Hi everyone !
As you might have guessed from the title, today we’re gonna talk about a topic that is dear to my heart: clothes. We all love fashion, don’t we ? It’s an amazing way to express ourselves and develop our creativity… but let’s not forget that the fashion industry is far from perfect. The clothes we buy can actually have a disastrous impact on many levels, especially if they are a product of fast fashion.
What is fast fashion/why is it so harmful?
Fast fashion is a term which describes trendy, cheap clothing (made by companies such as H&M or Zara) that is made to last a short period of time because of its poor quality. Its cost and the fast renewal of trends is what keeps fast fashion prospering. However, the truth behind the cost of fast fashion is quite terrible. Underpaid workers are forced to work in appalling conditions in buildings like the Rana Plaza, which collapsed in 2013 in Bangladesh. Our planet also suffers from the enormous quantities of water, chemicals, and waste produced by fast fashion.
But luckily for you, there are ways to shop that are more helpful to our planet and these workers. So if you’re like me and you’re always hunting for some new clothes to develop your style but still want to keep your conscience clean, check out these alternatives:
First and foremost: thrift shops. It’s probably the best alternative to find some unique, fashionable clothes though you need to put a little effort into it. Maybe do some research about local thrift stores, select some you want to go to and look at prices, dig in the piles, etc. Thrift stores are a great option because everything is second-hand—so no more waste !
Online platforms that sell second-hand clothes are also great if you’re not into thrift shops (or if you can’t find any where you live). I’ve recently heard of Thread Up but my favorite is probably Vinted (which is perfect to sell clothes too). You can also look for clothes on Ebay, Depop…etc.
Charity shops ! I feel like these are a bit underrated. It’s pretty common to find charity shops in small towns, and even if they might not always have what you want, it’s still worth a look.
Another useful tip: change your consumption habits ! Buying less or buying better quality might be the trick to keeping your clothes for way longer.
Finally, shop brands that are respectful of the environment, ethical, and sustainable. Patagonia, Reformation, Kind, Boden...those are only a few but there are so many more worth your attention. Remember, your shopping habits always have an impact so why not change it for the better by turning to more respectful brands ?
That’s it for this article, thanks for reading!
See you next Thursday ✨ -Sophie
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