I tried the zero-waste fashion brand For Days and after revamping my closet, I can say it's well worth it

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• For Days is a zero-waste fashion brand.
• All of its clothing are made from recycled and recyclable materials
• I tried some of the bestsellers and the clothes feel good as new

If you've never heard of For Days, it's only a matter of time before you do. The clothing brand is one of many on a mission to make zero-waste fashion mainstream and, to their credit, they're making it look easy.  

Founded in 2018 by Kristy Caylor and Mary Saunders, For Days is both an online store and an experience where customers can shop for new clothes and upcycle their old ones through a donation initiative run by the brand. The clothes come in sizes for men and women, along with a number of gender-neutral styles, and range from everyday T-shirts and button-downs to sweats and sweaters. 

Because many (including myself) see the transition back to the office as an opportunity to revisit their wardrobe, now felt like the perfect time to get better acquainted with the label that's seemingly not only better for my closet, but better for the environment as well.

Read on for my favorite picks, plus info on For Days' Take Back Bag, a program that allows you to earn $20 in "Closet Cash" (basically store credit) in exchange for sending a filled bag of old clothes you don't use anymore. It's a win-win for everyone. 

For Better Days Original Sweatshirt

The Original Sweatshirt comes in a handful of colors, from neutral cement and black to brighter shades like teaberry and blazing orange, and has an oversized fit. I got a lot of use out of this piece when vacationing in South Carolina. It was perfect for cool evenings lounging on the couch or running a quick errand, but I wouldn't say it's built for optimal warmth.

In colder conditions, you'll want to layer it over a turtleneck (the way we did in the '90s) or pair it with a scarf under a heavier coat. I've been looking for a basic crewneck sweatshirt, and I really like this one from For Days, but if you don't have $68 to spend on a sweatshirt, you can definitely find something similar for less.

Vintage V

I can't tell you how many white t-shirts I have purchased and tried on in search of my perfect one. The search is over. The For Days Vintage V is it. First, I love a v-neck, but I also just adore the construction of this top. It's made from 20% recycled cotton and 80% organic cotton, is shorter in length (but not cropped), and offers the slightest curve at your natural waist. Its product description says the shirt runs small, but I found it fit true to size for me. I love it in white, and now I want every color. 

Relaxing Long Sleeve Romper

The For Days Relaxing Long Sleeve Romper is an elite one-and-done ensemble. It's made from 100% organic, recyclable cotton jersey material, and feels like the footie pajamas you wore as a kid, minus the foot coverings. It has a zip front and drawstring waist, and while it fits true to size, it is roomy enough so that it's comfortable to lounge in. I wore this romper with a pair of slip-on sneakers to get a massage, and it was the perfect outfit to slip into afterward to prolong my relaxation. It's well worth the splurge.

Carefree Mini Dress

In my experience, casual dresses that are comfortable and cute can be hard to find. So when you do find one that fits well, looks cute, and you can get a ton of wear out of, buy it. Then buy it in every color it comes in. That's how I feel about the Carefree Mini Dress. It's simple, but beautiful and can be dressed up or down. It's made from a VISCOSE fabric that's breathable, and lightweight, making it the perfect foundation for layering in colder conditions. As far as I'm concerned, it's only con is that it doesn't come in more colors.

How the Take Back Bag program works

For Days aims to be part of the solution to one of fashion's most pressing issues: unnecessary waste. The brand prides itself on being a zero-waste operation in which all of its products are made from sustainable and recycled materials and, in turn, are 100% recyclable.

But selling recyclable clothing is only part of their mission. Caylor and Saunders also hope to encourage customers to recycle their unwanted clothes through the For Days Take Back Bag initiative.

The Take Back Bag program is a sustainable way to get rid of unwanted clothes in your closet. Here's how it works: Choose between three bag sizes (small, medium, or large), and once it arrives, stuff it with your old clothes before sending it back using the prepaid shipping label.

For Days accepts all brands in any condition. Just make sure to wash them prior to donating! For every bag purchased, For Days will add either a $6, $10, or $20 credit to your account. If you're ready to return a For Days-made item, the brand will buy it back from you and properly upcycle the garment. 

The bottom line

For Days offers consumers a quality alternative to fast fashion that adds to the waste problem. To me, the cost of For Days clothing reflects the brand's offerings, as well as its morals making this sustainable brand one worth supporting.