How Can I Change My Mindset About Fast Fashion?
At this point in time, more and more people are becoming aware of fast fashion and its impacts. Many understand its negative correlation with textile waste, cultural insensitivity, and cheap labor. But how do we actually apply this knowledge to create a better future?
Misconceptions
While there are numerous things that uneducated consumers believe about the fast fashion industry, I would argue that the most prominent ones are related to donating and sustainable brands. For example, I used to think that buying clothing from the site YesStyle would have no impact as long as I donated it when it wasn’t my style anymore.
However, this is not the case. People are less likely to buy fast fashion clothing in thrift stores because they recognize its cheap, out-of-style qualities. If you've been to Goodwill in the past year, you've probably noticed the overwhelming amount of SHEIN pieces. It is important to recognize that carrying fast fashion habits over to slow fashion shopping does not improve our Earth or our communities. In reality, transferring fast fashion habits into thrift stores will continue overconsumption. So, what can we do?
Image Credit: Agence France-Presse
As an alternative to buying new wardrobe items every time the season or trend changes, you can focus on restyling old pieces to create a fun, fresh look. Trying out new accessories, mixing and matching items, and even doing a thrift-flip can totally change the entire vibe of your ensemble. I personally like to use a scarf or bandana as both a top and a cute headpiece. You could even try using it as a bikini skirt cover up!
A second misconception is that all “sustainable brands” are actually sustainable. Many companies will incorporate sustainability buzzwords like “green,” “ethical,” and “eco-friendly” into their brand description, yet fail to showcase evidence of significant sustainable decisions. Because there is no legal regulation and determination of sustainability in brands, this manipulation of consumers can easily slip under the radar. The fight against greenwashing can be strengthened with active assessment of brand practices, location of suppliers and manufacturing, and the volume of production.
These may seem like small changes, but in reality, these common misconceptions could spell the difference between an individual giving slow fashion a chance or just returning to fast fashion. So, do the research, assess your established beliefs, and use your findings to skill up your sustainable profile.
Acknowledgment and Acceptance
It can be challenging to step up and admit when something is wrong, and it can be even more difficult to do so when you realize that you may even have to stand up against yourself. The question: “what harm can one shirt do?” perfectly emulates the destructive cycle of refusing to take accountability for your actions. One shirt that begins as a guilty pleasure can easily become a habit.
In fact, it is reported by the Urban Land Institute that many young men and women view shopping as a form of addictive entertainment. A team of researchers from MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon conducted a study on subjects’ brains when determining whether or not to purchase an item. The group concluded that a maximum amount of pleasure was activated in the brain when buying cheap, trendy clothing — something that fast fashion effortlessly permits.
Image Source: Kathy Willens/AP
I can definitely relate to this, and I know that many others can as well. It is easy to get a thrill out of opening multiple packages, eagerly ripping open one after the other. However, this excitement is only momentary, and it is important to think about the consequences of such purchases. As a consumer of textile merchandise, it is key to remember that fast fashion does have an impact — no matter how big or small the purchase itself is.
It is easy to feel alone and isolated when confronting your own shopping habits, and many can refuse to address the issue altogether because of these overwhelming emotions. When attempting to better yourself and overcome this harmful thought process, it is critical to remember that you are never alone. Initiating constructive conversations with friends and family about fast fashion’s impact is one of the key ways to feel more comfortable navigating unfamiliar topics.
For example, I just had a conversation with two friends who had never even heard of fast fashion. It felt good to educate my peers on an incredibly important topic, and being able to talk about it made me realize how much I have learned since joining the movement. Recognizing your impact is the first step that can lead to breaking old patterns, behaving more rationally and responsibly, and acting toward positive and achievable change.
Empowering yourself and your fast-fashion navigation skills can certainly be a daunting task. Sometimes it is scary to embark on a new journey of learning and lifestyle, which can cause many consumers to turn away from slow fashion. Just because it may be uncomfortable, however, does not mean that it is unattainable. Collaborating with others, reflecting on personal experiences and mindsets, and accepting that you do have the power to generate change can help turn this experience into a positive one.
I often go thrifting with another person in order to gain a second opinion about what I buy. This way, I walk out of the store feeling satisfied that my purchase was something I really liked instead of getting something just to get it. This has increased my skills in fighting against overconsumption while also having a fun time with my friends. In the end, improving upon common misconceptions and old tendencies will lead to a better understanding of self, community, and the fashion industry as a whole. It only takes determination and willpower to start — so what are you waiting for?
Written by Alyx Sheridan
Alyx Sheridan is from the D.C. area. She gained interest in slow fashion through shopping at her local thrift store, and since then has been on a journey to learn more about the industry. Slow Fashion USA is her creative outlet, where she can explore this interest and hopefully inspire readers across the country.