Quality apparel has a higher price than fast fashion clothing because they use sustainable, lasting fabrics and pay workers fair benefits and wages. Despite the initial cost, over time, you might save money and time as you won’t have to replace clothes too often.

To lessen the financial impact you can shop secondhand (thrift stores also have quality clothing), start small, shop deals and save for the expensive items, such as a winter coat or high-end denim, months in advance.

Fast fashion clothes aren’t made to last long, so we are less likely to properly care for them. With a minimalist wardrobe though, you’ll want to ensure you are properly washing and storing your apparel. This will protect and extended the useful life of your garments.

A few tips for care: hand wash delicates, invest in a steamer and wooden hangers and know what garments you need to take to a dry cleaner.

Sometimes we need an outfit that is not part of our everyday wardrobe - clothing swaps can help there. Not only it saves money, but it cultivates community and encourages sustainable living.

Alternatively, rental stores and sites offer an affordable and sustainable option by allowing you to rent clothes. 

It can be frustrating and exhausting to spend more time, energy and money to get something that we could easily get in a regular fast fashion store.

Rewiring the way you think about shopping can and will be challenging. But the reward is knowing who made your clothes, feeling confident and true to yourself in well-made garments, and not having a closet with clothing you can’t use and that supports unintended consequences.