Think about how you wash you clothes. Image thanks to Zena Holloway.

Research has shown that the greatest damage clothes do to our environment is not in their construction and distribution, but in washing them. Throwing a load in the washing machine not only involves large quantities of water but also energy and chemicals. Greener threads, like our very own Tluxe spring/summer collection, are those that can be cold washed and line dried.

The next best aspect in terms of earth-friendly clothing, according to eco aficionados treehugger.com, relates to longevity. And this has as much to do with styling as it has to do with the quality of the fabric you choose. In fact, you’re better off choosing a classic style in traditional high quality cotton, that you’d still wear 10 years down the track, than an of-the-moment number in organic bamboo, which will end up in the charity bins in six months time.

And of course, if you can combine style with organic and natural fibres, like we try our very best to do here at Tluxe, then you’re onto a real winner, for both you and the longevity of the planet. For other ideas on fashion with a conscience, check out some of our favourite blogs, including British Vogue’s Green Style, US site Ecouterre.com, and our very own, Australian-based How Big is your Eco.