2020 has given us tremendous opportunity to slow down, be present, and do some deep thinking around our core values, sustainability and how we envision the future of our children to look like.
It's important that we now translate our desire for a better world into actionable goals, and with Christmas around the corner, we are facing a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference, for our planet, workers and our children. And that's one of the key reasons that we are so passionate about minimal capsules here at Indie and Isaac.
Smart minimalising solves consumption conundrums by buying less and buying better. The idea is to simplify your life, not just for yourself, but also for your kids. Once you have defined a mindful capsule collection, it will be so much easier to dress your kids in the morning, saving you time, tears and tantrums.
With so many kids clothing brands to choose from, it's a relief to see that conscious consumerism is taking off to tackle the huge environmental burden the fast fashion industry is causing people and the planet. It's good progress that people are awakening to the problem of pollution, waste and unfair trade, however, a capsule wardrobe does not necessarily mean a minimalist wardrobe, nor does it imply that it's sustainable.
A capsule wardrobe cleanses your closet from unwanted, outgrown or stand-alone pieces that you or your child don't wear any longer. A minimalist wardrobe takes your capsule wardrobe to the next level by significantly reducing the quantity of items you need. So basically, a capsule wardrobe doesn't have to be small, in theory, it can be as big as you want, but that wouldn't make it sustainable or easy to manage. We have come up with three simple steps on how to set up and maintain a minimal, sustainable capsule wardrobe - that works well and you will love.
The first move requires a shift in mindset but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with a couple of piles, one for 'Must-keep', one for 'Donate', one for 'Maybe'. Must-keeps should be your or your kids favourite items but must also be neutral enough to be paired with every other item in your 'Must-keep' pile. You do not have to have a number of pairings or articles in mind that you want to keep, but you should be open to the idea to radically reduce the number of clothes over the next weeks or so.
Adults won't need as many pieces as kids because the usually do not get as dirty as often (that is of course highly dependent on your lifestyle). I personally spill food or coffee over my clothes all the time! I don't however have toilet accidents or love to use my shirt as blank canvas at child care. Toddlers have different wardrobe needs and I would keep a couple of worn pieces around for wilder days. They might also need more clothes to keep them warm during colder months. Depending on where you live, the volume and functionality of garments will vary. This is not an antidote to slow fashion, it's absolutely fine to keep what is needed.
Aim for an assortment of the following that are comfortable and can be easily layered:
Opt for soft, organic, wherever possible certified fabrics made from natural materials and plant dyes that are practical and healthy.
Share these pieces amongst your community, friends or with charity organisations. Get your damaged pieces mended before donating and ask your local thrift shop if they would accept them. Some retailers also have recycling programs in place and Facebook offers plenty of Buy/Sell/Swap groups for eco-minded parents to divert more waste from landfill.