Fast Fashion is super convenient. Especially when we need a last-minute birthday outfit from Forever 21; Or maybe just one more bikini from SHEIN for our vacation next week. Fast fashion, in some ways, is all we’ve ever known for a long while. However, consumers have become aware of the reasons why fast fashion is extremely harmful to our environment and ourselves. These unpleasantries of the fast fashion industry have driven consumers to seek more sustainable fashion choices. Especially, with major brands in the industry plummeting, fast fashion may no longer be the best fashion choice. Which leads to the question: Is fast fashion dying? This article explores the answer to that question, diving into the harmful facts of fast fashion, popular sustainable fashion alternatives, and more.

What is Wrong with Fast Fashion?

1. Fast Fashion Leaves a Huge Carbon Footprint

The issue with fast fashion is that the clothes are discarded after only a few uses. This encourages throw away culture. Fast fashion participates in climate change more than the shipping and other industries combined. It has a greater carbon footprint than other sections of garment and textile industries, resulting in 10% of global carbon emissions. Also, coal is the main source of power in China, India, and Bangladesh which is used when making unsustainable clothing. Consumers are now aware of such facts, and instead of encouraging fast fashion and throw away culture, they have plummeted sales and indicated the closure of major names in the industry.

2. Inhumane Working Conditions for Laborers

Due to the Rana Plaza tragedy in Bangladesh, consumers are aware of how their clothing is manufactured. Whether it be China, India, or Bangladesh, the working conditions of laborers have always been under scrutiny since. Laborers are paid far below minimum wage. Laborers are even forbidden to form unions and press for their rightful demands. These issues have been brought to light, urging consumers to be more fashion-conscious and shop sustainably. Although there has been tremendous improvement in the working conditions and wages, it’s unfortunately still not enough.

3. Fast Fashion Creates a High Level of Hyper Consumption

Social media continues to heighten and normalize hyper consumption with fast fashion. TikTok, YouTube, and other social media sites often showcase clothing haul videos, where an influencer bulk-buys from brands like Fashion Nova and SHEIN. It’s very unsustainable because it promotes hyper consumerism. Also, these fast fashion brands tend to sell their clothes for cheap, whereas sustainable fashion brands can be more on the expensive side, especially when bulk-buying. Furthermore, people want to keep up with trends and certain aesthetics of those they look up to. It may not even be their style, but they’ll purchase an item just to say so and so has the same one. It’s not healthy for our mental and often our financial health.

Of course, there are several more reasons as to why fast fashion is unsustainable. However, keep these three in mind when researching on your own. You’ll come to find that fast fashion is not the best choice financially, mentally, and even environmentally. But we have a few ways for you to stay on trend while shopping more sustainably and even more fashionably.

What You Can Do to Find More Sustainable Fashion Items

With the awareness of the cruel working conditions of laborers and the harmful effects fast fashion has on the world, there are now numerous alternatives for more sustainable fashion options.

1. Research! Know What You’re Buying and How it Was Made.

There is a reason why H&M sales have plummeted or why Forever 21 is filing for bankruptcy. These brands, and other fast fashion brands are slowly coming out of style or rather…dying. There are tons of articles that can provide the facts as to why fast fashion is plummeting.

Before making a purchase, open your online browser and research! There are even apps like the Good on You app that does all the research for you on specific clothing brands. Good on You will rate them on a scale of sustainability, animal cruelty, and even humane working conditions.

2. Thrifting or Buying Secondhand

Recently, there has been a growing trend towards thrifting and buying secondhand as an alternative to fast fashion. This shift has exposed consumers to better sustainable fashion choices, cost savings, and the thrill of finding more unique statement pieces. With stores like Goodwill, The Garment District, and more, consumers can save a ton while obtaining high quality items and fun statement pieces. Even apps like Depop have started trending for consumers buy brands like Versace secondhand at half the price. Shopping sustainably doesn’t have to be hard at all. In fact, it may be better.

3. Buy From Brands like The Reformation

The Reformation is a women’s fashion company aimed at designing sustainable and fashionable clothing. Whether you’re shopping for summer dresses or active wear, Reformation provides you with a plethora of sustainable fashion pieces.

The decline of fast fashion indicates a positive transformation within the fashion industry. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable and ethical alternatives. By encouraging and embracing slow fashion, upcycling, and supporting brands committed to sustainable practices, consumers can contribute to a more sustainable future. Together, we can foster a fashion industry that values quality, durability, and the well-being of ourselves and our planet.