How to ditch fast fashion and embrace sustainable style

Fast fashionis the enemy of the planet and the people. It is the term for cheap and low-quality clothing rapidly produced and cycled in and out of the market to meet new trends. It has detrimental environmental and social impacts, such as waste, carbon emissions, and slave labour. According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 20% of global wastewater, and 85% of textiles in landfills or incinerated.Moreover, fast fashion exploits workers in developing countries, who are often exposed to unsafe and inhumane conditions, low wages, and long hours.
If you want to reduce your contribution to fast fashion and support a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry, there are some easy ways to do so. Making a difference can be done without sacrificing your sense of style or emptying your wallet. Here are some tips on how to ditch fast fashion and embrace sustainable style.

Buy less and buy better

One of the main causes of fast fashion is overconsumption, as people buy more clothes than they need or wear and discard them quickly. To break this cycle, you should buy less and buy better, meaning that you should only buy clothes that you really love, need, and will wear for a long time. You should also invest in quality pieces that are made from natural, organic, or recycled materials, and that are produced in fair and safe conditions. This way, you will reduce your environmental footprint, save money, and support ethical brands. You don’t need a lot of clothes to have a great wardrobe; you just need the right ones. For example, you can invest in a classic navy suit, a white button-down shirt, a pair of dark jeans, a leather jacket, and a pair of brown shoes. These are versatile pieces that you can mix and match for different occasions, and they will never go out of style.

Shop secondhand and vintage

If you’re looking to break away from the fast fashion industry, shopping secondhand and vintage can be a great option. Not only will this help reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills, but it also allows you to find unique and affordable pieces that perfectly match your personality and sense of style. Shopping secondhand and vintage can also introduce you to styles and trends from different cultures and time periods, making it a fun and exciting experience. You can explore online platforms such as The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and Depop, or check out your local thrift stores, flea markets, and charity shops to discover hidden gems. Additionally, by donating or selling your unwanted clothes to these places, you can give them a new lease on life and help reduce waste.

Repair, reuse, and recycle

Instead of throwing away your old or damaged clothes, you can repair, reuse, and recycle them. You can mend your clothes by sewing, patching, or darning them, or you can take them to a tailor or a repair shop. To breathe new life into your clothes and make the most out of them you can alter, upcycle, and customize them. Swapping them with your family also works as a great sustainable alternative. In this way, you can feel closer to your family by having a keepsake of theirs and also participating in eco-friendly practices. Recycle your clothes by donating them to charities this winter. You can also sell them off via online thrift stores if you want to make a quick buck. By doing so, you will reduce waste, save resources, and give your clothes a new life.

These are some of the easy ways to ditch fast fashion and embrace sustainable style. By following these tips, you will not only help the environment and the people involved in the fashion industry, but you will also improve your own well-being, as you will have a more meaningful and satisfying relationship with your clothes. Remember, fashion is not only about appearance, but also about expression, identity, and values.