Slow Fashion Guide: 21 Changes You Can Make Today
The hard truth is that 100 billion pieces of clothing are produced worldwide each year. In fact, more than 15 million tons of used textile waste is generated in the United States alone. To combat this excess consumerism, slow fashion is becoming more and more popular.
Aiming to refocus our energy towards shopping smarter and becoming more informed, slow fashion is all about being more mindful with our fashion spending. As Vivienne Westwood said, ‘buy less, choose well, make it last‘. Simply put, slow fashion is a much-needed reaction to fast fashion.
Slow fashion is all about both creating and buying higher quality items that are designed to last. The growing movement encourages a variety of sustainable practices, including forming a connection with the environment and reducing toxins and waste. The principles of slow fashion are a guide to making conscious consumer choices. These include using sustainable materials, creating fewer collections, and promoting fair trade. They also champion minimizing waste, making proper use of resources, and transparency.
Familiar with the term ‘shopaholic’? In simple terms, a slow fashion convert is the exact opposite of that. Next, we’re tackling no less than 21 things you can do today to move from fast fashion to slow fashion. Every choice you make matters: from the clothes you pick to your earring types, shoes and bags. From the types of rings you wear to your staple wardrobe items. The good news is that everyone, regardless of budget, values and time constraints, can find ways to reduce their closet’s impact. Read on to find just what you can do – and how to do it – in simple, easy to-follow steps.
We are what we eat – and we are what we wear. Theres an easy way to start on your slow fashion journey. That is, to start thinking about your fashion choices with the same curiosity as your food choices. Whether you are an avid label reader, eat exclusively organic, or determined to shop smarter and aim for zero waste, the same principles apply to clothing. Eco fashion respects ethical standards and uses mainly sustainable textiles. Here are some easy slow fashion principles and steps you can take in order to get you started:
Basically, when it comes to slow fashion, investigate before you buy. And not lightly so, but in true detective fashion – pun intended. Be smart about it and leave nothing to chance. Becoming a ‘Shopping Sherlock’ overnight might seem a tad overwhelming, but be patient. Always remember that it’s called ‘slow fashion’ for a reason, and that it because it takes time. Finding your go-to slow fashion brand might take a little time, but it is easily doable through social media.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation released a report titled, A New Textile Economy, which details that the amount of clothing produced has doubled since the year 2000. On the other hand, clothing utilization, meaning the number of times a clothing item is worn, has decreased by 36% in the recent years. The cause of all of these: ‘throwaway fashion’.
These stats are significant, especially considering that the overwhelming majority of these throwaway clothes are simply discarded. Only around 1% is actually recycled! The past decade has been especially worrisome. According to a 2015 study by the British charity Barnado’s, a woman wears a clothing item just seven times before throwing it away. And, sadly, things looked far more optimistic 6 years ago than they do today.
Here’s a trusted method that provides great results. Livia Firth, the founder of Eco Age (a company involved in accrediting brands for their sustainability and slow fashion practices) came up with ‘The 30 Wears Test’, a great resource for fashionistas. She created her #30 Wears campaign to stimulate fashion lovers to ditch impulse shopping and to only buy a piece if they know they will wear it.
FACT: The average American consumer throws around 65 pounds of clothes per year.
Many over-consumerism issues start from a problem with a very simple solution: disorganization. In fact, 10% of women admit that they feel depressed every time they open doors of their wardrobe. At the same time, 57% of women believe that an organized closet makes it easier and quicker to find what they need. Moreover, 1 in 9 women are late for work because they are not able to find an outfit to wear. Curating a capsule wardrobe filled with quality staples is the obvious answer to these problems. Plus, capsule wardrobes are definitely in line with the cornerstones of slow fashion.
Decluttering is a big part of embarking on a slow fashion journey – but it doesn’t just refer to decluttering your closet. Fact is, a reorganization of your interests and actions is due – and that starts with a social media cleanup. Although we’d like to think that we aren’t influenced by, well, influencers, the studies say otherwise. 55.2% of Gen Z respondents found their inspiration for their most recent online fashion purchase on social media. At the same time, 50.6% of Millennials are guilty of the same thing (Retail Wire). How to break up with the social media stars that simply aren’t the best slow fashion role models? See our list below.
Reality check: our cheap clothes are toxic. This toxicity depends on many factors, such as the dose of the chemicals used in the manufacturing process, the type of dyes, and the exposure period. These can include certain denim dyed with cancer-causing chemicals, to clothes labeled ‘wrinkle-free’ or ‘waterproof’. Basically, fast fashion is far from sustainable, and far from ethical.
These unpleasant chemicals can be found in everything from cotton (which is highly sprayed with pesticides) to, obviously, synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon and lycra. In addition to releasing micro-plastics, oil based synthetic materials are not biodegradable. Before you purchase a new garment, make sure to get informed about ecotextiles and natural fabrics. Here are some good options you can start incorporating in your wardrobe today:
Slow fashion is not just about your clothes – it also pertains to the accessories and the jewelry pieces you choose. Rule number one: choose made-to-last, eco friendly and sustainable fashion jewelry and accessories. Make quality based choices whenever you are shopping for something new. It’s always better to own a few things that you actually wear, than own a massive amount of jewelry you don’t.
Avoid mass production items or companies that sell cheap items in large quantities and opt for higher quality pieces that last a long time. Poorly made, trendy jewelry that loses its luster after a few wears is definitely a thing of the past once you’re committed to the slow fashion path. Here are some of the basic steps you can take in this direction.
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Resisting the urge to impulse buy is no easy task. After all, fast fashion is fun and appealing – and the fashion industry can be very persuasive. But, good news, there’s definitely a way to tackle our shopaholic tendencies. Whether buying for the new season, updating your jewelry box with pink gemstones bling or tying the knot and shopping for your entire wedding arsenal, the urge to impulse shop is strong. Shopping for a new piece of clothing weekly instead of investing in versatile pieces is a root cause of fast fashion.
Data shows that the average shopper will make no less than 3 impulse purchases in 4 out of every 10 store visits they make. Verdict: not very slow fashion friendly. And even more staggering: consumers spend roughly $5,400 a year on impulse purchases (CNBC). Here are 3 trusted methods to combat your impulses and shop smarter:
FACT: In 1930, the average American woman owned a total of 9 outfits. These days, women own a total of around 30 outfits.
One of the most important aspects of slow fashion is to make sure the garments you invest in will last for a long time. The fashion industry often makes sure that that won’t happen. But from religiously following the label instructions to natural ways to keep pests at bay, how do you make your clothes last? Here are a few of the sustainable fashion care methods you can start using:
FACT: The average woman spends almost 400 hours a year shopping, which means 8.5 years spent shopping during a lifetime.
Big brands used to release two main collections every year: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. These days, the fashion industry is at an all time peak. Big names are releasing a whopping 52 “micro-seasons” per year. In other words, we’re looking at one collection every week.
Taking a look at Gen Z aesthetics, new trends pop up every day. In recent years we’ve seen everything from cottagecore to fairycore to dark and light academia. Ephemeral trends are currently dictating purchasing habits. One of the easiest ways to refuse being part of the problem? Slow fashion solution: opting for second hand items and shopping at thrift stores. In with the old clothes, out with the new clothes! Going thrift shopping means you are actively keeping plastics out of landfills, as well as contributing to the decrease in demand for fast fashion.
Overproduction is the root cause of many global issues. Poor working conditions, dismissal of fair trade practices, fair treatment and human rights, increased carbon footprint to mention a few. Plus, the issues of forced labor and child labor. As opposed to what you’d be advised when hunting for a home, when it comes to slow fashion or ethical fashion, it often makes sense to be a committed renter rather than a buyer. But how does this work and how often should you rent?
Becoming a renter will help in reducing the environmental impact of clothing production by up to 50%. That is a lot. Moreover, renting will allow you to save money and invest in what is essential. The bigger chunk of your budget should go into pieces you wear all the time instead of one-show ponies required exclusively for special occasions. Slow fashion and ethical fashion will definitely save you money.
FACT: The average adult between the ages of 25-34 spends $161 per month on clothes, while adults aged 35-44 spend $209 per month.
Buying clothes is a hobby for many. After all, treating fashion as a hobby is one of the causes of excessive production. This next tip does not involve you taking action – quite the contrary. Fact is, when it comes to slow fashion, some of the most impactful measures you can take is to appreciate what you have and curb your need wish for having more. As in more clothes. Or newer clothes. Or both. Here’s what you can do:
Creating a uniform, a look that you feel great and confident in is a simple way to curate your wardrobe. Slow fashion is simple. And, more so, slow fashion is easy and effortless. After all, ethical fashion is designed to make things easier, definitely not harder. Simplifying your wardrobe to a few trusted staples will definitely reduce hassle, save you money and reduce the work you have to do every morning when deciding what to wear. Here’s how to tackle this slow fashion goal:
Hygge, or the Danish philosophy of happiness, centers around the idea of comfort and coziness. But more than anything, hygge defines the concept of slow, appreciative living – perfectly in tune with the slow fashion movement. Notice how ‘slow’ is once again the key word. The CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, Meik Wiking, explains how hygge is not just about making your home comfy. Basically, you can hygge anything, from fashion to your activities. Here are a few slow fashion principles to live by:
This slow fashion method is especially useful when you live in a temperate climate, but it applies to all. Typically, a climate with changing seasons will require a wider variety of clothing items in your wardrobe, ranging from outfits designed for intense heat to snow-ready garments. By building up your wardrobe on the sustainable fashion principle that you should be able to wear it all year-round, you are not only saving money, but also production resources and reducing clutter and hassle. Maximize your conscious consumption potential by shopping for clothes you can wear during both the hot and cold seasons.
Basically, do everything except throw away. Buying something new, the next shiny piece of clothing every week is unsustainable. The rule to live by when supporting the sustainable fashion industry: one, do not treat your clothes as disposable. Two, learn how to recycle clothes ecologically. Whether you choose to give your old clothes a new life, trade them instead of shopping for new or repairing them to enjoy them for longer, you are making a positive impact.
Our fashion consumption is off the charts. 75% percent of garments end up in landfills – and that translates to the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles per second, according to the Pulse of the Fashion Industry 2018 Report. Just one of the repercussions of fast fashion and why we need to switch to ethical, slow fashion. Even more, the stats in the US are even more pessimistic, as clothes are worn only a quarter as much as the worldwide average (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
FACT: Over $500 billion of value is lost every year as a result of clothing underutilization and the lack of recycling, based on a report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
The fast fashion stats and facts never cease to surprise. In the past 20 years, clothing utilization (the number of times a garment is worn) has decreased by 36%. At the same time, the amount of clothing produced has doubled. These fashion industry stats that reveal the problem of excessive production and mindless consumption aren’t encouraging – but there are things we can do in order to curb our appetite for new clothes. Slow fashion is all about not treating your clothes as disposable. The more you invest in your clothes, the less likely you are to throw them away after a few wears. There is a wide variety of things you can invest in the garments you wear, from money to time, dedication, skill and memories.
Slow fashion and cheap materials do not get along. Greenpeace reports that between 60 to 80% of a garment’s environmental impact with toxic chemicals is a direct result of laundering. Fact is, synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester leach tiny microplastics into the water supply when washing a load in the washing machine. The textile waste ends up anywhere from the air to the water we drink, soil, and table salt. Moreover, besides the substantial positive impact on the environment, washing your clothes less will help them maintain their original shape for longer – which aligns with the prolonged wear principle of slow fashion.
Saying ‘Good Bye’ forever to your favorite fast fashion brands might be a little unrealistic – but the good news is that you don’t always have to. Simply choosing slow fashion brands and opting to shop from your favorite brand’s sustainable collections instead of choosing their cheaper garments is a step in the right direction. These days, many brands including big names are proving efforts towards creating clothes that last, made of natural or recycled materials. An even better ethical fashion option: support and shop from sustainable brands exclusively dedicated to the slow fashion movement. Luckily, sustainable fashion businesses and slow fashion are on the rise. Look for smaller slow fashion brands that offer small batches of their collections, but carefully sourced and curated.
Slow fashion takes time and a little effort – but it all begins with a paradigm shift and an understanding of the fashion industry. Similar to the slow food movement, slow fashion calls for a lifestyle change. And often times, what triggers that shift is knowledge and information. Eco fashion requires respecting ethical standards, using sustainable textiles, and promoting smaller producers. But it also needs quality based shopping habits. Assessing your current shopping habits and noticing the gaps and the aspects you are able to improve, as well as being aware of the impact your fast fashion clothes have is the first step towards slow fashion. A fashion revolution starts with a change in mentality.
Slow fashion is a concept that opposes fast fashion. The movement advocates for conscious production, distribution, as well as mindful consumerism, as a response to the fashion industry that is polluting and wasteful.
As opposed to fast fashion, slow fashion encourages initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint, child labor and other unethical industry practices. Moreover, sustainable fashion advocates for fair treatment, fair wages, good working conditions and fair trade. The use of sustainable and natural fabrics and conscious consumerism is encouraged.
Slow fashion garments predominantly come in natural and organic materials. The fabrics and the cuts are designed to last longer. In general, manufacturing slow fashion garments and accessories takes longer and the workers are paid fair wages, so the results are better quality-wise.
The slow fashion movement is on the rise, gaining mainstream popularity in the recent years. As for the polluting fashion industry and fast fashion brands, the only way to go is down.
Your action plan on tackling the transition from fast fashion to slow fashion is complete. The future looks promising, but we all need to make small changes for a more sustainable fashion industry. We all hope for a world where toxic cheap clothing, excessive mass production, overcomplicated supply chains, textile waste, mindless consumption and polluting fast fashion brands will be a thing of the past.
Before you hop on board of the slow fashion movement, remember that this is called a ‘slow fashion’ process for a reason – and that’s because it takes a lot of time. A lot of time researching ethical fashion, shifting your mindset, regrouping your wardrobe, organizing, decluttering, and getting used to new shopping habits. But we promise: similar to the slow food movement, once you get the ball rolling, there will be no turning back. On your to-do list today: start your slow fashion journey with a single eco friendly tip from our list above. And once you do, make sure to let us know how it’s going by leaving us a comment in the section below.
When it comes to a slow fashion journey, curating a collection of made-to-last jewelry is key. And when it comes to timeless classics, there’s nothing like elegant pearls.
From statement necklaces perfectly paired with your arsenal of elegant rings, chic bracelet styles, and dangle earrings, classic pearls go a long way in making you look chic for any occasion. Shop our collection of Pearl Necklaces in lustrous white for timeless, elegant pearls that last a lifetime.
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Content Writer and Editor at The Pearl Source
Carla Jonas is a content writer and editor at leading pearl retailer The Pearl Source. Passionate about everything jewelry, décor and fashion-related, Carla is ready to bring you the latest on what to wear, hot trends, style tips and more.
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