With fashion trends spreading easier than ever and with many options available in the malls and online shops, it’s very easy to fall into the consumerism trap. When it comes to clothes, they are both practical items that we can’t live without, and a way to show off our style, personality and creativity. With fast fashion, style and trendiness wins over quality, which is the problem of the industry, and a bigger problem for our planet. In this article we’re gonna compare some aspects of fast fashion and slow fashion to see how we can be more mindful of what we are buying. And if you want to take a look at some fashionable, but sustainable pieces, make sure you check out these Irish woolen items that have been produced sustainably and will last you longer. Read along and get ready to make a difference.
Fast fashion frenzy
Fast fashion is so popular these days because it’s easy and cheap. The production of clothes is very fast, hence the name fast fashion, and the clothes are designed to be trendy pieces that last a season or two. These clothes are trendy pieces at an affordable price that you can easily find online or at the nearest mall. But the way these tiny clothes impact the environment is pretty scary.
One of the major concerns with fast fashion is its environmental footprint. From the resource-intensive processes to the overproduction and the waste that is produced, these clothes have a huge impact on our planet. The usage of cheap materials and the trend fever of these clothes encourage the customers to throw them away faster, which in the end, is even more wasteful as they take years to decompose.
Another popular, but ethically problematic aspect of fast fashion is the poor treatment of workers. Many fast fashion brands have faced lawsuits and criticism over the years for keeping their workers in unsafe environments, paying them terrible wages or even using child labour. As customers, buying their clothes means closing our eyes on these problems, so it’s better to stay informed and avoid these brands.
Slow fashion revolution
At the other end of the spectrum, slow fashion is the complete opposite, working with a thoughtful and sustainable approach on fashion. The pieces are made using natural resources as much as possible, promoting an ethical work environment and focusing on quality.
Because slow fashion brands use eco-friendly materials and production methods, they are actively reducing their impact on the environment. This, however, places the clothes on the more expensive side but allows you to enjoy the pieces for a longer time, the focus being on durability. The clothes being produced ethically and made durable, there is no need for overproduction and the extra waste is eliminated. Also, the size of these slow fashion brands makes it easier for them to keep a transparency that encourages ethical labor practices.
