Slow Fashion: The Newest Trend
Let’s talk about fast fashion.
Since when does fashion run? Okay, totally kidding.
In all seriousness, I know that many of you have heard of the term ‘fast fashion.’ But do you really know what it means?
Essentially, ‘fast fashion’ refers to inexpensive clothing items that are produced quickly by mass-market retailers. You know the clothes I’m talking about - those cheaply-made ones produced in response to the latest trends, sold in stores like Forever 21, Zara, H&M, or on the sites of online retailers like Missguided, SheIn, or Pretty Little Thing. We all wear them… so what is the problem with fast fashion?
Glad you asked! Let me enlighten you. The problems with fast fashion are both moral and environmental issues. These companies (multi billion dollar ones, might I add) are not producing fashion ethically or sustainably. It is terrible for the Earth, it is unethical, and - you guessed it - it is down-right F’d up.
First-things-first, the environment.
In case anyone needed a refresher on why this matters - we literally need a sustainable environment to SURVIVE - hello! The fast fashion industry makes up 10% of our total global carbon emissions, and is the second largest consumer in the world's water supply. Yes, that much.
And you want to know the worst part about the over-production of these garments? It’s that those very same clothes (84% of them) end up in landfills within a year. It's a fact (data shows) that Americans are buying more clothes each year, which means more clothes are ending up in the garbage. If you’re into scary things, then take a second to search what these landfills look like. *Cue horror movie scream* because yes, it’s that alarming.
Also, these companies practice unethical values.
Most of these fast fashion companies handle their production outside of the United States. Why? Because when these corporations do business with these countries, they can get away with both underpaying and grossly mistreating their factory workers. It is on record that these workers get paid LESS THAN ONE DOLLAR PER HOUR. (Yes, I’m yelling.)
Not only do they get away with the exploitation of the workers, but they also force their employees to work in unsafe conditions. There have been many instances where factories have caught on fire and the workers have lost their lives - with no justice. Oh, and the worst part - these countries allow child labor. So you know that that SUPER cute top you just bought for $10? Yeah, a 9-year-old made it. And probably worked a longer day than you ever have, while getting paid a pathetic fraction of what our country’s minimum wage is.
This industry is pretty messed up.
These companies are *known* for ripping off both luxury brands and small designers. Zara has been called out numerous times over this, but still never paid homage to any of the original designers. MAJOR copycat vibes here.
But again - the issue isn’t about the consumer. Being able to afford on-trend clothing isn’t necessarily a bad thing - it's the large fashion companies that support capitalistic tendencies that prey on consumers like us, and it’s social media influencing over-consumption.
The fast fashion industry over-produces cheaply-made clothing so that you (the consumer) will wear it once, wash it, and then quickly dispose of it because it unravels in the washing machine - and that’s the whole cycle. The quality of their clothing isn’t an accident. They want you to keep buying their products.
But have no fear! Enter: slooow fashion.
Slow fashion is the movement of designing, creating, and buying garments for quality and longevity. It encourages slower production schedules, fair wages, lower carbon footprints, and (ideally) zero waste.
With just a littttle bit of research, you can find the wonderful world of sustainable brands that produce their merchandise with the overall wellbeing of the planet & its inhabitants in mind. While yes, these brands are on the pricy side compared to the fast fashion brands you’re used to, this will make the consumer think about their purchases, rather than mindlessly buying a whole bunch of crappy clothes that won’t last a spin cycle. Plus, sustainable brands are a lot cooler anyway - and investing in a few good pieces will seriously up your style game.
However, being a lover of fashion on a budget, it can still be hard to afford these sustainable brands. That’s why I’m going to introduce you to a never-before-seen idea… THRIFT STORES.
Getting inspiration from sustainable brands and going to a thrift store and finding that VERY similar piece is a feeling like no other - and it’s pretty fun to thrift. Also, you know what makes thrifting even more interesting? When you know how to sew. Finding something at a thrift store for an unbeatable price - but the pants are too long. Oh wait - you can take them home and hem them! Game changer.
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IN REVIEW…
Fast fashion sucks, and the earth is crying out for help. It’s our job to listen to her, help in whatever way we can. Every little bit counts, and the best place to start is by shopping sustainably - whether you’re choosing to purchase from an eco-friendly brand or buy your clothes secondhand at a thrift store.
For a list of online thrift stores to browse, click here.
For a list of ethical brands to shop, click here.
Say it with me now… “fast fashion? DON’T KNOW HER!” Slow fashion’s where it’s at.
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This article was written by fashion lover, thrifting queen, and coffee addict Courtney Weimer. Courtney got her Bachelors in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at Youngstown State University where she conducted numerous essays, reports, and presentations on the fast fashion industry.
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