Slowing down fast fashion with intentionality
Before I knew better or managed to break my mindless spending habits I used to shop my feelings.
I’d buy anything that caught my attention, was recommended or featured on my ever expanding wish list. Detaching myself from shopping addictions and exploring what more intentional spending habits might look like lead me to discover the importance of sustainability.
Capsule wardrobes, slow living and sustainability go hand in hand. The more I learned about consumerism and how I was being manipulated by it the more I wanted to forge my own path, creating a wardrobe that was right for me and would stand the test of time. I began to realise just how unsustainable my previous habits had been, not just for my mental health and wallet, but also for the planet. Fast fashion is currently the second biggest polluter of our environment due to the manufacturing methods and throw away culture it creates. The working conditions for employees in this industry can also be horrific and completely unacceptable.
Even though I was buying much less than before as I’d begun to curate a capsule wardrobe, I wanted to make more positive changes where I could. I not only wanted a smaller wardrobe, I wanted a more sustainable one too. This is where my struggles began. I intended to buy items which suited my personal style, made me feel my best and would last me for years without going out of style. I also wanted to ensure the clothes I was purchasing were sustainable and within my budget. That’s a lot to ask.
A major downside of sustainability is how expensive it can be. This isn’t because manufacturers are making a fortune and we’re all being overcharged, it’s because the people who make the clothes are being paid a fair wage, the materials are high quality, often natural and it takes a lot longer to create sustainable clothes. Sustainability should cost more than fast fashion. It’s the equivalent of a thoughtfully handmade ceramic bowl compared to a mass produced Ikea bowl. I know which one I’d prefer.
As much as I would love to, I don’t do sustainability perfectly – and I know this may ruffle a few feathers – but I think that’s ok. Nobody wants to be the person feeding the fast fashion industry and polluting the environment unnecessarily but I do believe there’s an alternative. I believe it is possible to slow down fast fashion without feeling like the very worst person on the planet. I don’t believe we have to buy purely ethical and sustainably made fashion in order to achieve a more sustainable wardrobe. I believe we can slow fast fashion down and still do good. I also believe buying fast fashion is unavoidable in cases. Sustainability equals privilege right now and not everyone can afford to buy in or has the education or even mental capacity to opt for it, as much as they’d love to.
The thing is, as much as I always set out with good intentions to buy a sustainable piece, I can’t always find the right one. Sacrificing a long lasting item for the more sustainable option I don’t really want seems utterly pointless. Surely, from a waste point of view it’s better to buy the piece that will last the longest in your wardrobe. But oh how I’ve felt guilty when I’ve made a purchase from a fast fashion high street giant.
Last year I wanted to replace a pair of jeans that just weren’t working for me and I couldn’t find an affordable sustainable alternative anywhere. Don’t get me started on second hand. Buying new clothes as a 5’2 woman with low body confidence is hard enough. Buying second hand is like finding a needle in a haystack, especially when you live in the middle of the countryside. It’s amazing when you find it, but you can’t always guarantee it will happen. Others seem to manage the thrift and vintage life so well, but I just don’t seem to be able to make it work. Dressing my home with vintage pieces is one thing, my body is quite another.
I felt so guilty walking up the high street with my new jeans neatly folded in my backpack. They fit me perfectly, suited my budget so I didn’t have to go into debt for them and I knew they’d compliment the rest of my wardrobe. Not only that, I could see myself wearing them for years to come. But still, I felt as though I’d failed. As I saw it, I had three choices. I could either return them, wear them shrouded in shame or get a grip.
Zero waste, sustainability and slow fashion movements have a seductive way of making us feel great when we buy into them and terrible when we don’t. I don’t think this is on purpose but in terms of marketing, this movement taps into our insecurities to ensure a purchase. We want to be the kind of person who makes the right choice, we want to save the planet from fast fashion and consumerism. The problem is sometimes that beautiful piece of sustainably made clothing, simply isn’t the right one for us and buying it will only result in more waste and mindless spending because we end up with a wardrobe that, yes is sustainable – but just isn’t working for us. This eventuality helps no-one.
I’ve decided to start giving myself a break over buying from fast fashion brands as long as I’m doing so intentionally. Of course sustainability is the aways the best option where possible, as is wearing what we already own or buying second hand but life isn’t always that simple. It would be great if it was but it isn’t. We have to do the best we can with what we’ve got and I think that’s all we can ask of ourselves.
My wardrobe is currently a jumbled mix of intentionally purchased fast fashion brands and sustainable brands and I’m refusing to feel ashamed of that. I’m doing my best, and that’s ok.
Are you going to fast fashion shame me in the comments or have you been struggling with this conflict too?
If you’d like to read more about my approach to capsule wardrobes you can dive into the mindful style archives here.
