The debate between Fast Fashion and Sustainable Fashion has become a controversial one recently. Now more than ever, fashion trends in the media are ever-changing and this can change the youth’s perspective on spending habits. There are also many myths circulating Fast Fashion and the production of the clothes we are purchasing. Let’s take a look at it.
So, what is “Fast Fashion”? According to ‘Oxford Languages, Fast Fashion is inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends. When many people think of fast fashion, the retailers Shein, RomWe, or Zaful come to mind. This is true of these retailers, but there are many more that aren’t talked about as much. Fast fashion brands include (but are not limited to): H&M, Gap, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Fashion Nova, Free People, Victorias Secret, and Missguided.
Fast Fashion is supported by most consumers whether they realize it or not. We see something that is trendy, aesthetic, and appealing to the eye for an affordable price… what do we do? We buy it. But, what is the impact of this?
Fast fashion retailers are looking to have quick production at low costs. This process usually results in unethical production throughout the fashion industry including the use of toxic fabric dyes. The fast fashion industry is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the world which has been caused by the dying of textiles with chemical dyes and the runoff caused by the washing of these fabrics.
Another effect of the speed of mass production is worker exploitation. They have forced workers into harsh conditions and have forced them to work on weekends or overtime with no extra pay. Many fast-fashion retailers are also being accused of child labor in sweatshops.
Many of these statements are still myths waiting to be debunked, but some have been proven and have heavily impacted the profit that these businesses are making.
On the contrary, sustainable fashion is considered a fashion movement that is working toward “greater ecological integrity and social justice.” This is a more ethical approach to the production and purchasing of clothing.
Just as everything in the fashion industry does, sustainable fashion has it’s pros and cons.
Pros: Sustainable fashion is a positive movement working toward reducing pollution and protecting social and economic ethics. The biggest con is the expenses that come with sustainable fashion.
Cons: High quality, environmentally friendly fabric, has a higher production cost which means it will also retail at higher prices. Another issue we come across is the appeal of these products. Many of these sustainable clothing items don’t appeal to the youth and do not keep up with most of the trends. This becomes an issue when the fashion industry’s biggest target market is usually young adults.
So what can you do?
This really is entirely up to you. If you support the sustainable fashion movement but find that the prices are unrealistic, you can look at options such as thrift shops or vintage shops. If the myths that are associated with fast fashion don’t bug you and you’re just looking for cute affordable clothing, that is also okay.
My personal opinion? I agree with everything that the sustainability movement stands for and I think it’s a great way to restore the environment and social integrity. Unfortunately, it can be very unrealistic. The prices of these ‘sustainable’ items are normally considered too pricey for the average income household. Especially when some fast fashion brands are still marking their items at high prices as well. Someone could be purchasing a $6 t-shirt from Shein while you are purchasing a $50 t-shirt from Urban Outfitters. You’re still supporting fast fashion, just at a larger cost. When it comes down to it, most of my clothing items are from fast fashion companies regardless of the prices I paid for them. I think that as a society we can take steps in the right direction to support ethical fashion by thrifting and supporting small businesses, but we will never fully be able to let go of a fast-fashion lifestyle.
Shein Review:
One of the most popular fast-fashion retailers at the moment is Shein. Regardless of the controversy surrounding them, this has become a very popular brand in the TikTok community and has been booming with the young adult age group. They have tons of trendy clothing at very affordable prices. I have bought clothing items from Shein as well and I will tell you that it can be a hit or miss. Before purchasing anything, check reviews. They can be very helpful at determining sizing, quality, or if this product is even worth buying. Most of the products I have purchased from them were high-quality trendy clothes, but others not so much. I have received items with thin fabric and poor sewing on things such as t-shirts, swimsuits, and even purses. If you’re balling on a budget, I would recommend Shein. But, if you want to take a more ethical approach and are willing to pay more, by all means, do so. This is a topic that can have opinions that vary from person to person, so do what is best for you!
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