It seems as though we can’t escape fast-fashion- we desire trendy clothes that don’t break the bank and it appears fast-fashion retailers are the only way to achieve this. It feels like every week retailers that we thought were ethically sourced get exposed for actually being fast-fashion. So, how should one go about trying to break away from the gripping cycle of being a fast-fashion consumer to more sustainable ways of purchasing clothing that isn’t unreasonably expensive?
First off, buying brand-new retail that is marked at a shockingly low price is a classic indicator of a fast-fashion retailer. Therefore, it is difficult and feels nearly impossible to find affordable, stylish retail without supporting a fast-fashion company. So, here are some excellent fast-fashion alternatives:
One great alternative is to shop at thrift stores, consignment stores, and other types of vintage second hand stores. It may be frustrating at first, since we’re used to entering retail stores with a clear picture of our desired purchase and immediately finding it or something similar in stores. But when shopping second hand, patience is required. Set an afternoon aside and peel through countless racks of previously loved clothes with an open mind and you may be surprised by the gems you can find.
Online websites where people can sell their old clothes are a good way to find a particular brand of clothing or type of clothing for sale at a good price. Some well-known online clothing selling websites are Depop, Poshmark, and Thread Up. Just download the app or go on the website, and you can type in keywords to help narrow down your search results, by filtering your searches by brand, size, price range, and what type of article of clothing you’re searching for. These resale websites/apps are a fun way to find name-brand pieces at a fraction of the price they would be originally, while being a sustainable alternative and are an excellent way to find and support small business clothing sellers as well.
A key trait of the fast-fashion industry is being centered around keeping up with ever-changing and constantly evolving trends. Due to this, fast-fashion retailers are always struggling to keep their stores stocked with in the moment items. But it also puts consumers in an endless loop of purchasing and getting rid of old clothes, which is one of the reasons the fast-fashion industry is so unsustainable. A good way to combat this cycle, is to distance yourself from purchasing momentarily trending items and instead spend money on a few staple items for your closet from sustainable retailers that may be listed at higher prices. Many times, people buy tons of clothes at once from fast-fashion retailers, so a few sustainably sourced clothes that cost a bit more are a better investment. Having several good quality items that won’t go out of style is an efficient way to stop yourself from adding to the fast-fashion cycle. Then, build the rest of your wardrobe with thrifted items and other second-hand items. Choose timeless pieces that will withstand changing trends.
It can be daunting trying to break away from the seemingly inescapable fast-fashion industry, as it feels like it will be expensive and timely. But through using these alternatives, such as thrift stores, consignment stores, vintage shops, online retail sites such as Depop, or just by finding a small amount of good-quality timeless pieces, it’s easy to consume clothing more sustainably without spending lots of money.
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