Fast Fashion and Consumerism
The future of fashion is shaped by current trends in the clothing industry regardless of whether you buy cheap fast fashion made through unethical practices or high-end, expensive clothing. It is clear that across the board, there is an overconsumption problem that transcends economic barriers.
People want variety, people want change, people want stuff.
The Consumerist Culture
Even though consumers buy more clothes more frequently, they wear a smaller portion of what they own. The average lifespan of a garment has decreased, with items being worn 36% less frequently than before (Earth.Org). There are some great podcasts, like this one, about the evolution of fashion if you want to dive deeper. It’s a popular subject if you do a quick search on Spotify.
We are a consumerist culture. But who is to blame for the mass amounts we consume and waste? Can we truly blame consumers for their over-consumption problem when producers create items in such mass quantities and at such cheap prices that items are thrown away at the end of every season, or sometimes every month, to make room for what is to come?
There is some clear psychological behavior at work to explain why humans do what we do. It comes down to Marketing at the end of the day- which you can even see through the powers of our government and media. I chose to study marketing at school because I have always considered it the art of manipulation.
You are creatively and psychologically penetrating the mind of a stranger and altering their behavior, typically without them knowing.
There are examples of this seen in every industry, which has always fascinated me.
Ok, so if we can acknowledge and accept that consumers want stuff, especially free or discounted stuff, and get over that human quality, how can we put the good stuff in front of them before they buy the bad stuff? In other words, they can consume items without involving new or unethical items.
Hand-Me-Downs and Vintage Finds
This topic of used clothes sparks diverse opinions. Some people firmly reject using hand-me-downs, whether from family, friends, or strangers, viewing them as undesirable. Others, however, see vintage hand-me-downs as iconic relics worthy of preservation and admiration. Some value gently used items as a budget-friendly way to acquire "new-to-them" possessions. Another perspective emphasizes the environmental impact of excessive consumption, advocating for a circular system to reduce waste. This group actively seeks out used items to promote sustainability.
Many individuals might find themselves in a combination of these categories, appreciating the multiple benefits of embracing the vintage lifestyle. No matter where you stand, I'm not here to tell you what’s right or wrong.
My Journey Towards The Future of Fashion
Over the years, I realized that affordable, fast fashion was one of the worst things I could purchase. It was tempting because it was cheap and readily available, but I knew it came with a heavy cost to the planet and, ultimately, my pocket. The more you buy, the more space you need- which is also a major issue where I live. Another funny thing about consumption is it creates an insatiable feeling. The more you buy, the more you want- like making money or gambling. It’s hard to stop because it feels good and gives you some sense of pride and excitement. Consumption is an addiction.
The Environmental Cost of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion has grown into a behemoth with serious environmental consequences. Factories pump out mass amounts of clothing using petroleum-based textiles, cotton sprayed with harmful pesticides, and dyes that pollute waterways. These clothes are produced quickly and cheaply, often under poor working conditions, with little concern for quality or longevity.
Once the clothes reach the consumer, they’re often worn only a few times before being discarded—adding to the already overwhelming amount of textile waste. This waste doesn’t just disappear; much of it ends up in landfills or is burned, releasing toxic chemicals into the environment. Donations to developing countries are problematic, as they flood local economies, disrupt local textile industries, and often become another source of street, water, and beach pollution.
Seeking out sustainable items requires a lot of research, and while these products have a smaller environmental footprint, they are also more expensive. At the end of the day, the most cost-effective and environmental way to acquire “new” fashion items is through thrifting and swaps! Additionally, wear your fashion items until you can no longer wear them. Repair your fashion items until they are no longer repairable.
What Does this Mean for You?
Everyone starts their journey from a different place in life. Some people may find adopting a more sustainable lifestyle easier, while others may feel overwhelmed by the idea. My advice is to start where you can, even if it's a small and seemingly insignificant step, like wearing a dress you already own to your next event or thrifting your next pair of heels instead of buying new ones. Support businesses that are honestly and openly upcycling, repairing, sourcing ethical and sustainable materials, and actively working to help the planet and its people. VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLAR.
These small decisions, made every day, build momentum and make it easier to make bigger, more impactful choices down the line. Don't judge yourself or others for not being ready to change everything at once. Real change happens with consistency, one day at a time.
