then what will you do with it? Exchange it, of course! Even though you might not wear it anymore, don’t underestimate the value of your clothes. Want to know more about swapping? You can read all about it in this article!

You can go to the Swapshop in Rotterdam or Amsterdam, bring your clothes and pick something new immediately or later. But you can also organise a clothes swap with friends, or join an organised swap event in your neighbourhood. It’s a fun activity where everyone walks away with some space in their wardrobe or some nice extras. Keep an eye on the COSH! event calendar and don’t miss any clothing swaps.

Bonus tip: if you don’t want to sell or trade old clothing, another option is to store them for a few years. Trends often make a comeback and when they do you, or maybe your children, have a cool ace up your sleeve!

5. Buy second-hand 

Vintage is booming! Second-hand clothing is often cheaper and more environmentally friendly! COSH! helps you to find the best second-hand and vintage shops in your area. 
Not only do you support your locals by buying at local thrift or vintage shops, but you also eliminate the need for packaging and shipping like you do on global second-hand shopping platforms like Vinted. Use our shopping guide to find lovely second hand stores! 

6. Buy from more sustainable brands 

So if you do buy something new, we recommend doing so consciously. There are big differences between the way brands produce their clothes. By informing yourself about this and thinking about it, you can make a more conscious and sustainable buying decision.

In the fashion world, production chains can be long and complicated. With major consequences for the environment, people and animals. We screen fashion brands in the COSH! Brand Index. This makes it easier for you to compare and choose in line with your values. Go to our shopping guide and filter by your preferences for sustainability, style and budget. You can easily search for your favourite brands, read the brand screening and find local shops to discover the brands in real life! 

Buy for life 

Low prices can be seductive. But almost always, a low price is too good to be true. Especially in the fashion industry, the environmental disastrous and unethical costs are paid elsewhere in the world. On top of that the quality is often so low that the garments end up in the trash in no time. More sustainable denim companies like Nudie Jeans offer repairs for life, and MUD Jeans offers the option to lease a pair of jeans. Designer Iris Nijenhuis enables you to modularly repair and expand your jewellery alongside your evolving style and needs. And Lennertson uses a Goodyear welt on their shoes so you can replace the soles whenever it’s necessary.

By spending your money wisely at these companies you make it a one-time purchase and avoid the need to buy something new a few months after the last purchase.

Buy smart

If you’re hopping on the hype bandwagon every now and then for the latest trends you’re probably also wearing the garment until it goes out of style. While you could of course bring or sell the garment to a second-hand shop again, you could also opt for a smarter wardrobe. We’re not saying you have to dress boring. But having a good and durable set of basics in your wardrobe goes a very long way. You can combine timeless and basic pieces with everything and make sure that you can always make new combinations within the same wardrobe.

Read in our minimalism blog how a timeless and minimalist lifestyle can help you unwind. 

Another way to learn how to put together pieces from your wardrobe is to hire a stylist. For example, the Ethical Fashion Stylist offers wardrobe sessions. Iconic Wardrobe is a clothes rental shop, where you can rent luxury and sustainable brands, and also get advice on how to create a smarter wardrobe. 

Build your own unique style, buying only clothes that suit you completely! This way, you will ensure that you will wear your clothes for longer and make fun combinations with what you already have. 

To buy smart, also look at the quality of a garment. The better the quality, the longer you can enjoy it! You can do this by feeling the fabric, or by consulting the material composition in the label. Avoid material mixes with elastane, for example, as this wears out faster. Also by taking a look inside the item you can see how well it is made, does the stitching already seem to be coming loose? Then chances are that it will tear after a few wearings!

Conclusion

So that does it. As you know now there are tons of options to pick from when looking for something new. Use these tips to your advantage and save yourself some cash, reduce your impact and enjoy the process.