Before you swipe your card, ask these essential questions to avoid waste, save money, and make more ethical choices
How many times have you bought a new piece of clothing, only to regret it weeks later? From impulse buys to “wardrobe clutter,” we’ve all been there. Shopping smarter isn’t just about saving money — it’s about making thoughtful, ethical, and sustainable choices that benefit you, garment workers, and the planet.
This guide outlines 10 essential questions to ask before buying your next piece of clothing. By following these principles, you’ll buy less, waste less, and feel better about your wardrobe.
Buy with intention, not impulse.
Do I Really Need This Item?
This is the ultimate question. Ask yourself if you truly need the item or if it’s just a “want.” Is it filling a gap in your wardrobe, or are you being swayed by a sale?
How to Know If You Need It
- Does it solve a wardrobe problem? (e.g., replacing a worn-out essential)
- Does it fill a style gap? (e.g., you don’t have a versatile jacket for winter)
- Have you wanted this item for more than 30 days?
Pro Tip: Use the 30-Day Rule. If you still want the item 30 days after you first saw it, it’s probably a genuine need.
Instead of buying another black T-shirt, consider whether you already have one in your closet. If so, it’s likely a “want” and not a “need.”
Will I Wear It At Least 30 Times?
This concept, known as the 30 Wears Rule, encourages shoppers to buy items they’ll wear at least 30 times. If you can’t see yourself wearing it 30 times, it’s probably not worth buying.
How to Apply the 30 Wears Rule
- Can you style it with at least 3 outfits you already own?
- Will it last through 30 wears, or will it fall apart after 3?
- Is it appropriate for multiple seasons or just one occasion?
If you can’t wear it 30 times, leave it behind.
An influencer on r/minimalism shared how she cut her wardrobe in half by only keeping items that passed the 30 Wears Rule. The result? Fewer impulse buys and better-quality clothing. Source: r/minimalism
What Is It Made From?
The material of a garment affects its durability, sustainability, and care requirements. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen tend to last longer and biodegrade naturally, while synthetic fibers like polyester shed microplastics into the ocean.
What to Look For:
- Natural Fibers: Cotton, linen, hemp, and wool.
- Recycled Fabrics: Recycled polyester or post-consumer recycled fabrics.
- Avoid: 100% polyester, acrylic, and fast-fashion blends that are hard to recycle.
The better the fabric, the longer it lasts.
Pro Tip: Check for certifications like:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic fibers.
- Fair Trade Certified for ethically made textiles.
- OEKO-TEX® to ensure it’s free of harmful chemicals.
Source: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Is It Well Made? (Check for Quality)
Fast fashion often cuts corners on quality. Before buying, inspect the seams, stitching, and fabric to see if the item will stand the test of time.
How to Test Quality in Store:
- Seam Check: Tug on seams to see if they stretch or pull apart.
- Fabric Feel: Is it soft, sturdy, and tightly woven? If it’s thin or scratchy, it won’t last.
- Button and Zipper Test: Are buttons sewn on tightly? Do zippers glide smoothly?
If it feels cheap, it probably is.
Pro Tip: High-quality fabric bounces back after being stretched. If it stays baggy, it’s poor quality.
Can I Style It With What I Already Own?
If you can only think of one outfit to wear it with, it’s not a versatile piece. Ideally, each item should work with at least 3 outfits from your current wardrobe.
How to Style Smarter:
- Use the 3 Outfit Rule: Can you style it for work, casual, and a night out?
- Think About Color: Does it fit within your current color palette?
- Is It Seasonal?: Can you wear it in multiple seasons (like a cardigan) or just one (like a beach dress)?
If it doesn’t match at least 3 outfits, leave it.
A neutral-toned blazer can work for the office, weekend brunch, and a dinner date — a floral jumpsuit, not so much.
Can I Wash and Care For It Easily?
Check the care label before you buy. If it says “Dry Clean Only”, you’ll have to spend time and money maintaining it.
What to Look For:
- Machine Washable: Look for items you can clean at home.
- Avoid Delicates: Silk, satin, and beaded items require hand washing.
- Is It Pre-Shrunk? Cotton shrinks if not pre-shrunk.
If you won’t follow the care instructions, don’t buy it.
Pro Tip: Avoid clothes labeled “hand wash only” unless you’re willing to do it.
Will It Last? (Think Longevity, Not Trends)
Avoid “trendy” items that feel “in style” today but out of style next season.” Opt for timeless pieces that will still look good in 5 years.
How to Spot a Timeless Item:
- Look for classic silhouettes like trench coats, denim jeans, and neutral colors.
- Ask yourself: Would I wear this 5 years from now?
- Avoid excessive embellishments, flashy patterns, and hyper-trendy designs.
If it’s trending today, it might be trash tomorrow.
How Much Will It Actually Cost Me? (Cost Per Wear)
Instead of focusing on the price tag, think about Cost Per Wear (CPW). Divide the item’s cost by how many times you’ll wear it.
CPW Formula:
CPW = Price ÷ Number of Wears
Example:
- $20 fast fashion T-shirt, worn 3 times = $6.67 per wear
- $100 high-quality jacket, worn 100 times = $1 per wear
The cheapest item isn’t always the best deal.
Pro Tip: Look for classic staples like denim, jackets, and boots, which have a lower CPW over time.
Who Made This? (Check the Brand’s Ethics)
Before you buy, research the brand. Many fast fashion brands are linked to modern slavery, wage theft, and forced labor.
What to Look For:
- Check brand reports on KnowTheChain or Good On You.
- Look for certifications like Fair Trade Certified or GOTS.
- Avoid brands tied to Uyghur forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region.
If a brand won’t disclose its factories, it has something to hide.
Pro Tip: Visit Good On You to check brand ethics.
Is This an Impulse Buy?
Sales, ads, and “limited time” offers are designed to make you buy NOW. Before checking out, pause and ask:
How to Avoid Impulse Buys:
- Leave the item in your cart for 24 hours.
- Use the “One In, One Out” Rule — only buy it if you’re willing to donate or discard something else.
If you didn’t need it before, you probably don’t need it now.
Shopping smarter doesn’t mean never shopping again. It means being intentional about what you buy. By asking these questions before every purchase, you’ll avoid buyer’s remorse, reduce waste, and support brands that care about people and the planet.
Next time you shop, ask these questions and make a purchase you’ll never regret.
Fast fashion thrives on impulsive buying and constant newness. But by slowing down and asking these essential questions before every purchase, you can break free from the cycle. You’ll not only save money and closet space but also support a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.
REMEMBER
- Think before you buy: Use the 30-day rule and the 30-wear test.
- Check the label: Know the materials and care instructions before purchasing.
- Cost per wear matters: Invest in quality, not quantity.
- Support ethical brands: Look for certifications like GOTS and Fair Trade Certified.
- Avoid impulse buys: If it’s a “limited-time offer,” it’s often a marketing trick.
Don’t be part of the problem. Be part of the change. Start shopping smarter today.
References
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) — Certification for organic textiles.
- Good On You — Ethical brand directory and rating system.
- World Resources Institute — Research on water use, carbon emissions, and sustainable practices.
- KnowTheChain — Tracks brands linked to forced labor in the supply chain.
- Fair Trade Certified — Certifies products and brands for fair trade practices.
- Anti-Slavery International — Research and advocacy on modern slavery in the fashion industry.
