Fast fashion is a term used for the highly profitable business trend of mass-produced low-cost clothing. Fast fashion started in the late 20th century because of the American demand for cheaper and seasonal trendy clothing. Businesses started using new materials like polyester, nylon, and inexpensive labor.
I have recently decided I want to get away from this trend and buy sustainable and recycled clothing for my family. As a disclaimer, I am not saying what you should and should not buy and I’m not saying I will never again buy something from Target. I’m just saying that generally speaking, I want to avoid fast fashion and look for more sustainable options. Here are 9 reasons I’m doing so.
1. More isn’t better
In America, there has emerged a new trend of minimalism. Most of you have heard of the capsule wardrobe and the famous book Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life. I believe minimalism is becoming trendy because people are recognizing that more stuff does not bring happiness and meaning to life. Why not save your dollar for a family vacation and build memories together?
2. The exploitation of workers and child labor
Everyone has heard about child labor in China and third-world countries. Around 260 million children are in employment around the world, according to the International Labour Organisation. Of them, the ILO estimates that 170 million are engaged in child labor, defined by the UN as “work for which the child is either too young – below the required minimum age – or work which, because of its detrimental nature or conditions, is altogether considered unacceptable for children and is prohibited”. You can read more at the following website:
https://labs.theguardian.com/unicef-child-labour/
3. Voting with my dollar
What is voting with your dollar? It’s exactly what you think. Every dollar you spend is a vote for that business and its business practices. When I go to buy something I want to ask myself two questions. Do I really need this item? Is the provider of this item a business I want to support.
4. The planet
I don’t think most people can argue against the fact that fast fashion isn’t great for the environment and creates a lot of waste. Did you know that America creates 101.4 million tons of textile and clothing waste per year? Yikes!! The report appeared in the April 2020 issue of Nature Reviews.
Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'”
5. Is it really cheaper?
Personally, I have noticed, that my fast-fashion clothing items don’t hold up well. I will buy a few clothing items and spend close to $100 dollar just to be frustrated when the items start fading and the stitching is unraveling. It ends up being a frustrating cycle of buying, throwing away, buying, throwing away… If I shop at a thrift store I know the clothes will hold up better, because most like they have held up to several wash cycles. Plus I can get more for my buck.
6. I want to learn to sew using better materials
A couple of years ago I was gifted a sewing machine. I want to learn to sew some of my own clothing. You can find many free dress and skirt patterns online. They aren’t as complex as making jeans and are comfortable to wear around the house. The benefit of sewing is numerous. You can choose your own fabric, make sure the stitching won’t come out in the wash, and save money. Sewing is also a great creative outlet.
7. Wasteful spending and the “I want it now mentality”
Fast fashion enables a cycle of mindless and wasteful spending. When I buy a few high-quality items or make my own garments, I slow down and stop to smell the roses, in a manner of speaking. When I buy fast fashion, typically I’m throwing items in a cart with little thought.
America wants everything fast. We are impatient, like toddlers begging for a treat at Target. “I want it and I want it now.” I want to avoid this mentality.
8. Help small businesses
I love helping small businesses. They need the help now more than ever. You can find a lot of ethical and sustainable clothing stores online, for children and adults. It’s more expensive but they have sales and discount codes. Sometimes I buy items that are out of season during clearance sales. I also have cut back on the amount of clothing I buy for my kids. I love to shop at thrift stores like Once Upon A Child and Savors. Nowadays you can even find thrift stores online, like ThredUp.
9. Steals creativity and unique fashion style
I don’t need seasonally trendy clothing. Fashion trends come in and out of style. I don’t even bother keeping up with the trends, I just wear what I like. I have always loved retro and vintage clothing. A-line dresses, pencil skirts, florals, pearls, peplums jackets, gingham prints, linen, wool, lace, and silk. Let’s never forget vintage green. I LOVE VINTAGE GREEN!!! What’s your fashion style?
