Slow fashion is a movement that emphasizes the value of clothing and garment making as an art form, while rejecting the trends and excessive consumption that fashion often perpetuates.
As with any art form, the artists require materials to create their works. In the case of fashion, designers require materials to create their garments and dresses. Furthermore, workers need adequate pay to survive in order to continue working in this field.
With the rise of online shopping, fast fashion has become even more pervasive. Sites like Zalando and ASOS have huge offerings of cheap clothes that can be delivered quickly due to efficient shipping systems. This makes shopping for cheap clothes incredibly easy, which increases its appeal.
However, there is a downside to this type of fast fashion. Materials are often lower quality but purchased in bulk to reduce cost. This leads to items wearing out faster and having limited longevity.
The origins of slow fashion
As we’ve seen, fast fashion is largely driven by the hunger for new trends and constant product turnover. Designers must constantly design new collections to appeal to the ever-demanding consumer.
Major fashion houses have artistic constraints, like limited production resources and time, that influence their production speed. Plus, fast fashion is a business and businesses want to make money!
Bloggers and critics have played a big role in exposing the negative aspects of fast fashion and encouraging consumers to buy less. Unfortunately, this may not have much of an impact unless we all stop buying altogether.
There are many ways to slow down your fashion consumption without totally stopping. The best way for you to do this is up to you, but here are some tips to help you transition from casual consumer to conscious consumer.
Who is involved in slow fashion?
Along with individuals, there are several brands that are part of the slow fashion movement. Some of these brands include: Penda, whose designs are inspired by nature; WoodWood, which uses recycled materials in their products; and Zero Waste Paris, a brand that designs high-quality garments out of upcycled materials.
Many of these brands are based outside of the Western world, which draws attention to cultural differences in fashion. For example, many Asian fashion brands focus more on affordable clothing rather than high-end designer pieces. This is due to cultural preferences for what clothes are needed and worn.
Individuals who are part of the slow fashion movement may be transparent about their beliefs, but there is no formal organization that promotes slow fashion as a whole. The awareness and promotion of slow fashion is done individually.
Guide to becoming a slow fashion consumer
Now that you know the reasons to avoid fast fashion and how to weed it out of your life, let’s talk about how to become a conscious consumer.
Start by researching the brands you love. Find out where they are made and if they use fair trade practices in their manufacturing. If you find that most or all of your favorite brands are not fair trade or are not made in countries with adequate worker protections and wages, there are other sources!
Look into local craft vendors, indie designers, and cost-effective ways to find quality clothing. Sites like eBay and Ali Express have some truly amazing finds for low prices!
Keep an eye out for sales and utilize coupons whenever possible to get the best deal while still supporting your favorite brands.
Try investing in more durable pieces that will last you longer than a season or two.
Learn about the designers and brands you love
If you are already in love with a particular fashion brand or designer, then start with their website. Check out their fashion shows, lookbooks, and other online sources to get a sense of their style.
Check out their clothing materials and manufacturing practices to see if they align with your own values. If not, explore some other brands! There are many talented designers out there making beautiful clothes.
If you find a piece you love and it is no longer being made, I would recommend buying it if you can afford it! Preserving pieces of fashion history is a source of sustainability itself.
By becoming more aware of the fashion world as a whole, you will start to notice more trends and production sources which will help you be more conscious as a consumer.
Support smaller retailers and boutiques
While large fashion brands may have influence on the runway and what is in fashion, smaller boutiques and retailers have the edge in customer service and product selection.
By shopping at small boutiques or independent stores, you are supporting people who are trying to make a living. You are also likely to find unique pieces that are not sold at bigger stores, as well as get a better sense of the owner’s taste.
Small businesses like these tend to have longer relationships with suppliers, creating more authentic products. Lastly, profits are higher in small shops due to lower overhead costs, so prices may be more reasonable.
If there is a boutique or shop that you like but does not carry your size, ask if they can order it for you or get it from another store that sells it.
Look for recycled materials
When shopping for clothes, or any other material goods, be on the lookout for products made with recycled materials. There are many websites and retail stores that offer clothing made from recycled plastic bottles, old garments re-made, and organic fabrics that are environmentally friendly.
Many of these brands also have a story behind them which adds to the value of the product. By buying from them, you are also investing in someone else who is pursuing their craft and business ambitions.
Shopping for clothes online can be tricky when it comes to sizing, but if you find a brand that sells similar styles in sizes you normally wear, then you are good to go!
Conscious consumerism is a way to invest in fashion that still supports quality pieces while being eco-friendly.
Find sustainable fabrics
Once you have decided to look for clothes that will last, your next task is to find sustainable fabrics. Luckily, there are many brands that use sustainable fabrics in their products.
Some of the most popular brands use leather in their products, which can be hard to find in sustainable form. If you are not a fan of leather, then you will have to look further for what you want!
Polyester is a plastic based fiber that does not break down naturally. Luckily, there are companies that produce bio-polyester which is made from organic materials such as corn. These fibers break down naturally over time making them more sustainable.
Nylon is a synthetic fabric that is very durable. Unfortunately, it is not bi-degradeable so if you buy something made of it, it will not break down any further. There are some brands that make nylon more eco-friendly by using recycled materials to make it.
Support eco-friendly manufacturing practices
When you buy clothes, consider whether you need to replace what you have. If your clothes are still in good condition, then consider whether you love them enough to keep them.
If you love your clothes and they are still in good condition, then keep them because they will last. Manufacturers now make clothes that will last for several seasons, even years!
By continuing to wear older clothes, you will reduce your need to purchase new ones. This is a great way to be more conscious about your clothing consumption. You can even organize a clothing exchange with friends to further reduce excess clothing and give others the opportunity to find new favorites.
Look into brands that use eco-friendly manufacturing practices. By supporting these brands, you are helping prevent environmental damage and health issues in workers at the factories.
Leave a Reply