Slow Fashion, Big Impact
With sites like Shein and Temu churning out clothing that may as well be made of garbage bags for its quality and environmental impact, and TikTok perpetuating micro trend-cycles, shopping sustainably might seem hopeless. Slow fashion, made of high-quality materials designed to last a lifetime, seeks to combat fast fashion trends. Here are 10 perks of slow fashion & 10 brands to support.
1. Higher Quality Clothing
Like we said, fast fashion isn't known for its quality. The products you see on Amazon storefronts or major retailers like H&M are more plastic than natural fibers. Slow fashion's natural fibers mean your clothing will be softer, stronger, and more breathable than synthetic garments.
2. Reduces Waste
With trend cycles growing shorter and shorter, thrift stores and landfills are being flooded with fast fashion. Because these products are synthetic, they take longer to break down. By emphasizing quality rather than trendiness, sustainable clothing is far less wasteful.
3. Supports Safe Labor
One of the reasons why fast fashion is so fast is because every possible corner is cut in the production. Designs are ripped off, working hours are long in dire conditions, and the people who make those fast fashion garments barely see a cent for their labor. Sustainable fashion seeks to end exploitation of garment workers.
4. Conserves Water
There's only a finite amount of drinkable water on this planet and, with everyone and their mother churning out AI slop, we need all the water we can get! Sustainable practices and materials require less water than synthetic ones. This will be incredibly important as our planet continues to change.
5. Lowers Carbon Footprints
Feeling hopeless about your carbon footprint in the grand scheme of things? Shopping sustainably is one way to keep it low. Low-impact production is designed to emit less greenhouse gas than traditional factories.
6. Reduces Toxins
By this point, we've probably ingested a Lego set's worth of microplastics. One way to keep your body and your planet from ingesting more is by wearing sustainable garments. Say goodbye to toxic dyes and pesticides!
7. Saves Money In The Long Run
One thing holding many people back from slow fashion is the price tag. Sustainable fashion is more expensive than fast fashion because it uses natural materials and pays workers more. Initial purchases may cost more, but you'll save by not having to replace your wardrobe each season.
8. More Wear
As we said, natural fibers last so much longer than synthetic ones. Part of the reason fast fashion cycles are so short is because the clothes literally can't sustain long-term wear. Sustainable fashion means being able to enjoy your favorite pieces for years.
9. Supports Small Businesses
While not all sustainable brands are small businesses, they're far more likely to be. Rather than continuing to line the pockets of major retailers, you can directly support small businesses through sustainable shopping. Spending money feels better when you know where it's going
10. Lasting Style
Because slow fashion is, well, slow, it can't adhere to every micro-trend on the market. So, while your sustainable pieces may not be the making headlines, they can help you build a capsule wardrobe of lasting style. Trends fade; style lasts forever
Now that we've covered some reasons to shop sustainably, here are a few slow fashion brands to support.
1. Girlfriend Collective
Matching activewear sets are all the rage nowadays, so sustainable matching activewear sets are even better! Girlfriend Collective makes compression leggings, bodysuits, and sports bras out of recycled plastic such as fishing nets and disposable bottles. Sizes range from XXS-6XL.
2. Lezé the Label
Lezé the Label makes loungewear that's the perfect foundation for a solid wardrobe. Not only are pieces made from recycled nylon and corn-based fabrics, but they're comfy as a cloud. Think pajamas you wouldn't mind wearing out in public.
3. Pangaia
Named after mother Earth herself, Pangaia is a sustainable brand beloved by celebrities. These chic sweatsuits are a major style and environmental upgrade to your fave eating-pizz-on-the-couch fit. Pangaia utilizes natural fibers such as wildflower and fruit waste!
4. Aday
Building a capsule wardrobe? Aday is a great place to start. Aday uses predominantly recycled materials and everything in their line is Bluesign certified. The best part is that these pieces are meant to be versatile; one Aday item can replace 5 different styles in your wardrobe!
5. Lucy & Yak
While a lot of sustainable brands focus on simple pieces, colors, and patterns, that isn't the case with Lucy & Yak. Known for their unisex overalls and jumpsuits, this brand is funky and sustainable. Lucy & Yak uses sustainable fabrics such as cotton and linen as well as dead-stock fabric from other brands.
6. Subset
Sustainable underwear is just as important as underwear! Subset offers a ton of different styles of bras, underwears, and loungewear. They also have a recycling program; send in used intimates from any brand, and they'll repurpose them into insulation and carpet padding.
7. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher was one of the first major brands to focus on sustainability. These pieces have endless potential and appeal to any age. Eileen Fisher implements a circular sales model rather than a linear one, meaning they buy back you old pieces and repurpose the fabric.
8. For Days
Using another circular model, For Days strives to be a zero-waste brand. For Days rewards customers for recycling by offering store credit in exchange for any old pieces from your closet. They also run a free school for children of garment workers in Morocco.
Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
9. J.Crew
Not every sustainable brand is an underground small business! J.Crew pledged to use entirely sustainable fibers by 2025 and go completely carbon-neutral by 203. If big brands can take environmental responsibility, why can't all of us?
10. Christy Dawn
If you miss the Gunne Sax dresses of your youth, Christy Dawn has you covered. Vintage designs meet organic and dead-stock fabric for dresses that are as good for the planet as they look. As a head's up, this brand is one of the most expensive on the list.
