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You’ve heard that fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world and that garment workers are suffering dangerous, exploitative conditions sewing clothes for less than a living wage. You recognize that something needs to change, but where to start?

Making the switch to sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You don’t have to have all the answers or throw out your entire wardrobe of "fast fashion" clothing. Nobody is 100% perfect 100% of the time—it's a process and a learning experience. Get started by asking questions, learning more about how and where your clothes are made, and making small changes to your shopping habits. Here are 5 tips to help you build a more sustainable wardrobe.

1. Establish your values

Consider what is important to you when buying clothes, whether they’re ethically-made, locally-made, environmentally-friendly, vegan, organic, one-for-one, fair trade, and so on. Few brands will check every box and it’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself to find items that fulfill every criteria, so think about what matters most to you, what is attainable, and go from there.

2. Invest in quality pieces

While it’s hard to resist a $5 t-shirt from a fast fashion retailer, it’s likely to fade, pill, stretch, shrink, or fall apart after a handful of wears. Spending a little more money upfront on higher qualities items will save money, time, and waste in the long run.

3. Rent or borrow for special events

It’s fun to have something new to wear to a wedding or a party, but if you know you’ll only wear it once, save your money (and your closet space) by using a dress rental service or borrowing from a friend. If you must buy something, check out consignment and secondhand shops for unique and new-to-you pieces, or opt for timeless classics that you can wear to many future events.

4. Treat your clothes with kindness

Washing less often, in cold water, and hanging to dry is better for the planet AND is gentler on your clothes. Extending the lifespan of your garments reduces waste and saves you money. A few more ideas: mend items that are damaged, use a fabric shaver to remove pills, and store items appropriately—fold sweaters and heavy knits that might stretch out on a hanger and thoroughly launder and store seasonal clothing in air-tight containers to protect against pests.

5. Stop using shopping as a distraction

If you’re not wandering the mall for entertainment or scrolling online retailers when you’re bored, it’s easier to resist the temptation to buy things you don’t need. Out of sight, out of mind! Take an inventory of your wardrobe and identify key pieces that are missing or need replacing, so that when you do go shopping you have a clear intention.

What can you do in a Miik StretchFit blazer? Just about anything.

To prove it, we asked 7 kickass women to put our StretchFit blazers to the ultimate test. No models, just real, incredible women. Watch the video below to see them in action!

Now, we’re not suggesting you wear a StretchFit blazer to the gym—although you could, and you’d look fabulous. We believe you deserve a stylish work wardrobe that feels just as comfortable as your favourite sweatshirt.

Our blazers’ 4-way stretch lets you move completely unrestricted, while the tailored design hugs your body for the utmost flattering fit. And unlike scratchy polyester or wool blends, our custom milled rayon from bamboo fabric is buttery soft against your skin.

If you’re ready to look great and feel amazing, shop our collection of StretchFit blazers now. Corporate just got comfy.

Miik was excited to be featured on Cityline’s Fashion Friday this June. Host Tracy Moore and stylist Jessica Mulroney talked eco-friendly summer outfits that suit any age and size. Watch the video here and shop the featured looks below.

Dubbed “the new business suit” by Jessica, the Silvie pant* worn high-waisted with the Elora blazer is a trendy way to mix up your work wardrobe. Hesitant about horizontal stripes? This tailored jacket is a figure-flattering way to pull them off.

For an easy but polished on-the-go look, the Jojo jumper* is perfect. Take it from day to evening by topping it off with the Claire cropped jacket in jazzberry.

A staple for summer, the Shania maxi dress is so comfy and versatile. For breezy days and cooler nights, throw on the Whitney cardi—as comfy as your favourite hoodie, but a lot more stylish.

A tunic and leggings are the perfect pairing for travel. The Carissa tunic has modern styling with its square neckline and asymmetrical hem. Two Miik essentials—our Lisa2 capri leggings and Emily jacket—complete the look.

So elegant for summer nights: the Shea tulip pant,* Kamran vest, and Lea tank in natural. As Jessica says, it’s “sexy without trying too hard” and would suit any woman.

* Due to the success of the show, these styles may be temporarily sold out or available only in limited sizes. We're working quickly to make more, so check back soon!

On April 24, 2013, more than 1,100 people were killed and many more were injured when Rana Plaza, an eight-storey building housing a garment factory, collapsed in Bangladesh. The event sparked worldwide discussion about the safety and wellbeing of garment industry workers and the conditions they are forced to endure. From this tragedy, Fashion Revolution was born and has since grown into a global movement to raise awareness of the social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry.

The issues plaguing today’s clothing industry are numerous and complex. Exploitation of workers runs rampant, including everything from being forced to work in dangerous conditions, to working long hours with no breaks, unfair pay, child labour, intimidation and threats, and verbal and physical abuse. The environmental costs are also overwhelming, from the huge amounts of natural resources consumed, to the resulting pollution at all stages of production. Pesticides, toxic dyes, contaminated water, carbon emissions from production and transportation, disposal of garments in landfills—it has been suggested that the clothing industry is the second largest polluter in the world, surpassed only by oil.

It sounds bleak—an unsurmountable challenge. How can we change such a complicated industry fueled by a global demand for fast, cheap clothing?

During Fashion Revolution Week, we can focus on the first small step: transparency. The #whomademyclothes campaign encourages consumers to demand greater transparency from the brands they support. Knowing where and how our clothes are made is key to inciting change in the industry. When we know more about our clothes, we can make better, more informed choices about what we buy. When we choose clothing that is made fairly, it sends the message to all brands that we will not support social and environmental exploitation.

This week, use the hashtag on social media to ask brands #whomademyclothes and show that you support a more open, fair, sustainable fashion industry. Visit the Fashion Revolution website and learn more about why we need radical change. And of course, follow Miik on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where we’ll be responding with #imadeyourclothes and sharing more about the people behind our brand!

My husband, two daughters and I went to Costa Rica for two weeks in February. When we arrived, my luggage was lost. Ahhh! You would think I could just borrow my daughters' clothes but just picture me in a short skirt and belly shirt—not happening. I wasn't crazy worried as I assumed it would just arrive the next day. But no—it didn't arrive for 4 days! 

Luckily, I packed one dress, a bathing suit and a pair of underwear in my carry-on. And as it turned out, the Tia dress was the perfect piece to pack. We were to spend the first four days at an eco lodge in the rain forest—which, by the way, was absolutely stunning. When we arrived, it was unexpectedly cold at night, so for dinner I layered up the Tia with the Mandy cardi I wore on the plane. Perfect. 

The next day we awoke to the most breathtaking views from our room. This place was even more beautiful than the photos! After breakfast we did a spectacular waterfall hike in the rain forest. Wow, so incredible. It was quite hot but the Tia is so cool and light, and such a simple design, that it worked great with the running shoes that I'd worn on the plane. So far, so good.

After lunch, we hit the pool and guess what—she worked just as beautifully as a bathing suit coverup. Check out the view. Seriously. When we went for dinner that night, it was even colder as we were eating outside. Thank goodness I could just ruche up the Tia like a tunic and was able to wear my Miik leggings and the same Mandy cardi. The bonus: because it is so light, I could just wash and hang to dry in our room. 

My luggage finally arrived on the day we were leaving the rain forest and heading back to San José to pick up my other daughter, who could only join us for the second week of the trip. It arrived just as we were leaving the hotel. What a relief!

Funnily enough, when my hubby took me to New Orleans for my birthday a few weeks later, the Tia was one of four dresses I packed! I was planning on indulging in the infamous cajun food so did not want to worry about sucking in my stomach :)

If you are curious about this spectacular place in Costa Rica—we stayed at The Peace Lodge just an hour outside of San José. I would highly recommend it. The waterfalls and animal reserve are right on the hotel grounds. Just stunning.