Sometimes an idea is really simple and it grabs your imagination. I came across the 30 Wears Campaign on Instagram today, which is rubbish of me as it’s been around for a while.
The idea is that whenever you buy a new item of clothes you should only purchase what you know you will wear 30 items. This will mean you only have clothes that you adore, you’ll spend less, you will be reducing your carbon foot print and your not supporting a system that exploits people across the world. If you want to find out more then watch The True Cost movie. It’s not comfy viewing.
I have no wish to turn into a sour faced Puritan but the idea that most garments only last for five weeks in our wardrobe is shocking. I’m guilty of this and will often have a massive wardrobe clear out. I can think of only a few items that have had the magic 30 wears. I have a navy dress from M&S which is the most comfortable, flattering dress ever. It’s known as gravy pockets because I’m so clumsy I once managed to get gravy in the pocket and didn’t notice until the end of the day. There’s a gold and navy breton top from Boden that I live in. Finally, a pair of biker boots that I wear with everything. I go back to these items again and again because I feel fabulous in them. I have beautiful clothes that I don’t wear because they don’t make me feel as good as my old faithfuls. This is madness. Enough. I want clothes that make me feel fizzy, a bigger bank balance, less waste and to vote with my money not to be part of mass exploitation.
I’ve cleared out the wardrobe, I’ve put myself on a spending ban (apart from tights) and I’m making sure that everything gets the wear it deserves. I’ve bought the clothes, I’ll wear the clothes and I’ll give myself the fizzy by wearing what I love and knowing that I’m not adding to landfill.