Slow Fashion, We live in a modern world that floods us with a plethora of choices and ample convenience. With the liberty to swivel through various e-commerce websites at our fingertips, it’s easy to shop cheap, fast fashion. And, it’s easy to shop often. Nonetheless, the choice to shop slow, ethically, and sustainably is also practicable. With great choice comes great responsibility.
What is Slow Fashion? Slow fashion is the antithesis of fast fashion. Since slow fashion has been a dynamic and evolving concept over the last couple of decades, there are a variety of definitions for it. Simply put, slow fashion is a conscious and mindful lifestyle choice that aims to slow down the pace of consumption. It is about coming home to an intimate relationship with fashion: one where trends and seasons barely matter. It liberates you from the stress of constant consumption, focusing on the style that truly appeals to you.
This concept takes a long-term view as opposed to the fast-fashion short-term view. It’s about quality over quantity—garments that can last years or even a lifetime. Slow fashion is ethical, holistic, and considers the whole product lifecycle. It fosters lower carbon footprints, slower production, fair wages, and, ideally, zero waste. And, like a slow living, slow fashion is countercultural. It goes transcends beyond the concurrent societal norms that “more is more” and “faster and cheaper are better.” It desists the notion of viewing products as disposable.
How Do I Inculcate Slow Fashion In My Lifestyle? As social beings that we are, we are all consumers. However, we have choices to ponder upon regarding what we consume and how much we consume of it. If you are considering being a conscious consumer when it comes to fashion, here are some beacons for the uninitiated:
1. Ease Up!
It’s not about buying anything. However, it does aim at shopping less frequently and when done, buying less each time you shop. Consider touring thrift shops, vintage clothing stores, and second-hand shops.
2. On The Anvil
Remember that spending is voting for the world you want!
Avoid fast fashion brands. Search for ethical and sustainable brands/products.
Shop Local! Consider smaller local brands/businesses.
Watch out for greenwashing (unsubstantiated claims to deceive consumers into believing that a company’s products are environmentally sound) and seek brand transparency (being upfront and honest with customers about the brand’s raw materials, manufacturing, supply chain, pricing, etc.).
Durability is the key. Buy higher quality that will last longer. Seek timelessly designs in lieu of seasonal trends.
3. Once You Own Something Cherish the few things you own. If you have less, you can celebrate those few items of clothing more. Refrain from treating clothing as disposable. Consider up-cycling, repairing, or donating to keep them out of landfills. “Once we know and are aware, we are responsible for our action and our inaction. We can do something about it or ignore it. Either way, we are still responsible”. — Jean-Paul Sartre
