Sara Lepley
- Fast fashion uses cheap materials to churn out clothing quickly at stores like H&M, Uniqlo, and Zara.
- Buying fast fashion often ends up costing consumers more in the long run, and the practice also has consequences for workers and for the environment.
- I quit fast fashion a year ago and haven’t looked back, and I compiled the nine biggest reasons why.
Fast fashion is a business model that uses cheap materials and labor to churn out clothing collections at a rapid pace.
But although fast fashion leads to great prices for consumers at stores like H&M or Uniqlo, there are some serious drawbacks to it.
For one, fast fashion might not be such a great deal after all. According to McKinsey and Company, the average consumer purchased 60% more items of clothing in 2014 than in 2000, but kept each garment for half as long, whether because the garment fell apart, went out of style, or was simply viewed as disposable. That number is only growing.
It’s also easily to overlook the industry’s devastating working conditions and environmental abuse when the consequences aren’t visible.
Read more: Sneaky ways stores like H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo get you to spend more money on clothes
Luckily, we have many options outside of fast fashion, and it’s possible to find stylish, affordable, and ethical clothing if you just know where to look.
So last April, I decided to kick my fast fashion addition for good. I stopped going to H&M, Uniqlo, Zara, Forever 21, and Target altogether. I’ve leaned heavily on second-hand stores and borrowing. And I’ve started questioning why I feel the need to buy so much in the first place.
Nearly a year into this experiment, I know I’m never going back. Here’s why.
There are plenty of options out there for sustainable clothing
Don Arnold / Stringer / Getty Images
The options for sustainable clothing are vast and diverse.
In addition to thrifting, I’ve taken advantage of the share economy by renting through Rent the Runway and through swapping items with friends and roommates. I also fully embrace hand-me-downs, both as a giver and recipient. A new crop of retailers selling clothing made from recycled materials in green facilities has also recently emerged, but more on that later.
I got to indulge in one of my favorite hobbies: thrifting
Sara Lepley
If the word "thrifting" brings to mind a hipster wearing an ironic sweater or endless racks of worn, color-coded camisoles, I have good news. Between consignment stores, vintage shops and online retailers, you’ll be able to find the right store to fit your budget and style.
Thrift stores typically refer to nonprofits like Goodwill or Salvation Army, which sell donations and exist to strengthen the community through job training and other services. If you don’t mind sifting, you can find great clothing for as low as a dollar.
For a more curated experience, however, try consignment. Consignment stores buy used items and resell them. They’ll often carry designer labels in mint condition, but at a fraction of the price and environmental cost.
Vintage refers to clothing with a little more history. Here, you can find digs from just about every era of the 20th century. Vintage stores tend to curate an atmosphere that matches the vibe of their wares. The owners and shop keepers also tend to share my enthusiasm for ’60s work apparel and can be a great resource for not only style tips, but also cool places and shows to check out in the city.
My biggest fear — finding underwear, swimwear and fitness apparel — turned out to be a non-issue.
flickr/lululemon
I think it’s fair to not want underwear or a sports bra that someone has previously sweat in.
That’s why when shopping for swimwear, intimates and fitness apparel, I looked to retailers dedicated to using recycled materials, green manufacturing, and the humane treatment of workers. Though a bit pricey, Reformation, Outdoor Voices and TomboyX are all great options.
I’ve also found when shopping online at places like Thredup or REI’s used gear section, I could simply add the filter "new with tags." This way, you’re saving something from hitting a landfill and you’re still saving money.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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Source: Business Insider – feedback@businessinsider.com (Sara Lepley)