Meliorism in Fashion: Empowering Consumers to Make a Change

A couple of weeks ago, we received a heartwarming message from a customer who bought a swimsuit from our very first collection over a decade ago. Even though Loop Swim only became a reality in 2019, we started experimenting with sustainable swimwear back then. She shared how well her daughter’s suit has fared and how good it still looks.

This #WisdomWednesday, we want to talk about how you too can build a sustainable wardrobe that looks good, feels good, and lasts longer.

Tips for Building a Sustainable Wardrobe:

• The Most Sustainable Piece of Clothing is the One Already in Your Closet
Keep your clothes organized and reduce consumption by knowing what you have. Analyze your style and wardrobe, learn what suits you best, and you will start to need less.

• Understand What You Love vs. What You Want
This helps resist the urge to buy needlessly. Research styles before buying to understand reference points and be intentional in your purchases. Find your best colors and create a personal color palette to avoid mis-buys and ensure everything combines nicely.

• Select Timeless Styles
Choose styles that transcend seasons and trends to create a long-lasting wardrobe. Consider a garment's future to avoid single-use and single-occasion clothing. If royalty can repeat outfits, so can you! Rent, swap, or buy second-hand before opting for something brand new.

• Rethink Fast Fashion
Sometimes it’s hard to resist the urge of fast fashion best sellers, but just because you buy from fast fashion brands like Zara or H&M, doesn’t mean the items have to be quickly discarded. Nor should you keep buying at the same speed the brands produce. Fast fashion brands can be motivated to produce longer-lasting, better-quality products if we:

• Buy less
• Allow them to charge more for better quality

• Mend, Upcycle, and Launder Better
Finally, mend and upcycle your clothes to extend their life. There are now endless YouTube and TikTok videos on darning techniques and how to give a new lease of life to a treasured closet favorite. Additionally, unless something is visibly dirty or carries an odor, challenge yourself to wear your garments at least three times before washing. This reduces energy use and wear and tear, saving you money twofold.

Why Meliorism Matters in Fashion
Meliorism is more than just a belief; it's a call to action. In the fashion industry, it means creating and choosing products that not only look good but also contribute positively to the world. At Loop Swim, we are committed to this philosophy by producing sustainable swimwear that stands the test of time.

By embracing meliorism in our fashion choices, we can each contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world. Let's make a difference with love, creativity, and kindness, one fashion item at a time.