What exactly is fast fashion? Why has it become such a hot topic in discussions about sustainability and ethics?
Table of contents
In the fast-paced world of fashion, trends come and go with the seasons. Enter fast fashion, a term that describes the quick making and buying of cheap, trendy clothes.
The Essence of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion is when clothing companies copy what’s trendy and make clothes super cheap and fast. They sell them while people still want them. The term also applies to the stuff they sell, mostly clothes and shoes. You’ve probably heard of brands like Shein, Zara, and H&M, they are perfect examples. These brands let people buy more clothes for less money and change their outfits every season.
Fast fashion also makes a lot of trash. People often toss these clothes after a few years. For every five items of clothing made, three end up in the garbage or get burned every year. The industry also adds to global warming.
Consumerism and Fast Fashion
Consumerism, at its core, is a social and economic order. The acquisition of goods and services, often beyond basic needs, is a central goal for individuals.
Here are some key aspects to understand about consumerism:
- Beyond Needs: It involves buying things not just for survival or function. People buy for wants, desires, and status. Sometimes, they buy just for the act of buying itself.
- Economic Driver: Consumer spending fuels a significant portion of many economies. Encouraging consumption is often seen as beneficial for growth.
- Cultural Impact: Consumerism shapes how we see ourselves, others, and success. Possessions and brands can become tied to identity and self-worth.
- Environmental Concerns: The drive to produce and consume more has environmental consequences, from resource extraction to waste and pollution.
- Ethical Concerns: Consumerism can lead to exploitation, both of workers in production and of consumers through manipulative marketing.
In today’s world, it’s hard to escape the allure of consumerism. We’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us to buy more, have more, and be more. Consumerism can easily be seen in the fast fashion world.
Fast fashion, with its rapid production cycles and trend-driven designs, has become a dominant force in the market. The constant stream of new styles, coupled with low prices, encourages consumers to buy more clothes than they need. This cycle of overconsumption has significant consequences for both the environment and society.
The Rise of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion started in the 20th century, but it really took off in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This was because of new technology. It was also due to global supply chains (the steps needed to make and sell things). Moreover, changes in what people wanted to buy played a role. People started wanting the newest styles at low prices, and fast fashion companies were ready to provide them.
The Impact of Fast Fashion
Environmental Impact
Making cheap, short-lived clothes harms the environment. It leads to pollution, deforestation (cutting down forests), and uses too much water.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Making clothes uses a lot of resources and creates greenhouse gases (gases that trap heat). The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global emissions, more than planes and ships combined. These gases cause climate change.
Water Usage
The fashion industry uses a lot of water. It uses between 20 trillion and 200 trillion liters of water each year. This is because dyeing, finishing, and making fabric use a lot of water.
Microplastics
When we wash synthetic textiles (such as polyester), they release plastic fibers into the water. These microplastics make up 20-35% of the microplastics found in our oceans. They harm marine ecosystems and can even enter our food chain.
Chemicals and Pesticides
Making clothes uses chemicals. Stain-resistant fabrics have chemicals added. Pesticides protect cotton crops. Dyes and finishes have harmful substances.
Waste and Landfill
Fast fashion creates new clothes every week, not just every season. This means over 50 billion pieces of clothing get thrown away within a year. Most end up in landfills, polluting the environment.
Polymer-Based Fibers
The production of polymer-based fibers, like polyester, has increased from 25 million Tonnes in 2000. The amount grew to around 65 million Tonnes in 2018. Polyester is popular in fast fashion because it’s cheap and versatile, but it’s bad for the environment.
Ethical Concerns of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion companies want to make clothes cheaply and quickly. This often means workers are treated poorly. There are reports of low pay and bad working conditions in garment factories. These factories are often in developing countries where workers aren’t paid much and have to work in bad conditions. The need to make clothes quickly and cheaply can lead to workers being taken advantage of. This includes working long hours, in unsafe places, and without basic rights.
Quality and Longevity
In the race to cut costs and speed up production, the quality of garments can suffer. Fast fashion items are often made with cheaper, lower-quality materials. They do not last as long. This prompts consumers to buy more frequently. In the rush to get products to market, craftsmanship can suffer. Items may have uneven seams, loose threads, or other defects that affect their durability.
The Future of Fast Fashion
More people are becoming aware of the problems with fast fashion, and they want change. Consumers care more about how their clothes affect people and the planet. This is pushing the industry to change, with demands for better practices and working conditions. Some fast fashion companies are trying to improve. They are making eco-friendly clothes. They are also being more open about how their clothes are made.
Overcoming Fast Fashion and Consumerism
Many of us have fallen into the trap of fast fashion and consumerism. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s explore practical steps to break free from this cycle:
- Buy Less, Choose Well: Invest in quality pieces that you’ll love and wear for years to come.
- Embrace Sustainable Brands: Support companies that prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly practices.
- Shop Secondhand: Give pre-loved clothes a new life and reduce your environmental impact.
- Learn to Mend and Repair: Extend the lifespan of your clothes by learning basic sewing skills.
- Swap Clothes with Friends: Organize a clothing swap to refresh your wardrobe without buying anything new.
Conclusion
Fast fashion has made clothes more affordable, but it’s also bad for people and the planet. We need to find a way to balance giving people what they want to overcome consumerism and fast fashion. It also needs to protect the environment and workers. As shoppers, the choices we make can help change the industry for the better. We can demand clothes that are good quality, made ethically, and sustainable.
The fashion industry needs to change to be more sustainable, like reusing materials and making clothes responsibly. You can check out my post, Slow Fashion: A Consumer’s Guide for tips. By doing so, we can lessen the harm caused by fast fashion. 🌎🌿.
Community
Ready to take your style journey to the next level? Join our communities and unlock a world of fashion and sustainability inspiration.
Sustainable Style for Every Body Facebook Group – Connect with like-minded people who embrace sustainable and ethical plus-size fashion. Share tips, discover eco-conscious brands and celebrate body positivity.
Capsule Wardrobe Community Facebook Group – Master the capsule wardrobe to simplify your closet and elevate your style. Get advice, exchange ideas, and create a wardrobe you love!
Stay Updated with Plus Size Sustainable Fashion
Love plus size sustainable fashion and want to build a wardrobe that truly reflects you? Signup for our newsletter for style tips, new arrivals and free resources like our 28-page Capsule Wardrobe Workbook!
