Guest blogger @Olof1982
Part 2
Many men interested in classic style probably recognize me from the world of men's fashion where I have worked for the past 9 years. What some people may not know is that I also work in the financial industry on a daily basis as an advisor to wealthy families. One of the predominant and most important trends in my industry right now is what is popularly abbreviated as ESG. It stands for Environmental, Social and Governance, sustainability in short. My industry, like everyone else, needs to pull its weight if we are to achieve the climate goals that have been set if society is to get better.
But what does this have to do with men's fashion, you might ask? For me, sustainability permeates everything, and we all need to think and do what we can to contribute. When it comes to fashion, the relationship to over consumption is something you really have to think about. Because here, as a consumer, you can really make a difference. Let me explain why.
To begin with, the wear-and-tear mentality that long has been the norm in the Western world is completely reprehensible and directly bad for both the environment and social conditions. My advice is to instead invest in better clothes and buy less. By actively putting requirements on manufacturers, you can make a difference. Read where and in what way your clothes are made. What materials are used and how do they affect the environment. Buying a few garments that last a long time and are made of good materials and by people with decent salaries and good working conditions, then you make a difference.
Take a bespoke garment as an example. It is handcrafted. The tailor helps you to take care of it and increases the service life by both repairing but also alterations in case the size should change over time. Buying timeless tailored garments also reduces the risk of becoming a fashion slave who throws away a garment before it is worn out because it is simply not "in" anymore.
A great role model when it comes to this approach is Prince Charles of England. When you go deeper in analysing his closet and explore pictures of him over several decades, two things become obvious. First, he often wears certain garments for 20-30 years or more if possible. If a garment breaks, he has it repaired. Look in the seams and you can sometimes see discreet patches and repairs. Good quality lasts a long time and a timeless style rarely becomes outdated.
Therefore, I would say that you can without a doubt consider good clothes an investment. The investment will provide a fantastic return that consists of you looking better, being more satisfied as a consumer and perhaps most importantly contributing to a better world and a brighter future. Think about that!
