Maximalism: Can it Ever Be Sustainable?

Fashion has long been dominated by sleek, minimalist aesthetics. First popularized in the early 20th century, it maintained its grip – more or less – on the fashion world well into the 1980s. Too much jewelry was considered tacky, or trying too hard. Anything more than a simple silver bracelet and/or necklace was just too much – and nobody wanted to be too much. 

But if you’ve been on social media these past few years, you’ll see that this trend is slowly fading, making way for maximalism, in all its bright, colorful glory. It may seem like a refreshing change of pace, but what exactly is it? And can a trend with a name like “maximalism” ever be sustainable, especially when so much of slow fashion depends on consuming less? 

First things first: what is maximalism?

Image by @carlitalandrum, Instagram

Have you ever heard that old Coco Chanel saying: “before you leave the house, take one thing off”? Well, maximalism is the polar opposite. A maximalist probably wouldn’t consider themselves ready for the day without adding one thing (or two, or five). Bonus points if there’s lots of colors and patterns involved in their wardrobe, and extra bonus points if they clash. 

This style has risen in popularity among Gen Zers. Those who layer colorful tutus on top of one another or wear tons of chunky jewelry would be considered maximalists. Though it may seem like a purely reactionary movement to outsiders, it’s actually firmly rooted in past trends: namely, Harajuku streetwear.

Maximalism and Harajuku

The now iconic Harajuku style originates in Tokyo’s Harajuku district. It emerged in the 1980s and later boomed in the early 2000s; there are many subcultures under the Harajuku umbrella, but most involve eye-catching outfits with funky patterns and accessories. Much of these subcultures revolve around personal style: which, notably, is the slow fashion movement’s antidote to fast fashion. People are expected to be as creative as possible, and no one outfit looks alike. Mass production of these looks by fast fashion companies defeats the original purpose. 

The same can be said for maximalism. 

Image Source: https://tokyofashion.com/

Maximalism’s Complicated Relationship with Sustainability 

As mentioned earlier, maximalism emphasizes personal style. With this in mind, thrifting could be – and often is – more beneficial to the aspiring maximalist than fast fashion. With thrifting, you can find one-of-a-kind items that might not be sold anymore, or that you can’t find anywhere else. And upcycling, a slow fashionista’s go-to for making unique clothing, can be another helpful item in a budding maximalists’ toolbox.

On the other hand, it’s always better to buy less. The phrase “slow fashion” means slowing down your shopping, and making do with what you already have. To get a maximalist look, though, you would need to buy lots of accessories and clothing. Of course, you could always borrow or swap clothes with friends, but shopping – and, therefore, more consumption – is inextricable from maximalism. In other words, a style that prioritizes wearing more means buying more. 

Don’t panic: you can be both a maximalist and slow fashionista. You can take inspiration from maximalist outfits, or even dabble in it yourself. But when it comes to shopping, there’s no need to go full-steam-ahead: get creative with your own closet first! Mix and match what you already have, and, if your clothing needs a revamp, try to upcycle before you hit the thrift store. If you want to learn more about this topic, Mina Le’s YouTube video on the subject is incredibly informative. 

So, do you consider yourself a maximalist? What are some ways you reconcile maximalism with slow fashion? Let us know your thoughts!

Written by Sara Traynor
Sara uses She/Her pronouns. Fashion and writing are her two favorite modes of creative expression, and she loves to combine them in SFUSA. In her free time, she does crossword puzzles, reads, and watches SpongeBob.