Slow fashion is an aspect of sustainable fashion that is a counterpoint to the so-called "fast fashion". Proponents of slow fashion choose clothing in accordance with not harming animals, the environment and respecting human labor.
Industrial practices for the production of clothes are extremely polluting and encourage the purchase of cheap and low-quality clothing. Fans of slow fashion, on the other hand, bet on timeless models and materials – those that can be worn for a very long time before being replaced, as well as recycled or second-hand clothes.
What is the relationship between fashion and sustainability?
The global fashion industry is responsible for 10% of all carbon emissions. Fast fashion is the second most polluting business in the world, with most of the pollution from fast fashion coming from the production of clothing. Growing non-organic cotton pollutes our soil and transporting the clothes pollutes the environment. Today's people buy about 60% more clothes than 15 years ago, but keep only half of them for the same amount of time. This is further exacerbated by some widespread mums with Chinese goods.
Social networks and sustainability
The search for certain types of clothing to follow the latest fashion trends is greatly enhanced by social networks. Various fashion influencers regularly advertise new clothes and products, prompting online consumers to buy even more. However, in recent years, many influencers have appeared who deal precisely with slow fashion and recommend more clothes that we can wear - if we want - for a lifetime. One of them is Alexandra Stedman, who regularly does online challenges where she wears the same outfit for a week, but combines it differently. Her videos are extremely popular on social media, as she gives advice on sustainable fashion, how to choose our clothes so that they are always in fashion, and how to combine them in a variety of ways so that they serve us faithfully for a long time. Another very good example is the British Anna Cascarina, who advertises the so-called timeless wardrobe - a carefully selected selection of clothes that will be fashionable forever. Soon the influencer published a book with the same name. Many fashion brands are also turning to this lifestyle and advertising their products, Levi Jeans being undoubtedly the most recognizable. They have a campaign with the slogan Buy Better, Wear Longer, in which they emphasize their commitment to creating sustainable clothes that can be passed down from generation to generation. The brand also offers services such as restoration and repair of jeans to extend their life. With the focus on sustainable lifestyles, young people are increasingly turning to slow fashion. The growth of this sector is 8.3% per year, and the current value of the business is 6.5 billion dollars. Estimates suggest that by 2030 it will reach a value of $15 billion. By 2025, the eco-friendly fashion sales segment is expected to grow to $1.574 billion in global revenue. The statistics also show something surprising – men between the ages of 25 and 34 are the most likely to shop for sustainable fashion. 73% of millennials say they are willing to spend more money on sustainable fashion.
Tips for transitioning to slow fashion
Fans of slow fashion have been coming up with a number of ways to make their clothes timeless and durable for years now. For starters, it's key to shop for pre-owned clothes. Sometimes thrift stores have far better clothing options than traditional stores. If that's not your thing, then we can mend our clothes. Patching clothes, dyeing them in a different color, etc., are definitely not something that modern people prefer, but it can greatly extend their life. Another option is to upgrade your clothes and use them to make new ones. A good example is if we use an old garment of ours, on which the fabric is suitable, to sew a garment for our child, for example. Or the traditional option for sewing patchwork quilts - quilts made up of very small pieces of scrap fabric.
Creating a minimalist and timeless wardrobe is the most common advice. Carefully choosing clothes that can all be combined with each other can save us a lot - both money and environmental pollution. Another bonus is that when we buy less clothing, we can afford higher quality that will last longer. A clothes swap is also an option and definitely not reserved just for the little ones. If you have a dress or jeans in your wardrobe that you are already tired of, but they are healthy, you can safely exchange them for another garment with your friend. And don't forget the most important thing - trash for some is treasure for others. Think before you throw away the clothes you no longer wear.