Slow Fashion is taking the world of couture in an opposite direction and changing the consumer’s behavior when it comes to buying sustainable clothes.
It is no question that consumerism has become the dominant pattern nowadays in all areas of life, be it the consumption of food, goods, beauty products and others.
It is also no question that this behavior has been seen recently in the world of Fashion and has enormously increased to the point where it became the disease of the age.
In fact, the purchase of clothes in huge quantities and cheap prices established the concept of “Fast Fashion“, that is, the acquisition of cheap clothes that are worn only once or for a limited period of time, causing serious environmental and societal repercussions.
Hence the emergence of the counter-concept, which is “Slow Fashion“, that is taking Fashion in an opposite direction.
So, what is Sustainable Fashion and why is it important today?
By definition, slow fashion is about designing, creating and buying clothes that last for a long time. Among the countless benefits it has, slow fashion is sustainable, eco-friendly, promotes fair working conditions and improve communities.
Why is it sustainable?
Slow Fashion is a lifestyle that encourages the use of clothes for a long period of time. This can be achieved by adopting small daily practices, such as adequately washing and ironing your clothes so they could last longer, styling them in several ways, thrift shopping clothes that are in a good condition, investing in trans-seasonal pieces, donating rather than throwing away, choosing quality over quantity, etc.
Why is it eco-friendly?
Statistics show that the fashion industry accounts for 8.1% of the total greenhouse gas emissions and that by 2030, the total fashion waste is expected to reach 148 million tons worldwide. This is why slow fashion helps preserve abundant resources and opportunities for our generation and future generations, since it doesn’t rely on the use of toxic materials such as synthetic fabrics made from petrochemical materials, including nylon, rayon and polyester.
Why does it promote fair working conditions?
It is no secret that Fast Fashion is known for labor exploitation, which consists mostly of Asian or African women, in addition to the problem of child labor. Moreover, workers in textile and fashion factories receive only 0.5% to 4% of the value of the price of the final product. Slow Fashion on the other hand provides a healthier working environment where laborers aren’t over-worked and underpaid.
Why does it improve communities?
When you buy sustainable, eco-friendly clothes and support slow fashion that promotes fair working condition, you automatically contribute to the improvement of communities. Moreover, slow fashion entails encouraging small brands and talented fashion designers aiming to create or spread awareness about sustainable fashion, rather than famous fast fashion brands. And lastly, slow fashion disciplines the consumer’s behavior and helps us make more informed decisions when it comes to buying clothes and accessories.
It is important to continuously educate ourselves on these matters, for it helps us understand how toxic the fashion system is and that change does start from within. Making these small improvements to our lifestyle will free us from this chain of materialistic consumerism that negatively impact the society and the environment and make us better and more conscious buyers!
Looking for some small sustainable brands that are worth buying from? Here are some suggestions from Fashtory:
Mannat Gupta – Their latest collection of detachable clothing items screams sustainability, creativity and elegance!
Bamboleira – Their jewelry pieces are made of natural fibers and can be styled in a dozen different ways!
Duet Luxury – Hand carved wooden clutches made of exotic materials, a timeless purchase that you definitely need!
