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Are new clothes essential for Lebaran? These people say no
The Jakarta Post spoke to people who had found ways to look good for Idul Fitri without having to buy new outfits.
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Idul Fitri shopping: People peruse new clothing at the JakCloth festival on May 1. (JP/Sylviana Hamdani)
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re new clothes compulsory for Idul Fitri? If you've read the headlines, they're seemingly essential. Last weekend, thousands of people braved the still-raging pandemic to throng Tanah Abang market and many other shopping centers around Jakarta in search of new outfits.
While this habit might be great for the economy, some say it can be disastrous for the environment. Although opinions differ, some studies, such as one carried out by the World Economic Forum in 2021, have found that the fashion industry, responsible for 5 percent of global emissions, is the world's third-most polluting industry.
The Jakarta Post spoke to people who had found ways to look good for Idul Fitri without having to buy new outfits.
Upcycling
"It's not actually necessary to buy new clothes for Lebaran," said Naily Azizin Nuha, science and handicraft teacher at Permata Madani Islamic School in Bogor. "According to what I've learned, it's sunna [commendable but not compulsory] to wear your best attire for Idul Fitri. It doesn't have to be new."
Instead, the 23-year-old upcycles her old clothes and hijabs to create new looks for Lebaran. On April 24, she taught residents of the Green Pramuka City apartments about the process by video conference.
"You don't need a special talent or sophisticated tailoring skills to be able to upcycle your old clothes," she said. "As long as you have the willingness and patience to learn and to do it, you can create new clothes from your old ones."
