How to Quit Fast Fashion
If you are wondering how to quit fast fashion and work towards a more sustainable wardrobe here are the best tips!
I grew up, shopping with my friends at the weekend, spending all my money on clothes. I’m not going to lie, I loved it. I still own many of my pieces, which are still in great condition and over 20 years old. My faves include 3 American Apparel leather skirts and a denim jacket! But it feels different now, for some reason.
The days of Ultra Fast Fashion have taken over and brands like Shein, Temu, H&M and Zara are taking over people’s wardrobes and the planet!
The fast fashion industry is known for producing trendy clothing at low prices, but this business model is ruining the environment, economy, and society.
Items are now designed to break, the quality is terrible and in my opinion, cheaper to repurchase than repair. If I bought an item now, would it still last 20 years? I imagine not.
So, can we blame individuals for this throwaway culture? Probably not, but we can educate and raise awareness about what these big brands are doing.
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion is clothing produced quickly and cheaply to keep up with the latest trends. This results in high carbon emissions, significant textile waste, and poor working conditions for garment workers.
Usually, the clothes are made at breakneck speed by low-paid workers. The items are designed to be thrown away after a few wears as the materials used are so poor.
The fast fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters, contributing to climate change through carbon emissions and textile waste. Cheap materials used in fast fashion garments are often non-biodegradable, adding to landfill problems.
Fast fashion stores rely on a supply chain that often exploits factory workers who do not earn a living wage. Child labour and unsafe working conditions are also significant issues within this industry.
However, the true cost of these low prices is often hidden, affecting both the planet and people.
How to Quit Fast Fashion
Educate Yourself
Firstly, educate yourself about the true cost of fast fashion. Learn about the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion, such as pollution, waste, and poor labour conditions.
You can do this by:
- Reading articles
- Following blogs
- Reading books
- Watching documentaries
- Checking out sustainable hubs
Deinfluence Your Feed
- Unfollow Fast Fashion Influencers and social media accounts that promote fast fashion and encourage over-consumption
- Follow sustainable fashion advocates on social media focusing on sustainable fashion and ethical practices
- Unsubscribe from mailing lists and newsletters of fast fashion brands
My favourite sustainable fashion influencer is Venetia La Manna. She is a great person to follow to get started!
Evaluate Your Wardrobe
- Declutter your wardrobe and assess what you need and wear
- Donate or recycle items you no longer use
- Determine the essential pieces you need and will wear regularly
- Choose clothes made from sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled fibres
Building a capsule wardrobe with essential pieces is a great way to ensure you always have something to wear without overbuying. This approach reduces the need to constantly buy new items helping to create a more sustainable wardrobe and reducing the environmental impact of your wardrobe.
Buy Less and Choose Wisely
- Opt for timeless, versatile clothing that won’t go out of style quickly rather than trendy items
- Invest in high-quality pieces that will last longer rather than buying numerous low-cost items
- Avoid impulse buys and make thoughtful decisions about new purchases
- Buy items you like and not just to stay in with the trends
Support Sustainable Brands
- Look for brands that prioritise sustainability and ethical practices
- Purchase from transparent brands that talk about their sustainability practices and ethical labour standards.
- Look for clothing made from sustainable fabrics like organic, recycled, or sustainable materials
Find Shopping Alternatives
Secondhand Shopping
- Thrift stores, vintage stores, and online marketplaces like Depop and eBay are great places to find unique, second-hand clothing
- Charity shops are also a fantastic option for finding affordable clothes while supporting good causes.
Swapping & Borrowing
- Organise clothing swaps with friends or family members, or use rental services for special occasions
- Rent your outfits that you will only wear once or twice
Care for Your Clothes
- Follow care instructions to extend the life of your clothing
- Mend damaged items and consider upcycling old clothes into new designs or uses
- Learn basic sewing skills to mend and repair your old clothes, extending their lifespan
- Upcycling different items into new outfits is an easy way to breathe new life into your wardrobe
Stay Informed and Involved
- Keep up with news and developments in sustainable fashion
- Support policies and initiatives that promote sustainability in the fashion industry
- Get involved with movements like Fashion Revolution that advocate for sustainable fashion
- Spread the word about the impact of fast fashion by educating others
- Use social media to share information and inspire others to adopt more sustainable practices
- Support policies that regulate the fashion industry and promote sustainability
- Advocate for legislative changes that hold fast fashion brands accountable for their environmental and social impact
Quitting fast fashion may seem daunting, but by taking these steps, you can make a significant impact on the environment and promote ethical practices in the fashion industry.
Trust me, I have been on this journey for 4 years and I am no where near perfect! It is all about making small changes and being more conscious about what and how much you buy.
