Sustainable Fashion Tips for Stylish Students

From 7th – 15th June, the UK marks The Great Big Green Week – a time to focus on community actions tackling climate change and protecting nature. This year, there are a number of events taking place across the UK, from green fairs and workshops to nature walks, clean-ups and eco-themed arts.

When we hear “community action”, we often think of village halls, parish councils and tight-knit rural groups. When you think about it, there are so many more examples of communities. Take students, for example; In recent years, the UK’s student population has hit as high as 2.90 million in higher education. There are entire neighbourhoods of student apartments in London, Bristol, Manchester and more, forming pockets of tight-knit, environmentally aware micro-communities. Collectively, the UK’s student body is a huge, country-wide community in its own right.

This leads to an important question: what can students do, as a community, to help the environment? One surprisingly powerful area of change may be hidden away in their wardrobes. Or floordrobes, we’re not here to judge.

Fashion’s Footprint

Sadly, the world of fashion is a hefty polluter, contributing roughly 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater. Given that it produces more greenhouse gases than international flights and maritime shipping combined, it’s no surprise that the fashion industry is under growing pressure to clean up its act. This information may come as a shock, but for style-savvy students (or hey, even those that aren’t students), this serves as a wake-up call – and a chance to make better choices when it comes to what we wear.

Sustainable fashion isn’t a fringe movement any more, but a status symbol and badge of honour. Being stylish and sustainable is the new gold standard, and whether you’re dressing for class, clubbing or chilling at home, here are some practical tips for building a wardrobe that’s both chic and climate-conscious.

Rent, Don’t Buy (Especially for Events)

Most of us have fallen into the trap of buying an outfit for a single occasion – only for it to vanish into the depths of our wardrobe, rarely (if ever) worn again. The truth is, special occasions don’t always call for permanent purchases. Platforms like HURR, By Rotation, and My Wardrobe HQ offer students access to high-end looks, without the financial or environmental costs.

These services operate on a circular fashion model, which helps reduce demand for new garments and extend the lifecycle of existing ones. With curated designer options and next-day delivery, the rental economy makes it easier than ever to wear the brands you love – sustainably.

Master the Art of Thrifting (With Taste)

Some people love the thrill of a charity shop rummage. Others? Not so much. But the truth is, vintage and second-hand fashion outlets are a treasure trove for statement pieces and individuality. Whether you’re after 90s denim or a classic Burberry trench, platforms like Vestiaire Collective, Depop, and Vinted offer access to luxury fashion with significantly lower environmental impact.

Buying second-hand keeps clothes out of landfill, slashes emissions, and gives you something no one else on campus is likely to have. A win-win-win!

Quality Over Quantity

Fast fashion might feel like the cheaper option upfront, but long term, it’s not doing your wallet — or the environment — any favours. Instead, invest in timeless wardrobe staples that will actually last – think neutral cashmere knits, well-tailored trousers, or an iconic coat that will last across seasons.

Luxury brands are increasingly leading this shift. For instance, Stella McCartney’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection was made with 92% responsible materials, including grape and mushroom-based leathers – both cutting-edge innovations in sustainable textiles.

Read The Labels

Sustainability has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, but sadly, not all “sustainable” claims are created equally. Look for independently verified certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which ensures organic fibres and fair labour. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 guarantees your fabrics have been tested for harmful substances, while a B Corp accreditation indicates a brand meets rigorous standards for social and environmental impact.

Luxury brands like Chloé, which became B Corp certified in 2021, are setting new benchmarks for eco-conscious luxury – and it’s worth knowing what the values are of the brands you’re buying from.

We’ve only covered a few of the certifications that you might see while you’re out in the Wild West of Wardrobes, but a little research will help you support the causes you care about.

Back Brands Doing It Right

Some designers are completely rethinking what fashion can – and perhaps should – be seen as. For example, PANGAIA (which translates from Greek to “all the Earth”) conducts research and development of sustainable materials in Florence, Italy. They’re perhaps best known for their use of materials like plant-based denim and grape leather.

VEJA, on the other hand, offers stylish trainers made from organic cotton, natural rubber and recycled plastic bottles. Mara Hoffman prioritises regenerative organic cotton, which improves soil health and carbon drawdown, while Reformation produces limited-run fashion with transparency on water use and carbon emissions.

These brands, and many more, combine innovation, transparency, and timeless design – making them firm favourites among those who care as much about the planet as their presentation. They don’t just make clothes that look good – they’re doing good at the same time.

As a student, there’s something kind of cool about being able to tell someone your outfit used to be a bottle of your favourite soft drink – it’s certainly a strong conversation-starter!

Sell or Swap What You Don’t Wear

In many ways, your wardrobe is its own little ecosystem. If something no longer sparks joy (or just doesn’t fit), move it on before bringing new pieces in. It’s better than hoarding – and definitely better than binning items altogether. We’ve already mentioned platforms like Vinted and Depop as great places to buy clothes, but as you’d expect, they’re also ideal for reselling.

You can also organise swap parties with flatmates or fashion society members – not only is this good for the environment, but it could be great for your social life too!

If you’re feeling a little more charitable, you can donate items to charity shops that support textile recycling, or even use apps like Nuw, which promote clothes-swapping and community sustainability.

Sustainable Style Checklist

When clothes shopping, an item’s fit and feel may be the main concerns you have, but if you want to start a more eco-friendly wardrobe, it starts with a few simple questions.

Before your next purchase, ask yourself the following:

Can I rent this instead of buying it?
Is this made to last?
Does the brand meet certified ethical standards?
Am I supporting a designer committed to change?
Would I be willing and able to sell, swap or donate this if I no longer needed it?

If you find yourself saying no more than yes… maybe find something else.

Style That Speaks to the Future

At its heart, sustainable fashion is a celebration of creativity, consciousness, and forward thinking. More than that, it’s about doing better – for yourself, for the planet, and for the people making your clothes. Shopping with the environment in mind is creative, expressive, and empowering, and for students juggling budgets, big dreams, and busy calendars it’s proof that elegance, style and bold statement outfits doesn’t have to cost an arm, leg or indeed, the earth.