From Fast Fashion to (Mostly) Sustainable: A Work in Progress

I won’t call myself a shopaholic, I almost always buy clothes I need. I don’t have a walk-in closet, I am not a woman with hundred shoes and matching bags, shopping therapy is not my thing in other words. However, most of the clothing items I own are from fast fashion stores.

It is not a secret that fast fashion has a significant impact on environment. Consumers around the world produce 92 million tonnes of textile waste every year. The fashion industry is the second-largest consumer industry of water. This article on Earth.org highlights not only environmental impact but also social impact fast fashion has. Shops like Zara, Shein are among leaders of fast fashion but still – incredibly popular among many of us. Why? They are stylish, affordable, trendy, there is a big variety to choose from.

So, here I am: with a big desire to walk away from fast fashion stores and replace them with sustainable alternatives. What are my options?

Let’s talk thrifting, ethical brands, and mindful shopping

Thrifting is NOT an option for me unfortunately. For those who don’t know thrifting is the activity of looking for or buying goods from thrift stores or other places that sell used clothes. I am not a fan of vintage or second-hand clothes, absolutely hate going to shops (most of my shopping is always online). I admire people who have time, determination and energy to do that because it does seem like a good alternative to fast fashion.

Buying from ethical brands is something that I am trying to do recently. Yes, it is definitely more expensive than Zara or H&M. My main challenge here is to identify truly ethical brands. Often fast fashion brands come up with one line of sustainable clothing, promoting it and shouting about it everywhere, but it doesn’t make them a sustainable brand. You will need to look for certifications like Fair Trade and GOTS, and ditch brands that treat sustainability like a marketing trick.

I also try to research and support small businesses in Armenia where I am originally from buy purchasing handmade scarves, knitted or crocheted handbags.

Mindful Shopping: Because Do You Really Need That Same Blouse in Another Color?

Impulse buying is the enemy of sustainability. Before adding another item to my closet, I am asking myself whether I really need it. Does it work always? No. But I recently started reading a lot about capsule wardrobe, how to style same clothes in different ways to create stylish outfits. That helps because I came to realize that it is not an amount of clothing that makes you look trendy, confident, comfortable, presentable, it is about the RIGHT amount of clothing.

However, I still sometimes buy something because it is on sale, not because I need it. Well, it is the oldest trick in the book and it will take some time to break this habit:)

At the end of the day, building a greener wardrobe is about making intentional choices. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. So go forth, thrift like a pro if you can, support ethical brands, and give fast fashion the breakup it deserves. After all, looking good shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. 🌍