Since my 2023 July newsletter where I spoke about books focusing on fast fashion I’ve not been able to switch off thinking about consuming, fast fashion and my relationship with it whilst working in the industry.
I’ve been writing this post for a while, dipping in and out of writing down my thoughts and experiences with fashion, specifically fast fashion. I have so many drafts sat in need of editing and rewriting in the hopes of articulating myself better. But rather than constantly mulling over the same few posts, I’ve decided to go ahead and hit publish. This is the first in a series surrounding shopping and fashion.
Over lunch a friend and I were despairing at the disarray of our winter wardrobes. We’ve both gone through the motions of a curating, recycling, donating and selling old pieces that no longer serve us. And by that I mean we became mothers, our bodies changes exponentially, changed back (ish) we’ve breast fed our babies/toddlers and had their sticky snotty fingers wiped on shoulders. Our wardrobes are in a dire need of some TLC. Instead of rushing to the shops like we would have once done we started to talk about a sustainable wardrobe.
Personally I find the phrase a loaded statement. As someone who actively thinks and tries to act sustainable, I limit my meat consumption, opt for no packaging when possible, refill jars with grains. I shop second hand heavily for my children and donate or pass on their old clothes to friends with kids younger than my own. But then when it comes to dressing myself I buy within my means, I don’t over buy and wear my wardrobe as much as possible but it still feels like I’m not doing enough. I feel as if I’m getting it wrong.
Fashion is something that I see and hear people talking about all the time, in person and on social media. Getting dressed after all is what we do everyday. For the majority of us, brands labeled as “fast fashion” are the where the most of us can afford shop. Fast fashion gives me the notion that people buy and wear 3 times before throwing it out. But for the most, this isn’t the reality. I am not an influencer and my wardrobe reflects that. Sure it could probably be curated further but, as a whole most of it is worn on rotation (weather permitting) constantly. Or at least it was pre pregnancy. Now I’m in a bit of a limbo. But I will come back to that another time.
Sometimes it feels like you should know your local tailor, know where to buy fabric, fabric that is organic and xyz certified and have your clothes made perfectly for you. If you don’t have this resource then you should buy from independent brands ones with limited drops, using deadstock fabric producing gorgeous items. But if you’re not able to secure a piece from then you should be shopping at brands that are ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE (whatever that brand deems to be ethical and sustainable that is). But above all this you should obviously shop second hand first.
Oh and, of course, for these options to be available to you, you need to be the right size, have enough time and disposable income. If these options aren’t available to you then sorry but you should not be shopping or buying anything. Well at least that is what the internet seems to be saying.
Here are the typical top tips to achieve a sustainable wardrobe:
Firstly shop your wardrobe, it is possible you don’t need more. Identify what you do need before just shopping on a whim. A patronising word of advice, non the less maybe helpful to remind others to really justify increasing items in their wardrobe.
Shop secondhand or vintage where possible. Yes, when time and body shape permits
Buy investment pieces or buy less and instead opt for “more expensive” items. Because we should be able to justify spending more on an item. Personally I’m not buying multiple items because it’s cheap and gives me a thrill. The likes of Zara £100 for a jacket isn’t what I personally would call cheap.
Create a curated wardrobe full of gorgeous staple items that will serve you for years to come. and stay that same size forever! But also don’t dress the same as everyone else as that’s boring. Create your own style, and of course never change it!
I read somewhere that people are no longer shameful about shopping fast fashion, knowing myself that I’ve tried to walk away from this industry but once again find myself apple paying for a Zara order at 3am. In desperation for a shirt that looks white rather than once white. Or a pair of jeans that don’t pinch my tummy. Do you know why? Because I give up and I think lots of other people have done too.
Not as an excuse but because the garments I’ve bought that are 100% organic wool, hand made in the UK looks like shit after wearing it for a year. The British (non refundable) boutique that I bought a Borg jacket from was a questionable fit for me to begin with and then I realised the stock had been bought on aliexpress and resold. Or, the sustainable sportswear brand I bought my leggings and bra from was whistle blown about how atrociously they paid their factory workers.
I started shopping on Vinted and found as much as I could that I thought “might” fit. But then felt bad as I was still buying fast fashion brands, I couldn’t justify spending much more on an item that I might not love. Thankfully I didn’t as half arrived and I looked like Bridget Jones squeezing into Elle Woods discarded wardrobe. I finally came to the reality. My body has changed. For now I need the flexibility of returning items. I need to be able to filter my size and have the option to size up or down depending on the fit. I need to try an abundance of cuts and fabrications to figure what suits me.
But where do I go now? I know I’ve become defensive, but is shopping fast fashion slowly my only choice?
I would love to know what brands you like that are available in the UK?
Please share your thoughts feelings and advice!