By Jada Brazell     

The eco-friendly “reduce, reuse, recycle” concept is becoming a reality for many U.S. households, as Americans attempt to shrink their carbon footprints. Yet the same people who have ditched plastic bags for canvas totes seem to develop a more disposable mindset when it comes to keeping their wardrobes current. Enticed by seasonal trends, the culture is quick to send outdated duds packing.

According to the most recent EPA report, more than 13.1 million tons of textiles were created in one year, accounting for 5 percent of that year’s landfill waste.

Unwanted textiles typically are sold in thrift stores, sent to developing countries or recycled as rags.

The textiles may be repurposed in useful ways, but the material production depletes natural resources and adds to the pile of potential trash.

The good news is that with a little mindfulness, consumers can buy – and dispose – a bit less while staying current to today’s trends.

Tracy Popken, owner of Salvage House in Oak Cliff, knows just how this is done. With a degree in fashion design and a specialization in vintage clothing, Popken has a unique understanding of preserving clothing and staying fashionable.

“If you get some good key basics in colors that blend with your wardrobe, and you get them in a good quality fabric, you can blend them in over the years,” she said, citing a classic wool cigarette pant as an example.  “You can wear that forever. It’s always been in style and it’s always been beautiful.”

To keep the same piece looking fresh, Popken recommended changing hemlines, resizing or restyling pieces to match changing trends and body sizes and/or pairing them with trendy separates or accessories. She also advised tailoring pants to keep the material from dragging the ground.

Since designer clothing is typically made with large inseams to allow for extensive tailoring, it is actually more economically sound to purchase high-end pieces.

“Think dollars per wear,” Popken said. “You’ll wear them for years.”

Popken suggested keeping even helplessly outdated pieces in storage for a later date: “If it can’t be restyled now, it will probably come back into style in a decade, and you – or your older kids – will be happy you did.”

Lastly, Popken advised people not to get too caught up with wearing something different every day, as others are generally focused on people and not their garments. 

“People are paying attention to each other,” she said. “They don’t really notice that you’re not wearing something new.”

She recommends and lists a few key pieces to purchase, along with everyday methods to extend their life cycles.

Key wardrobe pieces:

(Women)

    • Flattering pants
    • Two skirts
    • A matching suit (pants, skirt, vest, jacket)
    • A shift or shirt dress
    • Cardigan

(Men)

    • Flattering slacks
    • High quality jeans
    • A matching suit (pants, vest, jacket)
    • Casual blazer

 Popken also has a lot of suggestions regarding how we can preserve clothing. Wash less. Spot clean clothing, dust it off and let it air dry. Only wash suits once a year. Wear undershirts. Throw inexpensive undershirts – instead of pricy suits – into the laundry pile. Cool it. Avoid putting clothes on high heat. 

She also suggests washing clothes together and to keep matching sets matching by washing them together, even if only one piece needs it.

Finally she suggests getting help where possible. Hire a stylist to choose “keepers” in your closet and help you build a look around the pieces.


Jada Brazell is a freelance writer who also consults for fashion- and art-based businesses on branding. She has written for the Odessa American, edited for the Texas Senate and RadioShack, and contributed to several magazines and newspapers in Central and South Texas.