Why You Need To Read the Care Label To Build a More Sustainable Wardrobe

The term sustainable fashion has become a buzzword over the years, and navigating through all the details can be a bit tricky.

If you've ever tried to dive into the world of sustainable fashion with a quick internet search, you know it can feel like falling down a rabbit hole. Suddenly, you're bombarded with terms, such as organic fiber, recycled polyester, clothing rental, deadstock fabric, alternative leather, upcycling, and recycling. It's a lot to take in, and honestly, it can get a tad overwhelming.

And here's the thing – even the question of whether clothing can truly be sustainable is up in the air. After all, the fashion industry is all about new trends and constantly encouraging consumers to buy new stuff. It's a bit of a puzzle, isn't it?

We're here to help you understand it all and find your way through the sustainable fashion maze, starting with why you need to read the care label to create a more sustainable wardrobe.

Why Read the Care Label on Clothing

The importance of care labels on clothing cannot be undermined. The care label is like the identification card of a garment. That little tag is seriously crucial because it guides us, consumers, on not only how we should treat the clothes we buy but also helps us become more mindful of our consumption by arriving at an informed decision about whether a piece of clothing is just as good as how it looks on us.

It shows what fabric or fabrics were used.

Always give that care label a quick check to know what your clothes are made of. Opting for natural fibers like organic cotton, wool, and linen is a smart move.

While silk is natural, the process involving silkworms and mulberry trees isn't the most eco-friendly. Apart from the natural fabrics, you can also check for awesome alternatives like Tencel, crafted from sustainably sourced wood.

Likewise, there are some fantastic newcomers in the fashion fiber scene. Recycled nylon and recycled polyester are making waves. They're created from recycled stuff like fishing nets and plastic bottles.

RELATED: The Best Sustainable Fabrics for Different Seasons and Occasions

It shows a brand's transparency.

Care labels act as windows, giving us a peek into a brand's transparency by revealing the origins of a piece of clothing and the individuals involved in its creation. They go beyond mere washing instructions. They unfold a narrative.

These labels spill the details of the authentic story behind our clothes. Unfortunately, in the fast fashion scene, it's not all glitter and sunshine – issues like improper paperwork, low salaries, and challenging working conditions are harsh realities.

Here's a crucial tip: the more a brand opens up about its supply chain, the more confidence you can have in investing in its pieces. It's like getting acquainted with the behind-the-scenes crew of your favorite show.

While it's tempting to look away and stay blissfully unaware of the less glamorous side of the fashion industry, being a conscious consumer involves staying informed and making decisions based on that knowledge. Taking that extra 30 seconds to read a care label before embarking on a shopping spree can save you time and effort if you later discover it's not a long-term match.

Imagine this: treating your clothes as living, breathing entities – that's the key to their longevity. Caring goes beyond washing. It's about embracing the unique stories woven into our garments. And this is one of the ways of building a more sustainable wardrobe.

It shows quality.

Understanding the fabric of your clothes is like cracking a secret code to washing them just right. The care label is your trusty guide here. It spills the beans on what your favorite pair of skinny jeans is made of – like that 3% elastane giving them that comfy stretch. But it's not just about the stretch, it's also about keeping that elasticity intact.

It's a fabric revelation. That label helps you judge if splurging on a 100% polyester piece is worth it, considering it's plastic. And even if it reads "100% cotton," quality matters. Some brands might sneak in low-grade fibers, turning your dreamy cotton tee into a not-so-dreamy situation.

The bottom line? Research is your best friend. Trust those instincts and always dig a bit deeper. It's like unlocking the fabric secrets for a happier, longer life for your clothes.

It shows how to give T-L-C.

Giving your garments some T-L-C during laundry and dry-cleaning is a game-changer. Those tiny warnings on the labels are like fashion guardians, and following their advice can save your clothes from rips and color runs, assuring their longevity.

Now, cotton's a champ – toss it in the machine, and it's good to go. But not all fabrics are as carefree as cotton. That's where those material labels swoop in as your superhero sidekick. Wearing them like a badge of honor ensures your clothes stay looking fresh for ages. Who doesn't want to rock that favorite tee for more than a couple of years? Hence, you're able to limit your consumption of fashion.

Following care labels' wisdom is like giving your clothes a magic potion to stay vibrant and fabulous. Different fabrics have different needs. Some love a good machine wash while others crave the royal treatment of dry-cleaning. It's all right there on the label, your garment's personalized care guide.

So before you dive into wearing or washing, give those labels a quick read. It's the key to a long and happy life for your clothes. And if the info is MIA, no worries – when in doubt, consult the experts. Your clothes will thank you with many more outings in style.

Baleaf Cares on How To Create a Sustainable Wardrobe

Sustainability is a big deal for us at Baleaf. This is why we take pride in our Sustainable Line which is designed to look good, feel good, and do good by reducing waste and protecting the planet.

The journey to having a sustainable wardrobe starts in making smart choices that show we care about the environment. It starts with caring – caring about what we leave behind, and the impact on people, animals, and our planet. Especially, caring about the choices we make to undo or reduce the effects of mass consumption and fast fashion through slow fashion. And guess where it begins? Yep, with something as simple as reading the care label on the products we use every day.