Slow Fashion: The What’s And The How’s

Fashion is one of the most important aspects of our daily life, but how can we consume it in a more responsible way?

As we know, the fashion industry is one of the biggest and most influential industries in the world, but at the same time, it’s one of the most harmful to the environment and to the people that work in it. We all know that fast fashion is the quick and inexpensive production of clothing that is often used for only a couple of weeks before being discarded and has become a significant issue – but how bad is it really?

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide and most of that resource consumption is ending up wasted. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned every second.

Fast fashion has created the habit of overconsuming clothes and making it easy to get into the fashion trends without thinking if this is something that you could or you would wear for a long time.

This is not only damaging the planet, but it is also damaging communities and entire places because of all the harmful chemicals and processes that are used in the industry. Fortunately, there is a growing movement towards slow fashion, which aims to promote a more sustainable and ethical way of consuming fashion. This week for example is crucial for the slow fashion activists and the change makers.

So, What is Slow Fashion, And Why Do We Love It?

Slow fashion is about creating and consuming clothing in a more thoughtful and responsible way. It emphasizes quality over quantity, encourages local and ethical production methods, and promotes a deeper understanding of our clothing choices’ impact on the world around us.

The Key Principles Of Slow Fashion

One of the fundamental principles of slow fashion is to focus on quality. Instead of buying cheap, disposable clothing that falls apart after a few weeks of wearing them, slow fashion encourages us to invest in well-made, durable pieces that will last for years. This not only helps to reduce waste and overconsumption, but it also means that we’ll have a wardrobe of pieces that we truly love and reflect our style.

Another important aspect is a focus on local and ethical production methods. This means that clothing is produced in a way that respects the environment and the people who make it. Slow fashion brands often prioritize using sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or recycled fabrics. They may also work with artisans and craftspeople who are paid fairly for their work.

This aspect of slow fashion leads to another essential characteristic, which is a focus on transparency and accountability. Slow fashion brands are often very open about their production processes, materials sourcing, and labor practices, which allows consumers to make informed decisions about the clothing they buy. This helps build trust between brands and consumers and puts pressure on fast fashion companies to improve their practices and become more transparent.

In addition to promoting sustainable and ethical production methods, slow fashion encourages us to think more deeply about our clothing choices. By understanding the impact that our clothing has on the environment and on the people who make it, we can make more informed decisions about what we buy and how we care for our clothing. This might mean buying secondhand or vintage clothing, repairing and mending clothes we already own, or simply buying less overall. 

One of the biggest advantages of slow fashion that is often overlooked is that it offers a more personal and meaningful approach to clothing. Instead of chasing the latest trends and feeling the pressure to constantly update our wardrobe, slow fashion encourages us to develop a personal style and invest in pieces that truly reflect our individuality. This not only helps to reduce waste and overconsumption, but it also fosters a deeper appreciation for the value of our clothing and the craftsmanship that goes into creating it.

Overall, slow fashion offers a more holistic and interconnected approach to fashion.

There are many slow fashion brands and initiatives out there, from small-scale independent designers to fashion empires that are making strides toward more sustainable and ethical practices. By supporting these brands and by making more thoughtful choices about our clothing, we can play a role in creating a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry for generations to come. 

If you’re ready to adopt slow fashion into your lifestyle, read this article by Menabòh on How to Implement Slow Fashion into Your Lifestyle.