Black Friday, the Sustainable Way: Make Tailoring and Alterations Your Sustainable Friday Tradition
Black Friday often conjures images of chaotic crowds, overstuffed carts, and endless sales. While it’s a day for scoring deals, it’s also one of the most wasteful days of the year. Every purchase contributes to the fast fashion industry’s devastating environmental footprint, from the energy used in production to the mountains of textiles discarded each year.
But what if Black Friday could be different? What if it became a day to celebrate sustainability, creativity, and mindful consumption instead of overconsumption? That’s where tailoring, alterations, and thoughtful wardrobe practices come in. This year, let’s make Black Friday sustainable by embracing underconsumption, upcycling, and giving our clothes a second life.
The Problem with Black Friday and Fast Fashion
Fast fashion thrives on impulse buys and fleeting trends. On Black Friday, the industry ramps up with discounts designed to move large quantities of inventory quickly. While this might seem like a win for consumers, it comes at a massive environmental cost:
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Textile Waste: The average American throws away 81 pounds of clothing per year, much of which ends up in landfills or incinerators. With Black Friday deals encouraging over-purchasing, this waste only grows.
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Carbon Footprint: Producing new garments requires significant energy and water. A single pair of jeans, for example, uses over 1,800 gallons of water from cotton growth to production.
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Ethical Concerns: Many fast fashion items are produced under exploitative labor conditions, with workers paid unfairly and subjected to unsafe environments.
By participating in Black Friday as we always have, we inadvertently support these unsustainable practices. The good news? You have the power to change that.
A New Way to Shop: Mindful Consumption and Tailoring
This Black Friday, consider shifting your focus from buying more to making what you already own better. Tailoring and alterations are a sustainable and stylish way to upgrade your wardrobe without contributing to fast fashion’s harmful cycle. Here’s how:
1. Upcycle Preloved Pieces
Do you have a jacket that’s out of style or a dress that no longer fits? Instead of tossing it, breathe new life into it with alterations. Tailors can modernize outdated silhouettes, resize garments for a better fit, or even transform one piece into something entirely new. For example:
- Turn a too-long gown into a chic midi dress.
- Update your old denim with stylish patchwork or embroidery.
- Reshape a boxy blazer into a tailored piece perfect for your next meeting.
By upcycling, you’re not just extending the life of your clothes—you’re also saving resources and reducing waste.
2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Black Friday often tempts us to buy more than we need, but investing in fewer, high-quality pieces is a more sustainable approach. Well-made garments can last for years with proper care, and tailoring ensures they’ll always fit perfectly. Instead of adding more fast fashion to your cart, take advantage of Black Friday deals to repair or tailor timeless staples like:
- Wool coats
- Blazers and suits
- Denim jeans
- Holiday party dresses
These pieces form the backbone of a capsule wardrobe—versatile items you can mix and match for endless outfit possibilities.
3. Repair, Don’t Replace
Have a favorite sweater with a loose seam or a pair of pants with a broken zipper? Black Friday is the perfect time to tackle those repairs. Tailors can fix these small issues, keeping your beloved items wearable and out of the landfill. Common repairs include:
- Replacing zippers
- Mending tears
- Adjusting hems
- Patching worn areas
These simple fixes make a big difference in extending the lifespan of your wardrobe.
4. Support Local Businesses
This Black Friday, choose tailoring services over big-box retailers. Supporting local tailors not only boosts your community’s economy but also encourages sustainable practices. Companies like Tad More Tailoring, for example, offer eco-conscious services that emphasize quality and care. By choosing tailoring over fast fashion, you’re making a positive impact on both the environment and your local economy.
Sustainable Shopping Tips for Black Friday
If you’re planning to shop this Black Friday, here are some tips to do it sustainably:
1. Create a Wardrobe Checklist
Before you shop, evaluate your wardrobe. What do you actually need? Are there items you’ve been missing, like a classic black dress or a warm winter coat? A checklist helps you avoid impulse buys and focus on pieces that will enhance your wardrobe. We created the perfect FREE Capsule Wardrobe Checklist for you.
2. Shop Secondhand
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms like Poshmark or ThredUp are treasure troves of quality fashion. On Black Friday, many secondhand stores offer discounts, allowing you to score great deals without supporting fast fashion.
3. Buy from Sustainable Brands
If you’re buying new, look for brands committed to sustainability. Seek out companies that use eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, and transparent manufacturing processes.
4. Take Advantage of Tailoring Deals
Some tailoring services, like Tad More Tailoring, offer Black Friday discounts on alterations and repairs. Use these deals to refresh your wardrobe in a sustainable way.
The Benefits of a Sustainable Black Friday
Making Black Friday sustainable isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also rewarding for you. Here’s why:
- Save Money: Investing in alterations or upcycling preloved items often costs less than buying new.
- Unique Style: Tailoring lets you create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personality.
- Feel-Good Shopping: By choosing sustainability, you’ll feel proud of your purchases and their positive impact.
Black Friday with Tad More Tailoring
At Tad More Tailoring, we believe in transforming Black Friday into Sustainable Friday. This year, we’re offering special deals to help you embrace sustainable fashion:
- Discounts on Alterations: Save 25% on all online tailoring services for Sustainable Friday weekend.
- Bonus for Thrifted Items: $25 off all $100 gift cards so you can start the season with sustainable gifting.
- Free Upcycle Consultation: Not sure how to revamp an old piece? Our experts will help you brainstorm ideas for your wardrobe refresh. Book your virtual consultation here.
Let’s make this Black Friday a day of mindful choices, creativity, and sustainability.
Final Thoughts: Be the Change
Black Friday doesn’t have to be a day of excess. It can be a day to reflect on your habits, embrace sustainability, and prioritize quality over quantity. By choosing tailoring, alterations, and thoughtful shopping practices, you’re taking a stand against fast fashion and showing that style and sustainability go hand in hand.
This Black Friday, let’s rewrite the narrative. Join us in making a positive impact—one perfectly tailored garment at a time.