A discussion on the difference between slow, sustainable, fast and capsule fashion as terms and what they mean to us as consumers.
Hi there fellow wanderers,
Expressing one’s sense of style and individuality starts from early on, simply in the way we choose and wear our clothes. Whether to wear the princess dress with takkies and a hoodie or a cape over pyjamas. As we grow and change, our self-expression through clothing grows with us. For some this is done with minimal thought, opting more for practicality, while for others, our clothes are an extension of how we see ourselves, how we choose to express who we are and how we choose to allow others to view us.
Growing up, I truly enjoyed finding my own sense of style and not always the trend, I loved having fabrics that worked for my sensitive skin and signature pieces or accessories that reflected who I was at that moment in time. As I grew up, this also slowly started to turn into a reflection of being aware of my carbon footprint as an individual, my thought process became more conscious when choosing clothing or supporting designers in terms of sustainability and the awareness of slow fashion.
Sustainable fashion and slow fashion are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but have different meanings:
The term sustainable fashion is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the environmental impact of their clothing choices. Fashion sustainability is about creating clothes and accessories that are made from natural materials, materials that have not been exposed to pesticides, produced in a way that minimizes waste and pollution, and designed to last for years. Being consciously aware of manufacturing processes that include dyes and their ingredients. It also includes reusing clothing, buying capsule clothes, and following slow fashion trends. Different types of fabrics are used in sustainable fashion, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, linen, wool and recycled polyester. These fabrics are not only better for the environment but also provide comfort and durability. By choosing to support sustainable fashion we can reduce our carbon footprint while still looking stylish.
The term slow fashion is a movement that encourages people to make more conscious and sustainable choices when it comes to their clothing. It is an alternative to the fast fashion industry, which focuses on quickly producing and selling trendy items at low prices. Slow fashion encourages people to invest in quality pieces that will last longer, rather than buying these cheap items that will quickly go out of style.
The term ‘fast fashion’ is always mentioned when learning more about sustainable or slow fashion, this term refers to the section of the fashion industry that encourages us to focus on a current trend and attempting to create a stylish image within that season’s trend. Below are reasons why fast fashion is viewed in such a negative light:
Fast Fashion is produced and advertised by manufactures under the banner of being inexpensive, this allowing you to purchase multiple items without concern for durability. Reinforcing the disposable clothing idea.
As these items are inexpensive, they require constant turnover by the suppliers to fulfil demand. This over production contributes to textile waste, and in turn microfiber pollution.
This mass production also leads to an increase in toxins and pollutants, harmful to our environment.
To meet the fast fashion inexpensive requirements the burden is then felt by fashion garment workers who are not adequately compensated and often exposed to below standard working conditions.
These reasons are but a few, but certainly enough to challenge you to take a closer look at how you are shopping and your purchases. To possibly consider a shift in the way you shop or the quality of clothing you purchase.
A possible solution that might work for you, is the growing trend towards capsule clothes that are made with quality eco-conscious fabrics. These garments are designed to last longer and be more sustainable than traditional clothing, they offer endless classic outfit options and freedom of personal expression, within a selective capsule. They are also becoming increasingly popular due to their stylish designs and comfortable fits.
Capsule clothes are made from fabrics that have been carefully chosen for their environmental impact. This includes organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and other natural fibres. These materials are not only better for the environment but also provide superior quality and comfort compared to synthetic fabrics. The use of eco-conscious fabrics in capsule clothing choices is a great way to reduce our environmental footprint while still looking fashionable, still being able to express your own individuality and feeling confident.
Starting your sustainable clothing journey is as simple as looking at your cupboard and being aware of the clothing you have purchased and where possibly in future you could make choices that are more sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly. This could mean buying fewer items of a higher quality, recycling clothes instead of throwing them away, and supporting local charity or thrifts shops with your extra clothing. Taking the time to understand the fashion outlets you are currently supporting and holding them to a higher standard, or if they fall short, being open to trying new ones. Shopping local, South Africa has many incredible sustainable labels of its own, get to know locally produced fashion close to you or online, understanding their ethical standards and vision.
If you are about to venture out to shop this weekend, now that we are all through what seems like to longest month of the year, take a moment to consider if you really need the item you are purchasing, could it possibly be bought at a thrift shop or from a more sustainable source. Consider the items fabric, will it last..or perish and finally, when you do buy, pop it in your own reusable bag. It might not be as inviting as a store wrapped package but certainly more earth conscious.
I look forward over the next few months to sharing with you more sustainable slow fashion choices and outlets. Feel free to let me know your favourites and where you have found your most treasured pieces.
Gwen
“As consumers, we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy”.
-Emma Watson
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