The start of a new year is an opportunity to set intentions for the season ahead with new energy, clarity and vibrancy. It’s also the the perfect time to clean out the old and make way for the new — especially in our wardrobes. With more time and flexibility, we can reflect and focus more clearly on our fashion choices: the outfits we always reach for, the items we forgot we even have, and the pieces that we no longer wear. Instead of feeling guilty, stressed or overwhelmed by our clothes, cleaning out and then curating a wardrobe helps us to embrace our lifestyle with ease. Less thinking, more living! So, this January, Sussan wants to champion a freshness that starts the year right. To help our customers create a landfill-free fashion future, in 2021, we partnered with UPPAREL — making it easier for you to close the loop on clothing items you no longer wear, need, or love.
Since June, our customers have diverted more than 8000 kilograms of textiles from landfill, preventing more than 29,000 greenhouse gas emissions.
When your go-to pair of jeans get a hole in the knee or your old work blazer no longer fits, it isn’t always easy to determine the best way to reuse, repurpose or recycle your pre-loved clothing. UPPAREL takes the hassle out of the decision-making process to give your garments a second life.
Plus, as a thank you for helping us to create a landfill-free fashion future, we’ll reward you with a $25 voucher* to spend at Sussan.
To celebrate the initiative and our More than a Sale campaign, here are some tips for overcoming common wardrobe cleansing dilemmas and curating a future wardrobe that sparks confidence.
Dilemma 1: You still love it but no longer wear it
Clothes are so much more than just fabric.They express who we are at certain times in our lives and the parts of ourselves we want to project to the world.Our wardrobes are a deeply personal and intimate space, so they can be intimidating to clean out.
Our clothes are like stylish souvenirs from particular moments and memories: first dates, holidays, jobs, motherhood, and even gifts from loved ones. But just because pieces are sentimental, it doesn’t always mean they add value and purpose to our current lifestyle or wardrobes. The problem is that our emotional attachment to clothes can make us feel guilty for removing them from our lives.
Try asking yourself these questions:
- Is keeping this an empowered choice or one determined by feelings of guilt, anxiety or fear?
- Does this item service my current lifestyle? Do I wear it?
- Do I feel confident and happy when wearing it?
- Do I lose memories without having this item trigger them?
- If I did not have a memory tied to this garment, how do I feel about this garment?
- Finally, rather than asking if the item sparks joy, ask yourself if it sparks confidence?
Consider taking a photo of the item as a keepsake and know that if it is still fit-for-wear, then UPPAREL will forward it to their charity partners so someone else can make new memories in your once-loved clothes.
Dilemma 2: It no longer fits, but you still love it
Stocking our wardrobes with clothing that no longer fits can take a toll on our self-esteem — particularly when we put pressure on ourselves to fit back into them.
Rather than think about the money you spent on it or how much you still love the item, consider that if it costs you peace of mind, it might be too expensive to keep.
There is enough stress and expectations placed on us without putting added pressure on ourselves to look a certain way. Letting go of the garment may also help you to let go of the guilt and self-consciousness attached to it.
So, send them to UPPAREL and spoil yourself with something new that celebrates who you are now. Change the clothes, not the body.
Dilemma 3: It’s damaged, but you don’t want to throw it away
Maybe you accidentally shrunk a jumper on a spin cycle, or your favourite pair of jeans got a hole in the knee; sometimes, it can be hard to know the best way to discard old clothing responsibly. That’s where UPPAREL takes the guess work out and takes care of it for you. If items are past their prime, then UPPAREL works with their recycling partners to upcycle your garments and turn them into something new, like socks. And if items are damaged, they can be recycled and used to create new yarn or shredded and used for things like insulation or stuffing for pet beds.
Dilemma 4: You don’t wear it, but worry you might want to in the future
Fear is a massive force in holding onto things. We rationalise we may need a dress for a future party or a holiday despite reality telling us that we never need it. Taking a more sceptical view can help keep things in the present.
Just as we don’t lose our memories when we lose the clothing items that trigger them, we also don’t lose our hopes. And who knows, maybe taking back that space in your wardrobe will open you up to new possibilities for the future.
Dilemma 5: You no longer love it but spent a lot of money on it
Guilt can be a huge driving factor in holding onto things, particularly when it comes to money. But maybe we need to be less tough on ourselves — we feel guilty enough about not going to the gym or not returning a phone call without also being hard on ourselves for having once purchased an item of clothing that adds no value to our lives now. Think of it as a lesson in curating a smarter wardrobe moving forward where each item you buy as an important acquisition in your wardrobe. To consider how new purchases will sit alongside your existing wardrobe, take an inventory or photos of your most-loved pieces and be conscious of the looks you gravitate towards. When you start looking at the trends within your wardrobe, you might also be surprised to find that you have subconsciously curated your own tailored look. Plus, closely examining your wardrobe can also make you more aware of missing pieces and the best investments for the season. Maybe you realise you have lots of workwear blouses, but only one pair of tailored pants. Or, if you are tempted to buy a new summer dress, ask yourself if you can wear it with sandals, heels, and maybe even sneakers and if you can layer a denim jacket or a trench over it during the cooler months.
The problem is that we tend to accumulate rather than curate our wardrobes. On average, Australians purchase 27kg of new textiles each year and discard around 23 kilograms —annually. This means that, as a country, we send over 6,000 kilograms of textile and clothing to landfills every 10 minutes. By paying closer attention to what you buy and choosing garments that celebrate timeless design and enduring quality, you are also helping to create a healthier fashion future.
Dilemma 6: Post cleanse curation
Now that you have successfully edited your wardrobe, a system will help make getting dressed in the morning far less stressful. Start with some velvet non-slip hangers to keep things tidy, then hang your items in seasons. Think dresses, blouses and skirts for summer, with heavier coats and jackets at the back of the wardrobe. Fold your knitwear so avoid them going out of shape on hangers and even consider putting a hook on the back of the door so you can pre-plan tomorrow’s outfit ahead of the day. Finally, make sure you take your time. Don’t rush your New Year cleanout. A slower, more considered approach will not only help avoid some of the anxieties associated with letting go of our clothing but also helps us feel more confident and in control of our wardrobe moving forward.
No plans this weekend? Now you do.
Clean out your wardrobe of pieces you no longer need, wear or love and book your collection online today.
- Head to our UPPAREL partnership page and book a collection for $35 (up to 10kg)
- Pack up your pre-loved clothes
- Confirm your collection with UPPAREL
- Leave your box outside your door for collection.
A gift for you – within 72 hours of your booking confirmation, you’ll receive an exclusive Sussan $25 voucher.
To learn more about how UPPAREL reuse, recycle and reward your once-loved garments, read more here.
To book your pick up, click here.
