If before the problem of acquiring new, interesting and unique clothing items was acute, now the shops are full. Today we live in era of fast fashion, we buy new clothing items, when the old one still does not have time to wear out. Fortunately, slow fashion trend, which promotes smart consumption, has become popular. Let’s consider its pros and cons and how it affects our lives.
Over the past couple of years, society started gradually moving to buy less and wear longer. Adepts of slow fashion focus on quality, not quantity. It is also important where the goods are made, out of which raw materials and whether the manufacturer gives jobs in his country or uses cheap Chinese labor. Of course, taking into account all these factors, the product significantly increases in price – this is the first disadvantage. In contrast to this, another argument can be made that clothing item bought for higher price will be worn for longer time and it will fully pay off.
Lovers of heavy luxury, if they want to consume consciously, they will have to refuse or minimize the purchases in high fashion segment, as despite the existence of slow fashion trend, there are trends and bought clothing items of last season will not be topical this season. Therefore, fashionable clothes should be taken from mass market, and pay attention to bags, shoes and outerwear in luxury segment that does not go out of fashion.
Slow fashion philosophy adversely affects brands‘ revenue. In terms of declination of consumer activity, it is difficult for fashion companies to earn as much as they earned before. Therefore, fashion brands should pay attention to the experience of American companies that are additionally engaged in resale of secondhand clothes except active sale of their products. Another reasonable solution in this situation would be the provision of services for restoration of clothing and shoes. Now the reality of economy is actively changing and at the same time new opportunities for brand activities appear.
Surely, for those who like changing their wardrobe often and don’t go out in the same outfit twice, they will have to develop new habits in order to comply with slow fashion philosophy. Here you can take advantage of your originality and creative thinking: remake old things by creating completely new unique clothing items. Plus vintage is great opportunity to find something unusual and with a touch of antiquity. Another way to diversify your wardrobe without buying clothes in stores, is second hand and exchange of things, which are inexpensive and meet all commandments of smart consumption.
We will analyze obvious advantages of slow fashion. By supporting this policy, we, buyers will not contribute to overproduction. Since factory production of clothes adversely affects the environment due to large amount of gas exhausts, we can reduce these indicators by several times. Thanks to second hand and product recycling companies, it is possible not to throw away the clothes, but to wear them for longer time. Thus, we will reduce the pollution of planet and free the Earth at least partially from trash that people leave.
The commandments of conscious shopping.
Inspect your wardrobe regularly
Before buying new clothes, check your closet and carefully sort out all clothes: starting from underwear to shoes and accessories. Perhaps, you can wear some of them and give them a second life. Engage in customizing clothes, be real fashion designer. Even if you have never held a needle in your hands in your life, you can go to studio, where all your ideas will be realized. This great opportunity to show your creativity, and mainly – only you will have such clothing item.
Pay attention to eco-clothes
Choose ecofriendly products. Important Note: Vegan tag may not guarantee that the product is made exclusively from recycled or pure materials, therefore be attentive. Find alternatives to leather and fur, today the market offers excellent high-quality products without harm to the environment. The only moment: the price of ecofriendly products may be higher than synthetic ones, but remember that you’ll wear this new clothing item for longer period – it is a pleasant bonus.
Instead of viscose and wool – linen and cotton
It is commonly believed that the most innocuous and natural materials are flax and recycled cotton. Try to give up nylon, viscose and wool and nature will thank you. In addition, by choosing eco-friendly materials you exclude the possibility of allergies. Not only the planet will be safe, but also your skin.
Choose brands with transparent business models
By choosing conscious consumption, you take on additional responsibility as a consumer. Carefully study who is the supplier of brand and who is the manufacturer. If company does not openly position itself as eco, this does not mean that its products do not meet the criteria of slow fashion. Learn and find out required information, in this way we will not increase the sales of fast fashion segment and exclude the potential opportunity of non-eco products distribution. Nowadays all companies are on Internet, you can write them and they will definitely answer you.
Slow fashion thinks about people
Rash idea that new trend in consumer environment cares only about nature. Not at all. The philosophy of slow fashion also draws attention to those who produce the fashion. Brands that offer convenient and decent working conditions for their employees are in priority among the rest. You can find out about this issue by directly asking question from fashion company or reading the information on their website, often companies are proud of it and openly write on their websites and platforms.
Being adept of slow fashion is actually not so difficult and it is not necessary to change radically your consumer habits, you can choose what is comfortable and relevant for you. If you are ready to take your own measures to purify the planet and think about the environment, the idea of smart consumption is right step towards it.
