You've made it through January and its endless sales, congrats! Now, what to do with the new clothes and - more importantly - the old ones?
Sustainability is even more of a focus this year, and many people will be avoiding buying new clothes altogether. But the new year is always a good time for a clear out, leaving some eco-minded people conflicted over the usual charity shop dump.
"The more we can value clothes and inject a bit of love back into our clothing, the more it's likely to last. The longer we make an item of clothing last, the more its carbon footprint decreases", Geraldine Carton of Sustainable Fashion Dublin says.
There are many other ways to pass on or rework clothing that keeps it out of the landfill and gives it a new lease on life. Trying to extend the life cycle of something that has caused harm either to the planet or to communities around the world helps make sure "it's not all done in vain", says Geraldine.
1. Swap with friends
By far the easiest option on the list, organising your own swap shop at home is a great way of, not only passing on your pre-loved clothes to loved ones but also of promoting the message of sustainable fashion in a fun and social way.
Swap shops, like the one held by Sustainable Fashion Dublin, already take place but are less common in more rural areas and depending on who comes to them, some sizes may not be represented. Hold your own for your group of mates and their mates and everyone has a chance to go home with something new to them.
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2. Upcycle with paint or embroidery
If your denim jeans or suede jacket is still in good condition but getting a little boring, why not add some flair by embellishing it with paint or embroidery? Break out the home economics sewing skills and add sequin patches to t-shirts, or make a statement in a painted denim jacket.
More people are turning to sewing classes to learn the skills to customise their clothes, with Tara Stewart frequently dazzling in one of her own creations. Most recently, she's made her own glam kimono, glammed up a tuxedo blazer with red paint and is flirting with the idea of something made from lemon-coloured curtains.
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3. Use materials as cleaning rags
Mrs. Hinch may have cornered the cleaning influencer market, but when it comes to doing your spring clean you don't need to shell out more money for branded duster rags. If you have old cotton t-shirts that are not fit for wearing or passing on, they can be cut up and used for polishing.
Simply cut away the seams and neck edging and shred the rest of the fabric to the length and width you want. Wash as normally and disinfect depending on what you're using them for!
4. Alter clothes by going to a seamstress
While this is certainly a more expensive option, it's the best for giving you the chance to get creative with your clothes. Even the smallest towns have talented seamstresses, while Dublin is teeming with them, and online companies like Rag Order have made a name by turning older pieces into fresh designs.
Try and look at the thing and see what makes you unhappy about it and see if you can go and get that done.
"I would always recommend getting creative with your clothes and embracing your individuality", Geraldine says. "I'm always about the personalisation of clothing, adapting it to suit your own figure or style, looking in your parents' wardrobe or your mum’s wardrobe."
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5. Sell on
If you have a lot of good-quality clothing, or more expensive designer pieces, selling them on is a great way to earn a bit of money back while also cutting back on the demand for new clothing. Selling online is incredibly easy through sites like Depop and Etsy, where you can reach people all over the world.
Lou's Lot, an online vintage shop based in Dublin, also buys pieces to sell on ASOS Marketplace. Louise, the store owner, says "I like to buy in classic pieces that will stand of time when it comes to both style and quality". You can sell in person, too, buy selling clothing to one of the many Siopaella consignment stores in Dublin.
6. Reuse the material in clever ways
If you're fully in the swing of making your own clothes, turning old cotton t-shirts into thread is a great way to save money and the environment, Karen O'Mahony of Rag Order says. YouTube is a treasure trove of tutorials on how to do that. "It's obviously laborious but it's one of those things you can do while you're sitting in front of the television. It's a labour of love!"
For the very advanced and ambitious amateur designers among us, reworking t-shirts into macramé fabric to be used to make clothes and jewellery is another technique Karen suggests, with loads of tutorials available online.
