Now I won’t claim to be an expert preaching about all things fast fashion. Personally, I’m in the process of educating myself as much as I can about the unethical practice and what I’ve been doing wrong so far. But I decided to write this post to share what I’ve learned so far and what has prompted me to re-evaluate how I shop and approach fashion in general. The startling facts, images, and stories from around the world brought up a lot of guilt and regret about my previous and existing habits and created the commitment to make a permanent change. If you’re interested, keep reading below.
WHY QUIT FAST FASHION?
Like many people, I’ve been seeing the disturbing images of bundles of clothes being dumped into the earth and piles set on fire in places like Ghana, Chile, and India over the last few years. It is said that more than 60 percent of fabric fibers are synthetics derived from fossil fuels, so when our clothing ends up in a landfill, it will not decay. It also goes for the clothes in the sea, freshwater, the deepest parts of the ocean, and the highest glacier peaks. In 2015, The Guardian reported that textile productions produced more emissions than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Think about that the next time you are packing eight different sundresses bought from Nasty Gal for your next beach vacation.
In the 1980s, the average American bought about 12 new articles of clothing every year. Now, the average American buys about 68 new pieces a year, most of which are worn three times or less (especially true for women). The trend now is a series of chain retailers who look at the runways and can reproduce garments really quickly and put them into a “see now, buy now” type of environment. Not only are these garments produced too quickly, but they also don’t last in your closet very long. Another reason they are considered “fast.” We are now drowning in clothes mass-produced and shipped to stores like H&M weekly.
Social media hasn’t done much to help the situation. It’s created a “non-repeatable” fashion culture with young people that have made it almost entirely unacceptable to repeat outfits if you’ve already been photographed in it recently. Its trends like these keep Instagram brands like Fashion Nova and Shein in business. Compared to 20 years ago, we only keep clothes that we buy half as long. It’s a trend pushing other high-end brands like Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and J. Crew to follow the same direction and speed up their supply chains to be MORE like fast fashion.
Now that we’ve covered the why of quitting fast fashion let’s get into the how.
HOW TO QUIT FAST FASHION STARTING NOW:
Change your mindset.
This is where it typically has to begin. I would suggest scaring yourself by doing your own research about the fast fashion industry. Learn about how the clothes are made and the realities of the working conditions of employees making the clothes. And let’s not forget what happens to them after you’re finished with them. What you will learn will undoubtedly stay with you the next time you pass the windows of Forever 21.
Reassess your existing wardrobe.
Dump everything out of your closet and get honest with yourself about the times you’ve consciously or unconsciously shopped fast fashion. The list of brands includes H&M, Shein, Fashion Nova, Top Shop, and yes, even Zara. Once you’ve completed this step, don’t do the impulsive thing and discard those items. Instead, commit to wearing them until they wear out and never shop for those brands again. If that’s a bit of an unrealistic goal for you, then at least drastically reduce how much of those brands you shop in the future and save it for items that could last longer, like sweaters, jeans, and jackets. Stay away from the flimsy tank tops and plastic handbags.
Ignore seasonal fashion trends.
You don’t need to buy every season’s new key piece or trending look. Your existing clothes can always be re-styled creatively. Also, most looks tend to make a comeback every ten years or so, so if you hang on to a special item of clothing, it will be in style again. Or better still, we could all stop caring about “cool” and follow our own style, regardless of the season?
Drop the stigma of repeated outfits.
I mean, if men can rotate the same four button-down shirts and trousers, why can’t women? This principle can apply to work-wear, vacation wear, and at-home lounge-wear. Trust me, your friends, family, and coworkers are not paying that close attention to whether or not you’ve worn the same sweater in the same week. Not having to come up with creative outfits constantly will also free up a lot of mental space for other things. Just pick 3-4 items of each clothing type, and you are good to go!
Shop for long-lasting, durable pieces.
I’ll admit, some of the Zara pieces I have, like blazers and coats, do stay in good condition for many years. Keep these pieces if you have them, but try to not buy any more. The idea of shopping for quality, long-lasting items may seem like it would cost you. However, although some brands can be expensive, many are affordable. Some labels include Pact, Quince, ABLE, and Boden. Google them to find out more.
Clothes swap with friends.
Ever had major outfit envy with a girlfriend who shares your size? Now transform that envy into the perfect opportunity to do a clothing swap between both of your closets. Whatever she is looking to phase out you can phase into yours and vice versa. What makes it easier is that the clothes come from a person you trust, and for the most part, you know how the items have been cared for. That knowledge would make for an easy transition and some exciting new wardrobe pieces without shopping new!
Educate yourself about sustainable clothing brands.
I won’t ramble on and name too many clothing brands that have adopted sustainability. However, hundreds of green and responsible fashion brands emerge every day with the common goal of changing the fashion game for the better. Be on the lookout for “Greenwashing,” though – Labels that deceptively persuade the public that an organization’s products, aims, and policies are environmentally friendly. Greenwashing is simply sustainable language that has been integrated into the company’s communication strategy rather than profoundly altering the culture to behave responsibly.
Think of at least three uses for new items of clothing before you purchase (Versatile pieces).
If this is confusing, let me explain – For example, if you’re shopping for workwear, could you wear the same blouse with dress pants for the workday and jeans on the weekend? Could you perhaps restyle a maxi dress with a sweater and boots in the winter and sandals in the summer so that they can be worn both seasons? Exercise your creative muscle with your fashion choices, and you will be surprised at the combinations you can come up with. Another tip is to shop in a predominantly neutral color palette so that clothes can be worn year-round and items can be paired with ease without color clashing. The capsule wardrobe concept is also helpful for situations like this.
Wear clothes until they wear out.
No, seriously, till the very end until they are in rips and tatters. And once they are in tatters, start wearing those same clothes around the house, to bed, and to do yard work before you toss them aside (and into the next landfill).
Rent clothing when you can.
This isn’t a new idea and is mainly reserved for formal wear. But if you can rent that next dress cocktail dress or three-piece suit for a wedding or job interview, go for it! Do you really need to own it for a lifetime? Fashions trends and our personal tastes can change so frequently that it doesn’t really make much sense to hang on to fancy clothes that can be rented for single-use and given straight back.