*this post contains affiliate links. I earn a percentage if you decide to shop and purchase! Thank you as always
There are a few different reasons why my clothing habits have changed over the years.
The first began some time ago when I started to become more aware of where the clothes I was shopping came from (and who was making them, and their safety/working conditions). I leaned more into reducing the amount of clothing I was buying, and researching ethically, consciously made items.
This doesn’t mean I completely cut out fast fashion (something I am still working towards) but as years have passed, I certainly have turned to shopping my own closet, thrifting, and sustainably made items.
Not only because of the labour implications, but also the environmental ones.
Another shift started to happen which impacted how I shopped for clothes. It was quite the combination to have the Pandemic hit the same year I turned 40. As I’ve aged, my body has softened and changed. This isn’t a bad thing, but it means that what I would have once tolerated for fashion, I’ve started to leave behind (things that look cute but don’t feel good for example).
Taking into account all of those factors, there’s still one driver when it comes to how I shop: I like to look and feel good. My sense of style is certainly not everyone’s, but for me, I like to look and FEEL good in my clothing. So I’ve ditched things that fit funny or uncomfortably. I’ve let go of buttons that dig and heels that hurt. I’ve become much pickier about the fabric I wear, in part for longevity, and because I know I’ll sweat. I want pieces that pack well for travel too.
^ Franc top. Encircled wide leg pants.
Finding clothing I love that looks great and fits great
So when you put all of that together, how do I find great pieces I love? There are many sustainable, eco-friendly options out there. Including stores that curate a variety of brands to help you have a variety all in one place.
Before I share some of my favourites, let’s chat about cost. Typically, sustainable, ethically made clothing is more expensive. That’s no secret. But we know why that is – because of the fair pay for labour, because of the cost of manufacturing etc. These pieces end up being more of an investment however, when you factor in that often they are the ones I turn to all the time, the cost-per-wear reduces.
My Encircled Dressy sweat pants were purchased in 2018. They look brand new. No fading. And I wear them constantly because they feel and look great.
^ encircled pants
It also means I buy less. I don’t always need MORE in my closet, I clearly have favourites that I keep going back to. I want a capsule wardrobe that works for me.
Sometimes, when I want something to supplement what I have, I thrift. I look for cotton and linen usually, and buy second hand!
Clothing has to be accessible, and it’s unrealistic to assume everyone can purchase pants that cover over $100 every time. I don’t write this as a piece to make others feel bad – shop where you can to get the items you need. But if people are buying hundreds and thousands of dollars in fast fashion to have ‘more’ or to be on trend, I don’t think that’s sustainable, and that’s not about affordability – it’s about consumption.
This is just a piece to encourage more consideration in shopping, if you can.
My thoughts on Fast Fashion
Honestly? I think we all buy too much stuff, myself included. Reducing how much I buy, and increasing the amount I spend on local and/or ethical brands is one change I’ve been making over many years.
This doesn’t mean I don’t shop at other stores and find fast fashion buys for my family, I would be lying if I said otherwise. But I am much more aware and conscious of how I spend and shop and it has me second guessing before buying that ‘quick, cheap’ clothing piece. Do I need it? How well will it hold up?
Most of the fast fashion pieces I’ve purchased in the past many years have not washed well, fitted well, or been a material that feels comfortable (or breaths well, shout out to my fellow people who sweat a lot). So it feels like a waste.
With the rise of fashion influencers online, there’s a more disturbing movement – trend purchasing. There’s always a deal, always a sale in the fast fashion world, and always a trend to follow. This leads to so much over consumption.
What I would love to see is how influencers are styling a few pieces in multiple ways. Shopping their own closet and helping people do the same.
I tend to buy t-shirts more often because of wear and use. So if I buy those new, how can I pair them with existing items?
I’m not saying there isn’t a place for fashion influencers – I LOVE seeing how people style stuff. But the ‘buy this’ constantly? Is this what we want? Just some of my thoughts.
^ Franc sweater
Eco-friendly, ethical shops in Canada
I have purchased from Encircled and Franc often (and love them), and follow the other sites eyeing their designs. I’ve also purchased from Pokoloko – they have a shop right in Ottawa too!
These shops are based in Canada – some of them have material made in Canada too.
I love their pants. Full stop. I finally got a pair of wide leg pants (after living in my Dressy Sweatpants for years) and I’m thrilled. Encircled focuses on travel wear and comfort. I love being able to dress it up or down.
What’s I’m looking at next: everything, always. But mostly their airy tops for the warmer weather. Maybe the wide leg capris.
I’ve been a big fan of their tshirts and funnel neck sweaters. I have three of the sweaters! So comfy.
What I’m looking at next: They have a henley that is ribbed and looks amazing. I have an older henley of theirs and love it but this material is exactly what I want.
An Ottawa shop that makes cozy resort wear and stylish lounge wear. I have their crinkle cardigan.
What I’m looking at next: I love their new royal blue colours. Their pants look comfy too in the cream to match my cardigan, or the stripe.
This brand offers inclusive sizing and made to order (they can be tailor made too).
What I’m looking at: Love the look of their Peace Pant but also the Oversized denim dress looks awesome.
I love the options that are professional and elegant, as well as comfort and casual options and that seems to be what’s offered with this collection. Sizing goes to 6x too.
What I’m looking at: The Promedade Skirt is gorgeous. But the jackets are stunning (the drape on the Maude wrap jacket is gorgeous).
Not only do they offer clothes for everyday wear and comfort, but Free Label creats and their clothing is nursing friendly/can be used as maternity wear too. They have denim too!
What I’m looking at: Love the look of their Pacific Penny top.
yes to all of this! I made my first Encircle purchase recently and love love love it. I bought their wide-leg style pants and I get compliments all of the time. (“AND THEY HAVE POCKETS?!?!”)
These are great recommendations. Thank you for this list! I am already eyeballing this Franc crewneck: https://wearfranc.com/products/the-striped-crewneck-sweatshirt 🙂
The wide leg pants are so amazing. I don’t know why I didn’t buy them sooner!! I have a Franc crewneck in a bright blue that I get complimented on all the time!! I bought my regular size which fits like a typical shirt – but size up if you prefer a bit more room in a crew neck!!
I have the striped patter in the funnel neck 😉