We've all been there... You're standing in your closet, surrounded by racks and drawers and piles of clothes, but you keep finding yourself thinking "Why don't I have anything to wear?"
It's not that you have no clothes, the problem here is you don't have a the right clothes. For years, fast fashion has convinced us we need more clothes, more patterns, more colors, and more cheap fabric. The result? A closet full of impulse buys that you can only wear once or twice before they fall apart. They don't last, they don't fit right, and they certainly don't spark any joy.
Here at Wrightsville Ave, we do things a little differently. We're not fans of fast fashion, we believe in sustainable fashion. Not only styles that will last long, but styles that are sustainable for the planet and treat their workers right. We work with brands that are kind to the planet, kind to their workers, and kind to your closet space.
If you're ready to trade chaos for a chic, curated wardrobe that actually works for you, here is your step-by-step guide for a sustainable closet clean out!
Step One: The Purge
This first step is a "touch test" for your closet. Literally go through every article of clothing you own, one-by-one, and decide which ones you want to keep. How do you decide? It's easy, just follow these guidelines:
- Does it fit me right now? (Not when you lose ten pounds)
- Is the fabric still in great condition? (Check for pilling, stretching, fading, or holes)
- Would I buy this again today?
If it fits now, is in great condition, and you still love it, put that piece in the "keep" pile. Anything else is going to the "remove" pile. You don't have to be any sort of professional organizer for this step, although it is a big, maybe daunting, task. Once you get the big pile of clothes in your closet separated into smaller, more manageable groups, you'll already start feeling relieved. Everything in the "keep" pile can go back into your closet. You're going to deal with everything else in the next step.
Step Two: Responsible Rehoming
This step is crucial in making sure your closet cleaning process is as sustainable as possible. Textile waste is a huge problem, so don't just put all of the things in your "no" pile in trash bags and throw them in the bin. There are tons of ways to rehome your old styles!
- Donate! Instead of big stores like Goodwill (they won't put all of their donations on the sales floor, so tons gets thrown away), we recommend donating to women and children's shelters. One local to Wilmington is Vigilant Hope.
- Recycle! Again, textile waste is a major problem. Items that are no longer wearable (stained, torn) can be taken to a textile recycling bin. You can Google "textile recycling near me" and you'll be able to find somewhere to drop off your items. That way, instead of wasting away in a landfill, these pieces can be used to make insulation or new threads.
- Upcycle! It isn't the most glamorous or easy option, but there are tons of ways to upcycle old clothes. If you can sew, this part will be a breeze. Turning a t-shirt with a frayed hem into a crop top is a breeze. Turning an old pair of jeans into some cute shorts won't be that tough, either. There are options for the non-seamstresses reading, too! A stained cotton t-shirt can easily be turned into a cleaning rag, for example.
Step Three: Identify the Gaps in Your Closet
The hard work is finally done! You might look at your closet and think "Hmm, it's looking a little thin in here..." and feel the temptation to hop on Shein or the Tiktok shop for new styles. Don't do it! Take a minute to take stock of what's in your wardrobe.
You might find you have a ton of "going out" tops, but no basics. Maybe you have an amazing assortment of jeans, pants, and leggings, but not a single high-quality sweater. Once you figure out the pieces you need, that's your sign it's time to start shopping.
Make a list. Smart, sustainable shopping is done with intention. You're on the hunt for a better wardrobe, so focus on the pieces that are sustainable, durable, and timeless.
Step Four: Investing in your "Forever" Closet
This is the fun part! Now you get to fill the holes in your closet with pieces that are aligned with your style and your values. Why not start at Wrightsville Ave? When you buy a garment from us, you can rest assured that it's sustainably sourced and will last years, not weeks.
- For the Littles: One of our staple brands is Rylee + Cru, who craft long-lasting, heirloom-quality clothes that will last enough to be passed down. Instead of plastic toys that break in a week, why not invest in brands like Cuddle & Kind and Maileg, known for their lasting quality and ethical business practices.
-
For You: Look for high-quality, flexible pieces that can work for multiple events--a high quality maxi dress that works for a dinner date and a stroll along the beach. You want high-quality pieces that work for multiple styles and occasions. Something like a nice pair of pants or a high-quality cardigan can replace five cheap fast fashion items in your closet!
Ready to start fresh?
Shop our women's collections for sustainable pieces that you can feel confident wearing
Shop our kid's collection for pieces that are soft and stylish for your little guy or girl.