Slow fashion: What it is and how it’s changing the way we dress

Like other ‘slow’ movements – such as slow food and slow travel – slow fashion encourages us to be more mindful about what we buy and consume. Here’s what you need to know about the sustainable style trend that’s here to stay.

What is slow fashion?

Slow fashion emphasizes quality clothes that last longer and are better for the environment and the people who make them. It promotes ethical practices throughout the entire production process, from sourcing materials to manufacturing and distribution.

Slow fashion is the opposite of fast fashion, which focuses on short trend cycles and cheap, disposable clothing. Around 100 million new garments are made every year, using vast amounts of materials, water and often toxic dyes. The bulk of these garments – up to 85% – end up in landfill.

Why is slow fashion important?

Slow fashion encourages us to consume less and choose quality over quantity. By investing in well-made garments that are designed to last, we reduce our contribution to environmental pollution and landfill sites overflowing with discarded clothing.

Slow fashion also supports fair trade practices and ensures that workers are paid decent wages. Moreover, slow fashion allows us to reconnect with our clothes on a deeper level. By understanding the story behind each garment – its origins and where and how it was made – we develop a stronger connection with what we wear. This mindful approach helps us appreciate our clothing more and reduces our desire for constant consumption.

All of this is important because the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global CO₂e emissions, which is more than aviation and shipping combined. On top of that, the average consumer is purchasing 60% more items of clothing compared to 20 years ago, but each garment is kept half as long.

How to dress sustainably

So how can we dress more sustainably? A slow fashion wardrobe involves building a collection of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched for various occasions. It means valuing quality over quantity and investing in garments made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton or recycled fabrics.

Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood put it best when she said: “Buy less, choose well, make it last.”

Slow fashion brands

There is a growing number of slow fashion brands to choose from. These brands prioritize transparency in their supply chains, ensure fair treatment of workers throughout the production process and create garments with longevity in mind.

Join the slow fashion movement

Fashion has always been a way for us to express ourselves and showcase our unique personality. Slow fashion takes this idea further by encouraging us to be mindful of our choices and consider the impact they have on people and the planet.

In fact, slow fashion has become something of a movement that goes beyond just clothing; it encompasses an entire mindset shift towards conscious consumerism. By embracing slower production cycles, ethical practices and mindful purchasing decisions, we can work towards a more sustainable future that extends beyond what we wear. How’s that for a fashion statement?