How Fast Fashion is Wasting Your Money

What is Fast Fashion?

Some of the most notorious companies known to produce fast fashion are likely ones that you’ve already heard of, including Shein, FashionNova, YesStyle, etc. Although cheap fast fashion has become a staple of many American wardrobes, it is only good for being affordable and trendy. Mass-produced clothing, like fast fashion, comes at rock-bottom prices, which ultimately draws in many consumers – and not just from America! While fast fashion is popular, particularly as inflation affects the cost of living across the nation, fast fashion is not without its drawbacks.

Keep reading to learn more about the issues surrounding this type of clothing production and how fast fashion is wasting your money as a consumer!

What is the Problem with Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion is under fire for many reasons, but some of the most prominent ones are poor working conditions and environmental issues that can easily stem from its production methods. Not only does this type of clothing lead to overconsumption because it is so incredibly cheap, but it is often made with minimal consideration for the environment, resulting in the use of non-renewable resources and the release of carbon emissions into the air when companies burn textiles. Environmental concerns stemming from fast fashion can lead to serious consequences for our planet, such as global warming and climate change.

Fast fashion also leads to increased waste, as trendy clothing is often cheaply made from plastic fibers like polyester and is not meant to last. As a result, many of these clothes end up in landfills, releasing harmful pollutants into the environment if they are incinerated. If the clothing does not end up in a landfill, then it will likely end up in your local thrift store because it’s not made to last.

In addition to these concerns, the working conditions of fast fashion workers are often unsafe and inherently exploitative. Think about buying a crochet sweater from a company that produces fast fashion. Actual crocheting is a skill, and making a sweater usually takes several hours to complete. If you’re only buying a sweater for $20, the worker was likely not compensated fairly for that time spent working on your clothing.

How Does Fast Fashion Waste My Money?

In today’s day and age, you cannot afford to waste your money on fast fashion. The high cost of living is affecting many Americans, and many people cannot afford to pay for essential necessities. It’s understandable that they turn to fast fashion for clothing when times get tough, so they can fill their wardrobes quickly.

While it can be tempting to purchase a seemingly nice sweater for only $20, think about how long that sweater will last you. If it’s made from polyester, it may only last a few washes, and then you will ultimately waste your money on an item of clothing that you barely get to wear. Instead, try to save your money and invest in well-made clothing made from natural fibers that will last longer and look better over time. Quality clothing made from wool, denim, and corduroy is often more expensive, but it will pay off in the long run.

Where Can I Purchase Clothes That Aren’t Fast Fashion?

Although it can be tough to find quality clothes that are trendy and sustainable, it isn’t impossible! Stores like Reformation, Patagonia, and the Girlfriend Collective are all examples of places to shop if you’re looking for sustainable clothing that won’t fall apart after a few washes. When you invest your money in clothes that have quality fabrics like wool and are made to last, you won’t have to keep repurchasing clothes every season, so you can ultimately save money in the long run!

However, it will be a little bit expensive upfront to build a wardrobe that has a lot of sustainable clothing. Therefore, it’s okay to start small and invest in just a few basic pieces that you know will never go out of style and will last you quite a while. Slow fashion also shouldn’t necessarily require you to go into debt with credit cards and car title loans, so be sure to shop around for the best prices. Pieces like turtlenecks, straight jeans, and cardigans are always a safe bet when it comes to staying timeless and sustainable! Remember to buy stuff that fits your style and budget, but is good for the environment.