Hey guys,
Eddie broke down circular fashion last week, and it made me look at my own closet completely differently.
I opened it up expecting to feel guilty. Instead, I realized: I already have everything I need to start making this circular.
No fancy take-back programs required. No waiting for brands to get their act together. Just... the stuff that's already here.
So, this week, I'm walking you through exactly how I'm making MY closet work in a loop—and how you can too.
Step 1: The Honest Closet Audit
I pulled everything out. And I mean everything.
Then I made three piles:
- Wear regularly (smaller than I thought)
- Haven't touched in 6+ months (way bigger than I wanted to admit)
- Broken or doesn't fit (hello, jeans from 2019)
No judgment. Just reality.
The "haven't touched" pile? That's not clutter—that's opportunity. Those items can circulate back into the world instead of just sitting there making me feel bad.
Step 2: Host a Clothing Swap (Easier Than You Think)
I texted five friends: "Bring clothes you don't wear. Leave with clothes you will. Wine provided."
That's it. That's the whole invite.
We set one rule: If you bring 5 items, you can take up to 5 items. Leftovers get donated together to a local spot that actually resells (not just bins it).
It was part closet cleanout, part social event, part "wait, this looks amazing on you!"
And the best part? Nothing new was purchased. Just recirculated.
Step 3: Learn One Repair (I'm Serious—Just One)
I am not crafty. But I learned how to sew a button back on using a 4-minute YouTube video.
That's it. One tiny skill.
Now that shirt I "couldn't wear anymore"? Wearable again.
Start small:
- Buttons
- Basic hems with fabric tape (no sewing required)
- Fixing small holes with patches (they make iron-on ones!)
You don't have to become a tailor. You just have to stop throwing things away the second they need a tiny fix.
Step 4: Know Where to Send What
Not everything in the "broken/doesn't fit" pile can be swapped or repaired. So where does it actually go?
Here's what I learned:
First: Keep it circulating
- Resale platforms: Poshmark, Depop, ThredUp, local consignment shops
- Clothing swaps (see above)
- Donations to places that actually resell (not just bin it)
If it's truly worn out:
- Brand take-back programs For Days, Patagonia, MUD Jeans | Circular Denim
- Textile recycling bins (check your city—some actually recycle, not just ship overseas)
Pro-Tip:
- Google "(your city) textile recycling" or "clothing donation alternatives." Real options exist—they're just not always obvious
Step 5: Use What You Have (Like, Actually Use It)
This one's harder than it sounds.
I challenged myself to "shop my closet" for two weeks. No new purchases. Just creative styling with what I already own.
And honestly? I found outfits I forgot existed. Rediscovered pieces I thought I "had nothing to wear with." Realized my closet wasn't the problem—my habits were.
Turns out, circular fashion starts with actually circulating what you already have.
The Real Shift
Circular fashion isn't just about what brands do—it's about what we do with what we already have.
Can we wear it longer? Can we fix it instead of tossing it? Can we pass it on to someone who'll actually use it?
The loop starts here. In your closet. Right now.
Challenge of the Week
Pick ONE action from this list:
- Audit your closet and make those three piles
- Fix one thing you thought was "broken forever"
- Find one local place that actually recirculates textiles
- Plan a clothing swap with friends
Just one. Then tell me how it went.
Let's close the loop together.
Let's go! Edie 🐢💚