If you are worried about the environment and how your actions might affect the world, then you will be interested in slow fashion.
Many people seek a more sustainable and mindful way of living in this fast-paced, consumer-driven world.
In this article, we’ll talk about why slow fashion is a positive approach to the fashion world, and how you can become a part of this green movement.
Slow Fashion: What You Need to Know
How many pieces of clothes do you have in your wardrobe? How many of them you haven’t used in more than a year? How many of them have you probably just used once or twice? Do you know who fabricated your clothes? In which conditions?
Slow fashion is here to try to make us think about these and other important questions. It is a movement within the modern fashion industry that prioritises quality and sustainability over speed and low costs.
This approach takes into account the production processes of clothes and the fair treatment of people working in the industry.
Also, this movement encourages making and repairing clothes instead of indiscriminately consuming them.
Why It Matters
A Green Approach to Fashion
Quick production and disposable clothing can contribute significantly to waste, water pollution, and carbon emissions.
Just like any other industry, fashion could be harmful to the environment if not taken responsibly. Today’s industry is problematic when it comes to the depletion of natural resources and pollution of ecosystems.
The fast fashion industry is responsible for 20% of global clean water pollution and an important amount of the world’s carbon emissions.
The People Behind Fashion
Besides the environment, slow fashion also takes the human factor into account. There are people behind the production of the clothes we use, and this movement cares about their wellbeing.
Fast fashion can sometimes rely on exploitative labour practices, including low wages, poor working conditions, and other unfortunate situations.
A good example of this is an investigation made by the New York Times in 2018. It revealed that a shadow economy of workers paid $1 per hour was operating in Italy, fabricating coats of prices above the thousand dollars.
A year after that, in Naples, the Italian authorities arrested a factory owner who illegally employed dozens of undocumented workers. They were allegedly creating fashion items for some of Europe’s best-known luxury brands.
Slow fashion prioritises ethical production and cares about the workers behind the brands.
It also understands that luxury and brands are not the most important; quality and ethical considerations are more valuable in the end.
Quality and Longevity
This movement also highly values the quality of clothes and accessories because it understands that longevity is more important than trends.
It embraces the fixer movement and encourages people to make an effort to fix things when they are no longer working instead of just throwing them away.
If you think about it, it is a good way of saving money and taking care of the environment.
How to Join the Slow Fashion Movement
Evaluate Your Current Wardrobe
Start by taking a look at your current wardrobe and clothes. This exercise can help you understand your true clothing needs and identify areas where you can make more clever choices.
If you discover any pieces you are no longer using, consider donating or selling them.
If you find an old piece of clothing that you love but don’t use anymore because of damage or trend, maybe you can revamp it and use it again. Getting creative is key here.
Choose Sustainable Materials
If given the chance, always opt for the most sustainable materials.
Some brands have started to think about this and label their clothes according to the type of fabrics they use.
If you have any specific doubts about materials and products, you can always search online for more information.
Support Ethical Brands
You’ll probably need to do some serious research to know which brands are ethical on their products and which are not.
You might find misleading information about some companies, so don’t be afraid of being a little suspicious when investigating.
Also, it is a good idea to consume local brands, you can lower your carbon footprint too by doing this.
Buy Secondhand
Don’t we all love secondhand shops? This is a special opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items and elevate your style without involving in fast-fashion practices.
Plus, most secondhand shops also receive pieces of clothing.
Joining the slow fashion movement doesn’t have to mean that you wear the same clothes all the time; you can stay trendy and conscious at the same time.
Care for Your Clothes
Taking good care of your clothes can extend your outfit’s lifetime. Follow instructions in tags and be mindful when using appliances such as washing machines and dryers.
Consider repairing minor damages instead of just throwing used pieces.
How Can Technology Improve Slow Fashion?
Digital Wardrobe Management
You can find several apps and tools online to help you manage your wardrobe more effectively. You can keep track of what you own, plan outfits, and identify gaps in your wardrobe. Using digital wardrobe management can also help you make more informed purchasing decisions and avoid unnecessary buys. It couldn’t hurt to save some money, right?
Sustainable Fashion Blogs and Influencers
Fashion bloggers and influencers within the slow fashion movement can give you good ideas on how to implement these practices.
It is always beneficial to learn from people who have been doing this for a long time; hearing their experiences can give you valuable insights on how to start this journey.
Protect Yourself When Doing Research
Take good care of your data as well when researching all of this online. When shopping online, it’s important to keep security in mind. Since 2024 started, 43% of online shoppers have been victims of paying fraud. Here are some tips to keep your information secure:
- Use strong, unique passwords: We have to be honest, your pet’s name is not a safe password. Make sure to choose complex passwords including numbers and special characters and do not include personal information here. Avoid using the same password for more than one platform too.
- Be cautious of phishing scams: Be suspicious when opening links or downloading files. Always double-check the senders, and do not trust unknown sources.
- VPNs: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your online privacy. VPNs encrypt your internet connection, ensuring your data remains secure and private. Click here to learn more about how a VPN can help you stay safe.
Conclusion
Slow fashion is more than just a way of dressing; slow fashion is transversal to all parts of your life because it encourages a more sustainable point of view. It’s a lifestyle philosophy that considers the real value of things, including clothing.
Embracing slow fashion is a good way of starting a conscious change in our daily habits. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be a slow fashion specialist.
