“an approach to the design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to customers.” -“Fast Fashion.” Merriam-Webster. 2020.
In a world with trends constantly evolving, we as a society constantly search for a quick and easy way to keep up without breaking the bank. It sounds ideal to have a system where you hear the words “cheap” and “quick,” but the actual reality is that there are repercussions to this process. For example, have you ever bought a top, washed it, and it either shrunk or was damaged in the wash? If so, you have probably fallen victim to fast fashion.
Big companies like Forever 21, Zara, and H&M are all familiar to us and hold the keys to keeping up with the latest styles without lightening our wallets. But what we sometimes fail to see is the downside to the Fast Fashion industry.
Fast Fashion is a term that describes exactly what it sounds like. Trends are seeing a rapid uptick in production with lower quality materials and replication at almost a daily rate. The faster the production and cheaper the material, the lower the costs and quality.
In order to minimize the effects of fast fashion and live a more planet-friendly lifestyle, it may be time to toss out and donate part of your wardrobe and consider new alternatives.
How can I make the switch?
It’s easy. Consider buying resale or even purchasing outfits from brands that are known for their efforts to remain ethical and sustainable.