Building a sustainable wardrobe sounds wonderful. However, anyone looking for sustainable men's clothing in larger sizes soon notices that the range is quite limited. Many sustainable clothing brands deliberately produce small collections to prevent overproduction and waste. A noble thought, but as a result, larger sizes are often only available in limited quantities or sell out first. Second-hand shopping is also trickier, simply because the supply in larger sizes is a lot smaller. Fortunately, that does not mean making sustainable choices is impossible. With these four tips, you can make a greener choice even with a larger size.
Why sustainable men's clothing in large sizes is so hard to find
If you wear a larger size, you often have less choice. Perhaps you finally find a T-shirt that fits well, but it turns out not to be made of organic cotton. Or you stumble across a sustainable brand, but your size is sold out. That sometimes makes choosing sustainable men's clothing quite tricky and means you occasionally have to make concessions. For those looking for sustainable plus-size menswear that is why we have a handy checklist of things to look out for on your next shopping adventure.
1. Look at the material as well as quality marks
The material of a garment often tells you a lot. Preferably choose natural fibres such as organic cotton, linen or wool. If you see a certification mark like GOTS or GRS, you know that stricter requirements have been set for the production and the materials used. Do you also want to be sure that attention has been paid to good working conditions? Then a certification mark like Fair Wear is a nice extra to look out for.
Synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and acrylic are often discouraged as a sustainable choice, but for some garments they are still the best and most practical choice. Think of a rain jacket, walking trousers, sportswear or a warm fleece. However, synthetic fabrics can release microplastic fibres during wear and washing. According to research by the TV programme Box office discussed, as it turns out that the quality of the fabric influences how many microplastic fibres are released. Cheaper synthetic clothing is often made from shorter fibres that detach more easily. In better-quality clothing, the fibres are longer and stronger, meaning the fabric pills less and sheds fewer microplastic fibres. A good item of clothing that you wear for years is therefore often a better choice than a cheap alternative that has to be replaced quickly.
2. Check where and by whom your clothes were made
A sustainable brand usually tells more than just what material a garment is made of. Also check whether a brand is open about its production location. Is it clearly stated in which country the clothing was made? And can you find out in which factory or by which producer? The more transparent a brand is about its supply chain, the greater the chance that there is also attention given to good working conditions and environmental regulations. Does a brand remain vague and only use words like ‘sustainable’ or ‘conscious choice’? Then it is wise to remain critical.
3. Buy consciously and think about the ‘cost per wear’
Have you finally found trousers or a jumper that fit well? Then it can be wise to spend a bit more on an item of clothing that you will enjoy wearing for years to come. Don't just look at the price tag, but also at how often you expect to wear it. That is also known as the cost per wear. A one-hundred-euro shirt that you wear a hundred times is ultimately more economical and sustainable than three cheaper items that have to be replaced after a year.
4. Take good care of your clothes
Ultimately, the most sustainable clothing is the clothing you wear for as long as possible. Therefore, only wash clothes when truly necessary, choose a low temperature – such as the eco programme at thirty degrees – and let clothes air-dry as much as possible. Has a button come loose or a hem dropped? Have it repaired or tackle it yourself. A small repair often only takes a few minutes, but can ensure that your favourite item of clothing lasts for years to come!
Finding sustainable men's clothing in large sizes
Anyone looking for sustainable men's clothing in larger sizes simply has less choice. That can sometimes be frustrating, but don't let that discourage you. You don't have to tick every sustainable box to make a better choice. By paying attention to materials and quality labels, choosing transparent brands, buying consciously and taking good care of your clothes, you are already making a big difference. Ultimately, the most sustainable item of clothing is often simply the one that fits well, makes you happy and that you wear with pleasure for years to come.
Photo credits: Mart Production, Pexels.
