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Fast fashion is an environmental catastrophe. This industry is responsible for almost 10% of global carbon emissions, and 92 million tons of textile waste ends up in landfills each year. At this rate, that amount will increase to 134 million tons by the end of the decade.
If you’re concerned about the impact of fast fashion, there are sustainable alternatives. Buying less, holding onto your clothes for longer, buying secondhand, and supporting sustainable fashion brands are all steps you can take to build a more eco-conscious wardrobe.
Here’s a closer look at the problems with fast fashion, followed by 13 tips for avoiding fast fashion and shopping more sustainably.
What Exactly Is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of high volumes of clothing by mass market retailers. These retailers often produce cheap, trendy clothes inspired by the latest celebrity styles and catwalk designs.
They get the clothes out there as fast as they can, so shoppers will snap them up when they’re at the height of their popularity. This requires a constant churn of new designs and restocks.
This clothing, which is produced in massive quantities, is sold for low prices. Manufacturers cut costs wherever possible, from materials to labor.
But there’s often dirty secrets behind these appealingly low prices, such as toxic chemicals during the manufacturing process, worker exploitation, and unsafe labor conditions.
And since the clothes are made so cheaply, they often only last for a few wears. The low-quality materials and workmanship means you have to buy clothes again and again, contributing to the cycle of waste.
The Problems With Fast Fashion
While trendy, affordable clothing is tempting, there’s a maze of environmental and ethical problems beneath the sheen. These include:
- Huge environmental costs: The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of our carbon emissions. Fast fashion majorly contributes to this, with its vast scale of production and disposal. Think about this: producing a single cotton t-shirt requires about 2,700 liters of water — that’s roughly what one person drinks in three years!
- Mountains of waste: The U.S. alone sends about 21 billion pounds of textile waste to landfills every year. A significant chunk of this is barely-worn fast fashion items that quickly go out of style or deteriorate in quality.
- Toxic chemicals galore: Over 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used worldwide in clothes manufacturing for fast fashion. Many of these are toxic and end up polluting rivers and soil, affecting aquatic life and local communities.
- Labor exploitation: It’s estimated that one in six people in the world work in a job related to fashion, with 80% in the supply chain labor force being women. Many of these workers, particularly in developing countries, face exploitation, working in hazardous conditions for meager pay.
- Endless consumption: Did you know the average consumer bought 60% more clothing in 2014 than in 2000, but kept each garment only half as long? The churn of fast fashion encourages this buy-wear-toss cycle, exacerbating waste and overconsumption. Plus, the constant cycle stresses out our minds and our bank accounts.
- Low-quality clothes: Fast fashion items are not designed to last. These clothes may seem affordable when you look at the price tag, but they could cost you more in the long run since they wear out so quickly.
13 Ways to Avoid Fast Fashion and Shop More Sustainably
Avoiding fast fashion doesn’t mean you have to give up clothes shopping completely. There are ways to shop more sustainably and build a high-quality, long-lasting wardrobe that won’t end up in a landfill anytime soon. Here are some tips for building a more sustainable wardrobe.
1. Educate Yourself
Fast fashion is tempting for a reason. It’s trendy, affordable, and gives you a thrill of novelty to add a new outfit to your collection. But by educating yourself on how your clothes are made, you might find it easier to avoid fast fashion and opt for more sustainable brands instead.
There are a bunch of documentaries about fast fashion, such as The True Cost, River Blue, and Made in Bangladesh. The more you know, the easier it will be to resist the allure of fast fashion and change your shopping habits.
2. Embrace Thrifting
Rather than buying new clothes, consider giving a new life to pre-loved garments. You could head to your local thrift or consignment stores or explore online platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and thredUP. Not only will you find unique pieces, but you’re also giving a second change to clothing that might otherwise end up in landfills.
3. Host Clothing Swaps
Another way to refresh your wardrobe without contributing to the demand for new clothing is to organize or attend a clothing swap with your friends or family. Clothing swaps are a great way to get rid of pieces you no longer wear while finding new outfits for your collection.
4. Buy Quality Over Quantity
You’ve probably heard of a minimalist or capsule wardrobe. The idea is to pare down your wardrobe to high-quality essentials that you can mix and match to form different outfits. Rather than having clothes spilling out of every drawer and closet, a capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of pieces you love.
One key part of building a capsule wardrobe is investing in timeless pieces that last. Buying high-quality items may mean spending more initially, but they could cost you less in the long run since they won’t need to be replaced as often — and you probably won’t feel the urge to keep adding to your closet.
5. Support Ethical Brands
Seek out brands that prioritize ethical labor practices and sustainable materials. Check out directories like the Ethical Fashion Guide or apps like Good On You to find brands that align with your values. We also have a list of some our favorite sustainable brands below, which include Pact, Quince, Reformation, ABLE, and Everlane.
6. DIY and Upcycle
Before you throw away a damaged piece of clothing, consider if it can be repaired or upcycled into something new. Learn basic sewing skills or take upcycling workshops to extend the life of your clothes. You might be able to save a garment by sewing on a button or patching a tear. If the clothing is beyond repair, consider whether you can turn it into another garment or cut it up to use as cleaning rags.
7. Limit Impulse Purchases
It’s all too easy to buy something on impulse, especially if you’re looking for a pick-me-up after a tough day. But before you hand over your credit card, ask yourself if you really need the item. Consider waiting a few days before purchasing. If you’re still feeling the urge, then consider buying it. But more often than that, you’ll find that the initial impulse has faded.
8. Learn About Fabrics
Some fabrics are a lot more sustainable than others. Organic cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo, for example, are generally much more eco-friendly than synthetic ones like polyester or PVC. Many synthetic materials release toxic chemicals into the surrounding environment and aren’t biodegradable, so they end up in landfills for hundreds of years.
Here’s a guide to our favorite organic cotton clothing brands for all styles and budgets.
9. Reduce Laundry
Washing your clothes frequently wears them out faster while consuming water and energy. Consider wearing a garment a few times before washing it, and use soap nuts or plastic-free laundry detergent when it’s time to wash. Air-drying clothes, rather than tossing them into the dryer, can also save energy. Unless your clothes are visibly dirty or smelly, consider airing them out instead of tossing them into the wash.
10. Buy Local
Besides all the textile waste, the fast fashion industry also contributes to global emission with all the long-haul transporting involved. Some companies spread out manufacturers all over the world, sewing an item in one country before shipping it an entirely different continent to get the label sewn on. Then the item might cross another ocean to reach your address.
By purchasing clothes from local designers whenever possible, you can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting clothes long distance. Plus, you’ll be supporting small businesses and your local community.
11. Rent Instead of Buying
For special occasions, consider renting outfits instead of buying something you’ll only wear once. Websites like Rent the Runway offer stylish options for a fraction of the retail price. You can still dress to the nines for your event without having to worry about buying a new item that you’ll never wear again.
12. Avoid Trends, Seek Personal Style
Remember how scrunchies were a fashion faux pas, and now they’re all around us again? The same goes for high-waist jeans, bucket hats, and so many other cycling trends. Fashion trends come and go, so instead of chasing them with the seasons, focus on developing a timeless personal style. Your wardrobe will become more cohesive, and you’ll feel less need to constantly update it.
13. Check Labels and Certifications
There are various labels that can help point us in the right direction when we shop. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or OEKO-TEX on clothing. Brands have to meet high standards to gain these certifications, so these labels can be helpful indicators of ethical and sustainable practices.
A Few of Our Favorite Sustainable Clothing Brands
So, what are some clothing brands that offer sustainable alternatives to fast fashion? If you’re looking to update your wardrobe without the environmental guilt, here are a few of our favorite sustainable brands:
- Quince: Specializing in luxury essentials without the traditional markups, Quince is committed to transparency. They source sustainable materials and ensure ethical production processes, giving you affordable luxury that’s kind to our planet.
- Everlane: Everlane pulls back the curtain on their manufacturing processes with a commitment to “Radical Transparency.” They build strong relationships with their factories and disclose the true costs of each product. From eco-friendly materials to ethical production, they’re reshaping the fashion industry.
- PACT: If you’re searching for organic clothing, PACT has got you covered. From everyday essentials to cozy loungewear, everything they produce is made with organic cotton in Fair Trade factories.
- ABLE: Championing economic opportunity for women, ABLE is a lifestyle brand on a mission. They focus on ending generational poverty by providing jobs for women in communities worldwide. Each item is beautifully crafted and stands as a testament to empowerment and sustainability.
- Reformation: With a tagline like “Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. Reformation is #2”, Reformation has cemented its place in the sustainable fashion world. They prioritize eco-friendly materials, rescued deadstock fabrics, and repurposed vintage clothing to create their stylish pieces.
- Arket: Arket, which is under the H&M umbrella, focuses on timeless quality and sustainability. Their “Long-Lasting Design” philosophy emphasizes durable products made from responsibly-sourced materials.
Ditch Fast Fashion for a More Sustainable Wardrobe
While fast fashion offers the allure of stylish clothing at low prices, the hidden costs to our planet and society are immense. As we become more aware of these issues, many are seeking alternatives that are more sustainable.
Switching to sustainable brands is one step toward a more ethical wardrobe. Each purchase is a vote for the kind of fashion industry you want to support. Consider choosing brands that are committed to both people and the planet.
Besides supporting eco-friendly brands, reducing consumption can always help both your wallet and the planet. Although the temptation to shop may be strong, consider shopping your own closet before you buy new garments.
Buying used clothes or organizing a clothing swap with your friends are also great ways to breathe new life into pre-loved garments.
How to Avoid Fast Fashion FAQ
Looking for more info about fast fashion? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
What’s the main issue with fast fashion?
Fast fashion emphasizes rapid production and low costs, often at the expense of the environment and ethical labor practices. It contributes to significant pollution and waste and often involves exploitative working conditions.
Why should I consider sustainable fashion brands over cheaper alternatives?
Truly sustainable fashion brands prioritize the environment, ethical labor practices, and garment quality. Supporting them means investing in a more ethical fashion industry. Plus, your clothes will last longer!
How can I identify if a brand is truly sustainable?
Look for brands that provide transparency in their production processes, use eco-friendly materials, support fair labor practices, and have certifications from recognized organizations like Fair Trade or the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Is sustainable fashion more expensive?
While sustainable brands might sometimes have higher price tags due to ethical labor practices and quality materials, they often offer longer-lasting products, making them cost-effective in the long run. Consider your “cost per wear” rather than the price tag alone when comparing costs. Plus, there’s an increasing number of affordable sustainable brands.
How can I make my current wardrobe more sustainable?
Before buying new, consider repairing, upcycling, or tailoring what you already own. Adopting a minimalist or capsule wardrobe approach can also reduce the need for new purchases. Donating or reselling clothes you no longer need rather than discarding them can also help.
Are there sustainable alternatives for every type of clothing?
Yes! From activewear to formalwear, sustainable brands cover nearly every niche. It might take a bit more research, but you can find a sustainable option for most clothing items.
How can I dispose of my clothes responsibly?
Consider donating, recycling, or selling them on a used clothes site or app like Poshmark, thredUP, Mercari, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Some cities have textile recycling facilities where you can drop off old clothes. Brands like H&M and PACT also offer donation and recycling programs for worn-out garments. If your clothes are beyond repair, consider cutting them up and repurposing them as cleaning rags.
