Shopping Sustainably - Plus Size

6 Tips to Shop Sustainably This Black Friday and Cyber Monday

The holidays are coming. Our signature festive drinks are back in store and Mariah Carey is getting ready to make her annual return to the radio stations. While the holidays are full of traditions and the time spent with friends, it’s also one of the most expensive times of year.

After all, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner. They’re the biggest shopping days on the calendar when retailers slash their prices to lure you in to making an impulse purchase. It comes when most of us are on a post-Thanksgiving high and knee-deep in holiday shopping.

It can be difficult to resist the temptation of Black Friday – especially if you love the thrill of getting a good deal. Recent years has seen rising criticism of these major shopping holidays because of their environmental footprint.

At Sante Grace, we believe that sustainability can co-exist alongside these 21^st-century tradition with mindfulness and strategy. While around 25% of purchases on Black Friday are impulse buys, you don’t have to become a statistic. A little pre-planning can help you shop sustainably for plus-size clothing during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

We’re sharing how the Sante Grace team are planning to shop sustainably this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These tips will help you make every dollar count, while curating a budget-friendly plus-size closet. You might even find your new favorite festive outfit for the holidays.

1. Make a Holiday Shopping Budget

Budgeting is key to surviving the holiday season – not just the Black Friday sales. It’s easy to get carried away by heavy discounts and free gifts. Make a budget that includes money to spend on holiday gifts, as well as purchases for yourself.

While it can feel difficult to stick to your budget, it will stop you from overconsuming and spending more money than you can afford to on Black Friday. There are always sales and discounts online, don’t financially stress yourself for two days of hype-fueled shopping.

However, Black Friday can be an ideal time to buy items on your wish list. Spend a little time on Sante Grace and your favorite plus-size websites to make a note of anything you might want to buy and account for it within your budget.

2. Write a Black Friday Shopping List

The best way to stick to your budget is by having a shopping list to work off. Start by writing out the list of people you want to buy gifts for, including any specific gifts you have in mind. Try and focus your list on items you can find from a handful of websites to maximize your use of discount codes and avoid temptation.

Don’t forget to make a list of items you want to buy yourself. Black Friday and Cyber Monday is the perfect time to invest in clothing you’ve been eyeing up for months. Take advantage of 20% off the plus-size jeans you’ve been stalking or get a curvy holiday dress on sale from your go-to brand.

3. Stock Up on Items You Actually Need

Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a great time to buy items that you already use. Stock up on your everyday makeup essentials or buy the little black dress that you love in another color. Avoid the temptation to buy something entirely new on the whim.

If the item in question is one that you use and love already, buying it on Black Friday is an instant win-win. It’s an ideal time to buy multiples of items you already use and love. Do you wish you had another pair of the jeans you wear every week? Buy a backup style or a pair in another color during the holiday sales.

4. Tag Team with Your Friends

Holiday shopping can feel overwhelming. It’s not unusual for stores to open before sunrise and for Black Friday deals to start as early as midnight. Sometimes you need a little help to find the best plus-size clothing deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Remember the list we suggested writing? Share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to remove any items you’re planning to buy them as gifts. Your friends can help you look out for the best deals and share discount codes or offers.

Planning on making some major purchases this Black Friday? Make a group chat with your friends to share discount codes and offers. Don’t forget to stick to your budget and shopping list. Your friends can help you stay accountable and within budget.

5. Shop with Charity in Mind

Shopping sustainably during Black Friday doesn’t just mean making mindful purchases, it also includes shopping for others. Share the holiday spirit by using Black Friday and Cyber Monday to help those less fortunate.

It’s an ideal time to buy supplies for shelters and charities, including gifts for children in need. Look out for notices from local charities and organizations that will typically have holiday appeals for items that are high in demand.

While you can enjoy Black Friday and invest in new plus-size clothing, use it as a time to be charitable as well. Add a few charity purchases onto your Black Friday shopping list. If you have any left-over money in your holiday shopping budget, consider donating to charity.

Look out for brands and retailers that are working with charities this holiday season. It’s not uncommon for brands to partner with organizations during the holidays, including matching donations made during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

6. Follow Your Conscious

During Black Friday you’ll see clothing and accessories at crazy low prices that will have you doing a double take. Follow your conscious and shop from brands that match your values – not just the ones with a bottom-dollar price point.

Explore brands that are environmentally friendly, including ones that offer carbon neutral shipping. We’ll be spending this holiday season supporting plus size fashion brands that use sustainable fabrics, support communities, and actively work towards lower their carbon footprint. At Sante Grace, we hope we’re leading by example.

While you might think Black Friday and sustainability don’t operate together, this isn’t true. You can shop sustainably this holiday season by making purchases you already plan on making. Follow these 6 tips to get the most out of your Black Friday shopping without impulse shopping and overconsumption.