The Slow Fashion Movement: Why This Countercultural Approach Matters

I talk about slow fashion regularly on my blog, but I realized that the term may be unfamiliar. I wanted to have a post as a reference point for what this term actually means. Additionally, there are other terms like sustainable fashion, eco-friendly fashion, ethical fashion, and more. Are they the same? Are they different? Do the terms overlap? What is the slow fashion movement, anyway? 

This post not only defines these fashion terms, but also dives into how fast fashion impacts our world and how you can be a part of the change. 

What is Slow Fashion?

Slow fashion is a movement that advocates for conscious consumption and production of clothing. It is a response to the fast fashion industry, which prioritizes speed and quantity over quality and sustainability. Slow fashion encourages consumers to invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that are made to last. It emphasizes the importance of transparency in the production process, fair pay and safe working environments for the makers, and the use of eco-friendly materials and production methods.

The slow fashion movement promotes the idea that fashion should not be disposable, but rather an investment in quality and longevity. It encourages consumers to buy fewer clothes of higher quality, and to take care of them to extend their lifespan. Slow fashion also emphasizes the value of timeless designs that do not go out of style and can be worn for years to come.

Problems in the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry is known for its negative impact on the environment and human rights violations. One of the most significant issues in the industry is the lack of fair pay and safe working environments for garment workers. Many workers in the fashion industry are paid extremely low wages and work in unsafe conditions. According to the International Labour Organization, over 170 million children are engaged in child labour, and the majority of them work in the garment industry. These workers often work long hours and are exposed to dangerous chemicals and hazardous working conditions.

Another problem in the fashion industry is the excessive waste and pollution generated by the production and disposal of clothing. The fast fashion industry, in particular, is known for its unsustainable practices. It produces a massive amount of clothing, much of which is trendy and designed to be disposable and quickly discarded. Fast fashion is often made from synthetic materials that do not hold up for more than a few wears–a tactic that encourages buying constant replacements at an inexpensive price. The production of clothing also requires a significant amount of resources and energy, which have a negative impact on our environment. 

Different Slow Fashion Movement Terms Explained

While there is a lot of overlap with these terms, there are some key differences that make them distinct.

Slow Fashion

Slow fashion is a movement that emphasizes the importance of conscious consumption and production of clothing. It encourages thinking through purchases slowly instead of rushing into buying more all of the time. It promotes ethical, sustainable, and eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry. 

Slow fashion encourages consumers to invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that are made to last, and to take care of them to extend their lifespan. It also emphasizes the importance of fair pay and safe working environments for garment workers.

Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion refers to clothing that is made using sustainable materials and production methods. It aims to minimize the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment. Sustainable fashion uses materials that are renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic. It also promotes eco-friendly production methods, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing water consumption, and minimizing waste.

Eco-Friendly Fashion

Eco-friendly fashion refers to clothing that is made using materials and production methods that have a minimal impact on the environment–similar to sustainable fashion. It focuses on reducing the use of resources and energy, and minimizing waste and pollution. Eco-friendly fashion uses materials that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and made from renewable resources. It also promotes sustainable production methods, such as using renewable energy sources and minimizing water consumption.

Ethical Fashion

Ethical fashion refers to clothing that is produced in a way that is socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. It emphasizes the importance of fair pay and safe working conditions for garment workers, and the use of eco-friendly materials and production methods. Ethical fashion also promotes transparency in the production process, and the use of humane practices in the treatment of animals used in the fashion industry.

My Experience with Slow Fashion

A few years ago, I started changing the way that I thought about my clothing. I share more in THIS post about how I started pursuing slow fashion during the motherhood years. 

As I have shared before, I am far from perfect when it comes to slow fashion. There are times when I purchase fast fashion due to budget constraints, an inability to find it secondhand, or constantly changing sizes due to pregnancy and postpartum.

However, I try to be more conscious and to consider how my fashion choices have an impact outside of myself. 

The Global Impact of the Slow Fashion Movement

By supporting slow fashion, we can make a positive impact in the lives of garment workers and on our environment. Slow fashion is not just a trend. It is a movement that promotes a more conscious and responsible way of living. Together, we can make small changes to the way we think about clothing that will have a positive impact over time.

A Few of My Favorite Slow Fashion Brands

These are a few of my favorite places to shop for slow fashion pieces plus some codes to help you save and stay on budget!

Not Perfect Linen

My favorite place to get custom handmade linen clothing. Shop HERE or read THIS POST about the best place to find Not Perfect Linen secondhand!

ABLE Clothing

My favorite place to get high-quality basics for my capsule wardrobe. Save 15% HERE with my code MILLER15.

ThredUp

Save 40% on your first order at ThredUp for secondhand clothing with THIS LINK.

Nisolo Shoes

For sustainable leather shoes and accessories! Use my code THEMILLERACRES to save HERE.

Where to Start with Slow Fashion

If you are ready to start transitioning to a slow-fashion mindset but aren’t sure where to begin, watch this video to learn about 10 practical steps that will help you get started on your slow fashion journey even if you are on a tight budget.

This post was all about the slow fashion movement and why it is important.

 

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