What is Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion consists of products that have been made quickly yet immorally. The working conditions under fast fashion retailers is typically sub par. This means potentially underage or underpaid workers. Social media has geared people to think that they must have the "new thing" or they won't be cool enough. The term "fast" also highlights the fact that it brings instant satisfaction and then the consumer realizes they only purchased the garment because it was a fad or trend, rather than actual attraction to the piece.

The idea that you can't be caught dead rewearing the same outfit still lives on to this day. So ill be the first to admit that I do it all the time.

So maybe you *don't* need that new pair of jeans... Before you buy, think of how many pairs you already own and if you have enough

“I always find myself accidentally shopping for things I already own.. and then I have to be like, come on.. you already have 50 pairs of jeans." - Henley Holbrook, 20

How To Deal With The Issue:

I always see if someone I'm close to like a friend or family member would like to first go through my things to see if there's anything they want. That usually gets rid of whatever is cluttering my things. Salvation Army, Goodwill and any other local thrift store or donation center is a great place to donate unwanted items.

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The problem resides with the fact that both consumers and companies idealize "quick responses" and "immediate satisfaction or funding" (Gérard P. Cachon and Robert Swinney). While social media is a huge contributing factor, the people on the app entertaining the toxicity is the real problem. There could be no algorithm without the users. As users we need to stop feeding into the excessive "clothing hauls" and "sales" where the company is raising the prices and then discounting it so consumers think they're getting a deal. The fact that a shirt I bought 6 months ago can never be worn again because its considered "tacky" or "out of style" now is really sad, and our wardrobes aren't supposed to be full one "one time wears". Which has lead me to stop trying to "keep up" with the most recent fashion trend, because as soon as your package comes in the mail, it may already be going out of style.

Regardless, we should at all cost, avoid supporting the fast fashion market. How many shirts or accessories have you ordered from a fast fashion website that have broken before you got the chance to wear it? Invest in companies who sustainably produce items and services.

Source:

Cachon, G. P., & Swinney, R. (2011). The Value of Fast Fashion: Quick Response, Enhanced Design, and Strategic Consumer Behavior. Management Science, 57(4), 778–795. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25835736