After seeing How to have more responsible food consumption ? what if we now turned our attention to our clothing purchases?
Buying the latest trendy top, or the viral pants on social media: temptations are everywhere. Collections change quickly, trends follow one after another even faster, and we often end up buying without thinking. The result: clothes accumulate, sometimes worn only once, sometimes never, and end up forgotten in a wardrobe, still with their tags.
It is in this context that the idea of “buying less but better” makes perfect sense: consuming more thoughtfully, by prioritizing quality over quantity.
Clothing overconsumption
Overconsumption refers to the act of buying goods or services beyond one's actual needs. In fashion, this phenomenon is particularly visible.
With fast fashion, collections are renewed at an extreme speed. Some stores offer new pieces every week, sometimes even several times a month. With a simple goal: to encourage constant purchasing.
Social media further reinforces this model. Between hauls, viral trends, and “new arrivals” content, the pressure to buy is constant. We always feel like something is missing from our wardrobe. We then enter a repetitive cycle: buy, wear little, get tired of it, and buy again.
Currently, according to ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), the textile sector is responsible for 4 to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A figure that could reach 26% by 2050 if current consumption trends do not change…
Textile overproduction: producing always more than necessary
Overproduction is at the heart of fast fashion. It consists of making more clothes than will actually be sold.
This surplus is not an accident: it is intentional, designed to push people to buy more and more. As a result, enormous quantities of clothes remain unsold or are quickly thrown away, which has a direct impact on the planet.
For a more concrete view, here are some figures on global textile overproduction reported by Oxfam France:
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100 to 150 billion pieces of clothing are produced every year (i.e. 12 to 18 per person)
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In France, we buy 50 new pieces of clothing per year per person
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Every second, around 100 pieces of clothing, shoes, or textile items are put on the market in France (ADEME)
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In 2023 alone, the industry created between 2.5 and 5 billion surplus items
The 5 tips to start buying less but better
Adopting a more responsible consumption does not mean not buying anymore. It means buying differently, by being more attentive to your choices. So, what if you were given a few tips to avoid overconsumption while buying better?
1. Choose quality over quantity
One of the first steps is to favor durable clothes rather than impulsive and flimsy purchases. A quality garment can be worn longer, washed more often, and retain its shape and color.
Easy to say on paper, but how to identify quality pieces?
Here are 5 simple indicators to recognize a quality garment:
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The material: You should avoid 100% synthetic materials (polyester, acrylic…) whose lifespan is often limited and whose components may be less environmentally friendly. Instead, favor natural or responsible fibers such as organic cotton, linen, wool, or quality recycled materials.
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The seams: they must be straight, strong, and even.
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The fabric: fabric that is too thin wears out faster; a dense material is often more durable.
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The finishes: well-attached buttons, sturdy zippers, neat hems.
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The label: it often provides information about origin and manufacturing.
2. Build a more minimalist wardrobe
The goal is not to change your style, but to build it more “intelligently .”
An effective wardrobe is based on simple, versatile pieces that are easy to mix and match, such as:
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Timeless t-shirts and shirts
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Jeans and pants suited to your daily life
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Comfortable sweaters and sweatshirts
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A versatile blazer or black dress
The principle is simple: buy only clothes that you can wear several times, in different situations.
You can also try the reverse hanger technique. Simple but effective, it allows you to become aware of the clothes you actually wear and those that remain forgotten in the wardrobe.
The principle is easy: hang all your hangers backward, in the opposite direction of their usual position. Every time you wear a garment, put the hanger back in the right direction.
Over time, this method will give you a clear view of the pieces you really use, without having to sort everything out at once. It is a gradual and pressure-free way to better understand your clothing habits.
This technique is actually even more revealing during seasonal changes, because it immediately highlights the clothes that have not been worn for several months.
3. Look at the brand's mindset
Before buying, it is essential to understand a brand's values and its way of producing.
This means asking yourself a few simple questions:
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Does the brand prioritize volume or quality?
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Is it transparent about its manufacturing?
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Are working conditions respectful?
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Is the environmental impact taken into account?
At Meanwhile Boutique, transparency is essential. Each product is chosen according to a strict eco-responsible charter, based on criteria of sustainability and ethics. The brand collaborates with partners in line with its values and supports non-profit projects.
By looking at a brand's mindset, you understand what it really stands for. And ultimately, choosing a committed brand, means supporting a model that is more respectful of people and the planet.
4. Use the BISOU method
Ultimately, a method we all know can help us buy less but better: the BISOU method. A simple mnemonic to ask yourself the right questions before making a purchase:
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Beed: is it a real need or a passing desire?
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Immediate: can I wait a few days before buying?
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Similar: do I already have a similar item?
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Origin: where does this product come from and how was it made?
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Utility: will I really use it regularly?
You can also find our Instagram video on the BISOU method:
This method is particularly useful during periods of high consumption such as sales or Black Friday, when impulsive purchases are more frequent. To learn more, you can read our article: Black Friday: the pinnacle of mass consumption?
5. Buy second-hand
Finally, a simple and effective solution is to turn to existing resources: second-hand.
Today, more and more platforms and places allow you to resell or buy existing clothes, such as Meanwhile Boutique's second-hand space in Marseille.
This seemingly simple gesture actually has a real impact: it helps reduce textile waste while saving money. With a more limited budget, it becomes possible to access beautiful pieces, sometimes from major brands, and to renew your wardrobe for the next season without overconsuming.
Adopting a more responsible clothing consumption does not mean giving up fashion. It simply means changing the way you consume.
By prioritizing quality, understanding brands better, and limiting impulsive purchases, it is possible to build a more coherent, more durable, and more environmentally friendly wardrobe!
