FAST FASHION ALTERNATIVES
- madi marketos
- May 21, 2021
- 6 min read
The world of fashion often flies under the radar in its contribution to Climate Change, Pollution, and Human Labor. ‘Fast fashion’ clothing retailers like Zara, Forever 21, Shein, and H&M make cheap and fashionable clothing, but the cost comes at a high price. According to the UN Environment Programme, "the fashion industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined." We want so badly to match the models on the runway and wear the most trendy clothes. Everyone wants to look and feel their best and fashion is the gateway to do so. The problem becomes the high prices of chic clothing, fast fashion answers the call for cheaper alternatives to fashion forward looks. So here is the moral dilemma: do we care more about the way we look or the negative impacts of fast fashion.
The call to produce fashion forward items at a speedy pace results in the production of thousands of tons of waste. For context, The fashion industry is the second largest consumer industry of water, requiring about 700 gallons to produce one cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons of water to produce a pair of jeans. Beyond water consumption, fast fashion contributes to about 35% of all micro-plastics in the ocean as a result of textile products like polyester. The list of fast fashion negative impacts ventures on to include an exuberant amount of energy consumption and air pollution. It also poses as a social problem in that 80% of apparel is made by young women between the ages of 18 and 24. "A 2018 US Department of Labor report found evidence of forced and child labour in the fashion industry in Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Turkey, Vietnam and others." Rapid production means that sales and profits supersede human welfare. In short, fast fashion provides stylish, affordable clothes to millions; but at what cost?
The call to end fast fashion starts with the individual. By buying fast fashion products we are all supporting detrimental effects to the environment. To end this cycle, we must start to make changes in our lives. After some extensive research and multiple reviews, I have compiled a list of fashion forward sustainable clothing options.
MUD JEANS
Jeans are one of the most polluting items in fashion. Using 7,000 litres of water and nasty chemicals. With over 200,000 million jeans being sold yearly, the impact of recycling jeans and using organic cotton can be huge. MUD Jeans offers a new approach to creating sustainable jeans. They use recyclable material, fair labor production, and produce toxic-free jeans.
To participate in the "Slow Fashion" Movement, MUD Jeans offers Jean 'leasing' meaning you can rent the jeans for a lower price. There is no doubt that sustainable fashion is expensive and therefore a privilege. However, companies like MUD make sustainable fashion possible for a wider economic group. Their Jean prices are extremely reasonable and made from quality material that are sure to last for years.
OUTERKNOWN
The recent call to support local or small businesses is so important. Yes, their products are more expensive and limited. However, these companies often times have the right agenda. Not only are your supporting local companies and boosting the economy but you are also reducing the support for fast fashion. Outerknown, was a start-up company committed to sustainability and struggled to find local support for their cause. However, with time and dedication they were able to create a successful sustainable business.
This small-business is committed to sustainability. Their staple clothing items reflect the level of effort and diligence required to make sustainable clothing. Outerknown is the perfect place to shop when youre looking for some staple, simple clothing items. The company is committed to fair labor clauses. They use fishing nets as regenerative fibers in their products. This company constantly finds ways to turn plastic into products and goes the extra mile. Their clothes may seem somewhat pricy but for the quality material, it is worth the purchase. I'm obsessed with these overalls!
REFORMATION
For context, this is Reformation's informational statement: "Reformation began by selling vintage clothing out of a small Los Angeles storefront in 2009. We quickly expanded into making our own stuff, with a focus on sustainability. Today, we make effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure and pioneer sustainable practices, focusing on people and progress each step of the way." This is one of my most favorite brands as it celebrates the fun in fashion all while paying tribute to eco-friendly materials.
Reformation makes everything from low-impact materials, rescued deadstock fabrics, and repurposed vintage clothing. Ref products are designed, shot, and shipped at facilities in Los Angeles. They have item ranging from athletic sets to weddings gowns. Reformation also has a good selection of sustainable shoes. Reformation has a unique approach to the amount of clothes produced. "Every week, they put out new, limited edition collections. They start with small quantities of each product, and only make more if based on direct data and feedback."
GIRLFRIEND
I am obsessed. Girlfriend is one of the most transparent clothing brands I have every encountered. The Girlfriend packaging is 100% recycled material and recyclable. The company actively practices all measures of slow fashion and is extremely deliberate.
If your looking for afforadable, sustainable, and high quality athletic clothes, you're in the right place. On top of producing sustainable clothing, this company actively supports movements such as BLM and donates to worthy causes. Girlfriend has sets and pieces is sizes ranging from XXS to XXL. Not only is this brand size inclusive but they also employ models of all sizes to showcase their products. All in all you really can't go wrong here.
TAGMA DESIGNS
Tagma Designs is a carbon-neutral fashion brand. Meaning, the brand funds projects that absorb the same amount of carbon created by the garments – like planting a tree that sucks the carbon we create out of the atmosphere. Tagma Designs worked with an "environmental research firm called Green Story to track the impact of their garments - from field to fashion." 1% of annual sales are donated to the Sumatran Orangutan Society (S.O.S.) and Orangutan Information Centre (OIC). Plus they have some super cute dresses and skirts!
If you are looking for a Spring or Summer set, this is the spot. Tagma has some fun colors and designs. A prefect beach cover up or dinner jumpsuit! Tagma's prices are reasonable and the quality of the material is unreal. Another big plus to this site is it's inclusion of ethical jewelry! From bohemian dangly necklaces, to handmade statement rings, anklets and earrings, Tagma has quality statement pieces to browse through. Definitely recommend spending some time on this site!
LEROLI
Not only is this one of the cutest brands around, it was founded on the principle of sustainability. Leroli only uses fibers that are natural/of botanical origins, renewable, and biodegradable. They also recycle all fabric by using scrap the create new products. The company was founded by a couple who was inspired to design clothes based on different cultures.
As much as I love love love the story behind this brand, their clothes are even better. They have so many fun patterns and sets. While their inventory and options are limited, one of their items would be a solid investment. Yes, these items are on the pricier side. However, not only are you supporting a small-business but you are also rocking some gorgeous items.
GHANDA CLOTHING
Last but certainly not least is Ghanda Clothing. Ghanda's misson is to ensure the that the Ghanda products you buy and love are made in an ethical and humane way. Ghanda is a surf & street wear brand born out of the coastal town of Torquay, Victoria. They produce 100% of their product on the local level. Because the products are developed at a local level, the teams tests the success of products in store and then proceeds to produce more or less of the clothing item. This prevents over production of waste and fabric.
I am constantly buying products from Ghanda. Not only are the clothes so comfortable and trendy, but they are affordable. Ghanda offers a large variety of casual and cute clothes. They have beach and winter options. This company is adamant about ending child labor. By supporting this brand you are helping to end child labor. Their focus on offering affordable basics and fashion pieces catering to all ages across Men’s, Women’s, Teens and Kids is evident in the quality of their clothing. I highly highly recommend this amazing store.
Living a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle is not easy nor is it supposed to be easy. Fast fashion is dangerous to the future of our planet and oceans. Change starts with one. I know sustainable shopping can get expensive. But there are plenty of alternatives like thrift shopping, poshmark, and thred-up. Be part of the change!
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