A 101 Guide to Breaking Up With Fast Fashion
Fashion and human trafficking are undeniably linked. By becoming a more conscious consumer and making that switch from participating in fast fashion to supporting ethical and sustainable fashion, you can aid in the fight against human trafficking and advocate for a fashion industry that helps instead of harms. Although, we know that this is sometimes easier said than done, we’re here to give you a few tips on how to transition from fast to ethical fashion!
First of all, what even is fast fashion? Well, fast fashion is cheap, “trendy” clothing sold by popular clothing retailers. Oftentimes, the demand for cheap clothing that is hardly worn by those who purchase it is supplied at the expense of garment workers who are underpaid, overworked and at a high risk of being trafficked. To ensure that the people who make your clothes are treated with dignity and respect alongside shopping in accordance with your values of environmental protection, we have to make fast fashion a thing of the past.
The most important thing to understand when it comes to making the leap from fast fashion to ethical fashion is that you should value progress over perfection. In tune with zero-waste chef Anne-Marie Bonneau’s mantra that “we don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly,” you don’t have to be the perfect ethical shopper to make more conscious choices and contribute to a safer and more sustainable fashion industry!
One of the most important things to consider when it comes to ethical fashion is how the people who make your clothes are being treated. When buying from any brand, it is essential to do your research regarding how the garment workers are treated and compensated for their work. Companies do not always tell the whole truth when it comes to how ethical and sustainable they are, so independent research is of the utmost importance.
Some major points to consider and questions to ask are whether the garment workers are being paid a fair and livable wage, the conditions in which they work are up to a high standard and the company truly values the human labor that goes into creating the clothes you want to buy. Check out Good on You and the Dressember Fashion Directory if you are looking for some ethical brands to support and to learn more about how your values coincide with your buying choices.
“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
Another way that you can adjust the way you shop is to buy from brands that do not support the concept of fast fashion itself. For example, second-hand stores that value reusing items that may have previously been tossed out for newer, cheaper garments are an affordable alternative to fast fashion. Remember, ethical shopping doesn’t need to be expensive! Also, small businesses in which the products are handmade and support individuals rather than large corporations that make money at the expense of the livelihood of their workers and the health of the environment is a great way to shop ethically. Ethical shopping is all about making choices that align with your values, and here at Dressember, our values lead us to support businesses that care about their employees and their impact as opposed to companies that are more interested in profit than people!
About the Author
Layla Nath is in her sophomore year at American University where she studies political science and journalism! Due to her love of advocacy and academia, she is involved in her college community as a teaching and research assistant. Her desire to help others through writing and research, alongside her passion for sustainable fashion and social justice has led her to this team as an Editorial Intern!