Feature by Valentina Karellas- [email protected]
Fashion and Beauty on Female First
With our wardrobes overflowing, piles of unused, damaged, unseen, old seasoned knits can go for years un noticed in your drawers. Many items going to landfill and unwanted clothes either being damaged or un loved, it’s time for everyone to do their bit to make the change and be the change. As the knitwear expert and fashion lover, we love all things knit; it’s not about stop buying, but more about conscious purchases, that mean something to the wearer and the designer. Think small, local and artisan. Here are my top tops and 7 things to consider before buying knitwear.
What is it made from? When you see an item you like, always look at the label. If you are vegan for example, avoid synthetic fibres. Equally producing cotton is the most land drainer fibre we have. There are many alternatives like hemp that use a fraction of land and water. Wool and cashmere are ideal for winter and have minimal impact on our planet.
Think small, buy small. Now that doesn’t mean in size, that means small brand, artisans and independent designers. Buying from a small brand really makes the local economy thrive, rewarding their hard work with your patronage, allowing the creative artisan to grow and prosper. Your purchase will truly make a difference, this also usually means you will have something that is unique, special and your purchase you have made a difference.
Do I like the style? It may seem basic, but if you like the look and it suits you, you are most likely going to get many wears from it. If you are unsure and have to second guess yourself and you can live without, put it back down, the worst thing is to buy something that you will only wear once. Its best to have less pieces that you will treasure.
Is it a trend item? The saying is trends come and go, the worst thing to get is a high trend item, this will lead to wearing the item only once or twice in the season, then it’s back in that drawer until a huge clear out. Better to buy non-trend pieces that aren’t defined by trends.
Where was it made? The further the item was made the more impact it has on the planet, items made within the EU are preferred and they don’t need to cost the earth.
Will this last me 10 years? If you buy cheap knitwear, more than likely it will fall apart in some form, this works out as a false economy, better to buy good quality that will last you years.
Have fun with colour. Now you have saved the planet by buying small, natural and local, it’s time to have some fun, knitwear comes in all shapes and sizes, this is where you can make a statement over some simple dark jeans, be bold in your choice and be a stylish knit tribe.
Tagged in knitwear