In today’s chaotic world, everything seems to be easily accessible and simply disposal. The same is true of our wardrobes, with inexpensive clothing made rapidly by mass-market brands helping us to transition with ease and on-trend from season to season.
Known as ‘fast fashion’, this cheap clothing is dispensable. It’s easy and affordable to replace, and whilst it’s great for your bank balance in the short term, fast fashion is doing bigger damage in the long term.
Even world-famous fashionista and long-time Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is speaking out about the damage fast fashion is causing. Wintour recently condemned fast fashion and has instead urged shoppers to think more long term when selecting staple pieces for their wardrobes.
We take a closer look at the problem with fast fashion and offer essential tips for building a clothes collection that will stand the test of time.
The problem with fast fashion
Fast fashion isn’t just more expensive in the long term, it’s causing untold damage to the environment. Promoting sustainability through your fashion choices is something we should all be doing.
A variety of issues are becoming apparent as the demand for new clothing increases due to the popularity of fast fashion. Throwaway clothing exploits low-paid workers contributes to the decline of other industries, hurts the planet, and is disastrous for human health. The widespread production of cotton, for instance, results in the increased use of chemicals that are toxic to the environment, humans, and livestock.
In addition to the mass market production of new clothing causing issues, the clothing that’s thrown away has a devastating impact. Here Patsy Perry from The Independent explains why:
“Textile waste is an unintended consequence of fast fashion, as more people buy more clothes and don’t keep them as long as they used to. The international expansion of fast fashion retailers exacerbates the problem on a global scale. Wardrobes in developed nations are saturated, so in order to sell more products, retailers must tempt shoppers with constant newness and convince them the items they already have are no longer fashionable.”
Building a sustainable wardrobe
Saying “goodbye” to fast fashion and easing the pressure on the planet is easier than many think. By boycotting fast fashion and instead investing in long term fashion pieces, you can stay on-trend, help the environment and benefit financially.
Choose quality instead of quantity to ensure the pieces you choose are well-made and designed to last. Select an eco-friendly, all-natural fibre type, instead of synthetics, which are popularly used to create fast fashion clothing.
You’ll find many timeless pieces that you’ll be wearing season after season with the right research. Avoid fad clothing that will fall out of fashion quickly and opt for classics that will still be stylish years later.
Why wool is an investment worth making
One sustainable fibre choice is wool. Wool offers many pros and it’s great for the environment too. According to the Global Wardrobe Study, wool items are kept the longest. They’re also easily recycled or re-sold, meaning they can live on long after they’re of no use to you.
Wool is a classic clothing material that is timelessly stylish and elegant, making it the perfect addition to your new and improved sustainable wardrobe.
Looking to revive the wool pieces in your wardrobe? Read these top wool care tips.