Celebrating Earth Day: 9 Ways That Prove Bohemian Style Means Sustainable Clothing
To celebrate Earth Day this year, I decided to focus on Bohemian style. It’s my favorite and I named this blog after the free-spirited ideals that go along with it. Women with Bohemian style usually believe in being true to themselves and having respect for Mother Earth. There are a number of ways they accomplish this by wearing sustainable clothing. I will discuss nine ways below. Let me know if you think of more!
Boho Style Means Sustainable Clothing
Bohemian style was created by college-age youth in the 1960’s as protests grew against the Vietnam war. Since young people didn’t have a lot of money, they altered their clothes with do-it-yourself projects and frequented thrift stores. Some of the more artistic types even created wares to sell at open-air markets.
Although that’s how Boho style began, it has become a classic that trends over and over again to this day. By now, age doesn’t matter.
Fashion from the past combines with modern ideas to make new looks. You just choose what you loved the most and pair it with what you love out of today’s styles. And then you’ll look like your true self, which exudes confidence.
Here are the ways that a true Bohemian originally created a wardrobe of sustainable clothing.
1. Shop Vintage for Sustainable Clothing
One way Bohemian style cares for the environment is by focusing on vintage clothing. Look for vintage stores locally and online.
2. Shop at Thrift Stores for Sustainable Clothing
A great way to find sustainable clothing is by heading to your nearest flea market or thrift shop. You can probably find good deals and unique clothing there. Sometimes, you might even find original pieces from the 1960’s and 1970’s. That would really boost the bohemian vibe of your wardrobe!
3. Choose Natural Fabrics
With a focus on being in harmony with nature, look for clothing that is made of natural fibers such as hemp, cheese cloth and cotton. You could also include a few pieces that are made of chiffon, lace or silk for light, floaty layers.
4. Look for Fabrics That Are Fair Trade and Ethically Sourced
If you aren’t sure if something is fair trade or ethically sourced and the shop owner can’t tell you, you can also search the internet for brands that have pledged to make their clothing out of fair trade fabrics.
5. Avoid Synthetic Fabrics
Avoid fabrics such as polyester, which are made synthetically. The flowing cotton skirts and linen blouses of the 60’s were a statement against synthetic fabrics.
6. Make Your Own Clothing
If you know how to sew, you could even make your own clothing using whatever fabrics and patterns you like.
You could also try some DIY projects. Remember sewing panels into old jeans to make a jean skirt? How about using patches for decoration? You could also dye, tie-dye or paint designs on your clothing. Make your own bracelets, etc. There are many more ideas. I believe the sky is the limit!
7. Shop at Small Businesses
If you do buy new clothing rather than going to your closest trendy clothing shop (think H&M or Forever 21) opt for independently owned small businesses where you can find out how and where the clothing was made. The clothing will certainly cost more, but it will also probably be of much better quality and will last you a lot longer.
8. Choose Handmade Artisan Crafts
Because Bohemian style places emphasis on being good to the environment, try to choose jewelry that is handmade by artisans. Instead of picking things up at the cheap jewelry store down the street, go to a weekend market where artists are selling their work. You’ll find unique, high-quality pieces there.
9. Shop Organic for Sustainable Clothing
If you don’t have weekly markets in your area look to see if there is an organic shopping center nearby. These shops typically sell food and sometimes household items, clothing and/or accessories. Or perhaps there is an organic clothing store not too far from you.
And with that, I should make a resolution to use these methods more often! 😉
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Angie
Related posts:
Artisan Crafts, Boho Chic, DIY, Fair Trade, Sustainable Clothing, Thrifting
I love these boho chic looks, Angie. These are styled with such flair and sophistication, and yet they aren’t fussy or overdone!
Thanks! I like to keep things modern and classy no matter the style.
Really excellent suggestions for developing a sustainable wardrobe. I’m not completely there yet, but I have some things that are steps in the right direction. This week, I have given away more clothes that I no longer wear to women in our Buy Nothing group. Last summer, I managed to sell several pairs of pricey vintage Lily Pulitzer pants to a thrift shop for peanuts, but hopefully someone else is enjoying them.
Yeah when we let things go, a lot of times we’re letting the cost of them go out the window with them. But it’s good for decluttering our lives, benefitting those who receive them and preserving Mother Earth!