Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Interview Fashion: Tips for Reducing Your Environmental Impact While Looking Professional
Dressing professionally for a job interview can feel like a daunting task for most people. After all, how you dress largely impacts the first impression you give people. And when you are seeking a new professional role, first impressions matter. In addition to carefully considering the right pieces to put together a sleek, professional outfit, you also want to consider whether what you are choosing is sustainable and eco-friendly. Choosing sustainable clothing not only benefits the environment, but it’s also advantageous to you as well since sustainable clothes are often longer-lasting and of higher quality. In this post, we will take a look at some helpful tips for reducing your environmental impact while looking professional and stylish for your job interview.
Choose Sustainable Fabrics
The fabrics you choose will determine how comfortable, well-fitted, and long-lasting your clothing pieces, such as women’s tops, skirts, and dress pants, are…and how sustainable they are. There are certain materials that are far more sustainable than others, including things like organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo. If you are dressing for a job interview in the colder seasons, wool is an excellent sustainable choice. Another material to consider is polyester, which is made from recycled materials like plastic water bottles. These materials are much better for the environment as they produce fewer greenhouse gasses and use fewer water resources. Additionally, these fabrics are often not treated with pesticides and other chemicals, which makes them a safer choice for both the person wearing the clothing and the environment. Another benefit of sustainable fabrics is that they require less processing, resulting in less pollution. The great news is that sustainable fabrics are becoming more common, so you can easily find them in stores or online.
Invest in Quality Pieces Designed to Last
Change your shopping habits so that you are shopping for high-quality professional pieces that are well-made and will last for many years instead of buying something cheap that will need to be replaced after just a few wears. This may mean spending more money upfront but will be far more cost-effective for you in the long run (and much better for the environment). As we discussed above, material choices are important and will influence the overall quality of the piece. Along with high-quality, long-lasting pieces, professional style is an important factor to consider. Before your interviews, make sure the outfit is clean and free of any wrinkles and stains. For your own convenience, look for pieces that are easy to maintain and clean and won’t be damaged easily by lots of wear or a washing machine. Additionally, it is necessary that you choose an outfit that is appropriate for the particular industry and position that you are interviewing for. For example, if you are interviewing for a corporate position with an advertising firm, opt for traditional professional attire with subtle style twists like a blazer with a print or a women’s skirts with an eye-catching hue.
Buy Second-Hand Clothing
When most people think of thrifting, they may envision a 90’s flannel or a vintage dress…but there are many high-quality professional pieces that can be purchased second-hand. Opting to go this route provides a great way to both reduce waste and save money. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces are all fantastic resources for finding high-quality professional attire. Like most things in life, buying second-hand is made easier with a little guidance. Be sure to check for any signs of wear and tear, such as rips, stains, or fraying before you make the purchase. Also, look for items in your size and avoid anything that is too large or small, as these can be harder to alter. If possible, try the pieces on before buying them. It will also be helpful to make sure the colors of the clothes match with the colors you already have in your wardrobe. Additionally, inspect the fabric and make sure the look and feel is high quality and check the care label to ensure you will know how to clean the item properly and keep it in good condition.
Rent Clothes for Special Occasions
Many stores now offer a rental service, so you can have a variety of clothes without having to buy them outright. Renting clothes satisfies your need for a new outfit without crowding your closest. Having a limited number of professional attire is one sustainable way to improve our environment, and renting clothes helps that effort. Like buying second-hand, rent clothes while you keep a few things in mind. Start by making sure you select a rental company that specializes in the type of clothing you need. For example, if you need professional wear for a job interview, such as a formal dress, select a company that specializes in renting out professional attire. Secondly, be sure to check the rental company’s size chart to ensure that you select the right size. And most importantly, make sure to take care of the clothing and avoid wearing the outfit in areas where it could easily get damaged so you aren’t charged extra fees.
Choosing sustainable clothing is made easier with these tips. With a little guidance, you can be prepared for your next job interview and wear stylish, professional, sustainable clothing at the same time.