Do we need to move away from fast fashion?

LirW · 03-02-2019 10:14PM #1

It was on my mind a lot lately, especially since soft plastic is currently the next thing that's heavily advocated against, rightly so.

Funnily enough it's very quiet when it comes to fast fashion. Granted it's an industry that draws in a ridiculous amount of money. People spend a lot of money on clothes, often it's about quantity than quality. So many households have wardrobes full of "nothing to wear".

Fast fashion brings a lot of problems, they're poor quality, they lose their value once you tear the tag off and nowadays a lot of fabrics are a blend of synthetic material and cotton, that stuff doesn't break down and landfills are full of them. Donated clothes that go to developing countries ruin the local industry because they can't produce as cheaply as they can resell pre-worn first world clothes.

If you're living on a budget you often have not much of a choice but buying from fast fashion brands because it's cheap.

In my opinion there should be campaigns educating about this problem just like there are campaigns to talk about microplastic or soft plastic.
Please discuss.

03-02-2019 11:17PM

LirW wrote: »

It was on my mind a lot lately, especially since soft plastic is currently the next thing that's heavily advocated against, rightly so.

Funnily enough it's very quiet when it comes to fast fashion. Granted it's an industry that draws in a ridiculous amount of money. People spend a lot of money on clothes, often it's about quantity than quality. So many households have wardrobes full of "nothing to wear".

Fast fashion brings a lot of problems, they're poor quality, they lose their value once you tear the tag off and nowadays a lot of fabrics are a blend of synthetic material and cotton, that stuff doesn't break down and landfills are full of them. Donated clothes that go to developing countries ruin the local industry because they can't produce as cheaply as they can resell pre-worn first world clothes.

If you're living on a budget you often have not much of a choice but buying from fast fashion brands because it's cheap.

In my opinion there should be campaigns educating about this problem just like there are campaigns to talk about microplastic or soft plastic.
Please discuss.

The way they're manufactured is often environmentally suspect too. As an example, the Pearl River in China is used as a dump for indigo dyes from factories manufacturing cheap jeans for sale in the West in discount fashion shops.

That's before you get to the likely exploitation of workers all along the chain from the fibre production to the distribution, as well as the inevitable consequence of the item getting a few wears before being either binned or donated - equally damaging scenarios in different ways. All for something new and cheap to wear at the weekend.

People have come to expect novelty, people don't keep things until their useful life is over if they can buy new things cheaply and replace things they've become bored with. First you need to change expectations.

LirW · 03-02-2019 11:42PM

I think it's an issue that, unlike groceries, there's very little understanding how unsustainable and bad these clothes for the environment are. Not only the ethical problem it brings, but they're littering the landfills since they don't break down.

It's a problem that involves all of us because we need to wear clothes. But what's the point in having 100 dresses, 50 pairs of shoes and 20 pairs of jeans? You can only wear one at a time.

Consumers are so trapped in this fast fashion circle, since we're used to spend 7 Euros on a T-shirt, why spend 25 on one that's of better quality and will last you a lot longer and fits better, doesn't get ruined by washing?

I might give Project 333 a shot in spring.

03-02-2019 11:49PM

LirW wrote: »

I think it's an issue that, unlike groceries, there's very little understanding how unsustainable and bad these clothes for the environment are. Not only the ethical problem it brings, but they're littering the landfills since they don't break down.

It's a problem that involves all of us because we need to wear clothes. But what's the point in having 100 dresses, 50 pairs of shoes and 20 pairs of jeans? You can only wear one at a time.

Consumers are so trapped in this fast fashion circle, since we're used to spend 7 Euros on a T-shirt, why spend 25 on one that's of better quality and will last you a lot longer and fits better, doesn't get ruined by washing?

I might give Project 333 a shot in spring.

We've become accustomed to too much novelty, to just having too many things. People regard shopping as a hobby, it's hard to shift attitudes like that.

I've never heard of that, I had to look it up. To be honest I wouldn't be far off that anyway, on a seasonal basis.

On the biodegradable front, it's becoming increasingly hard to buy a blouse/shirt in pure cotton, everything is either synthetic or a blend. I hate both, I much prefer natural fibres but the synths are cheap and wash cold and dry fast, so people like them.

Prominent_Dawg · 03-02-2019 11:52PM

Yes

Dravokivich · 03-02-2019 11:56PM

Eh... fast fashion?

OwaynOTT · 03-02-2019 11:58PM

We all need to wear our underpants till they disintegrate.

04-02-2019 12:00AM

Dravokivich wrote: »

Eh... fast fashion?

AKA disposable fashion.

When you buy a new outfit for a tenner for an event, then buy another dress the next week for another and pile up a collection of cheap clothes that end up as landfill or are donated, wind up being sold in markets in developing countries and decimating the local clothing market, and are usually environmentally disastrous in the manufacturing stages, as well as likely exploitative in the production chain from grower to distributor. That's fast/disposable fashion.

Flyingsnowball · 04-02-2019 12:01AM

Capitalism is the problem. A system that sets up a race to use up all of earths resources.

elperello · 04-02-2019 12:02AM

Charity shop is your friend.

LirW · 04-02-2019 12:32AM

elperello wrote: »

Charity shop is your friend.

The problem with charity shops is that more and more of their clothes are donated low quality fast fashion items that nobody wants. They might be in one piece, but are still ill-fitting, of bad quality and once they break they're mostly impossible to repair. Pretty bad cycle.

Dakotabigone · 04-02-2019 12:33AM

LirW wrote: »

The problem with charity shops is that more and more of their clothes are donated low quality fast fashion items that nobody wants. They might be in one piece, but are still ill-fitting, of bad quality and once they break they're mostly impossible to repair. Pretty bad cycle.

Full of sperm, mucus, blood, vaginal discharge.

Dakotabigone · 04-02-2019 12:36AM

Berties_Horse wrote: »

You discharge effluent from both of your holes.

So do you mate.

Flyingsnowball · 04-02-2019 12:38AM

Dakotabigone wrote: »

So do you mate.

Is your username da got a big one? Like your da has got a big one? Why would you put that as a username like it must be fricken huge. Tell your dad I said well done.

04-02-2019 12:43AM

Flyingsnowball wrote: »

Capitalism is the problem. A system that sets up a race to use up all of earths resources.

Yes, plus the planned (perceived) obsolescence that is rampant in the fashion industry that "outs" people who wear last years clothes as mank!
I often get criticized for wearing something that's "out of fashion", so fúcking what, it still does what it's supposed to do!

freshpopcorn · 04-02-2019 12:48AM

I buy clothes from various shops and wear them multiply times.
I've never bought something and only worn it once.
I know some women into what you'd call fast fashion. If they buy a dress in Penneys they'll wear it once to an event but if they bought a French Connection dress for example they'll still only wear it once. Dispite the fact nobody really cares.

JupiterKid · 04-02-2019 12:50AM

I understand the problem but its a trend that's going to be very very difficult to counteract.

People want cheap clothing and cheap food. The social, economic and environmental costs are well known and can be devastating.

Personally, I try to buy good quality clothing that costs a bit more and will last but I admit that the odd time I buy something cheap and instantly appealing in Pennys or TK Maxx. Looking at labels to see where clothing is made now is nearly pointless as it all seems to be made in third world, low wage countries.

I may be a gay man but despite the stereotype I'm not a "clothes" or "fashion" person.

I go for things that last, don't fade after washing and feel comfortable with a few smart outfits for special occasions. I don't wear skinny jeans even though I am quite slim (they would look completely ridiculous on my now middle aged body) and I have six pairs of shoes. Six - that's it. My former partner is Imelda Marcos: he has about 40 pairs!!

I have a friend who used to literally get rid of clothes after just one use. WTF!!?? This was in his 20s when he had a pretty high disposable income but now that he's a family man in his early 40s I doubt he continues to do so.

Education is the key here to changing consumer behaviour. But not being preachy and holier than thou to people as that turns people off.

It will take years of change to really make a difference but the earlier a campaign begins, the better. It only took about a decade to change people's attitudes to fur coats.

Lastly, a lot of cheap clothing can actually work out more expensive to consumers in the long run. I myself destroyed an entire wash due to a cheap navy shirt which ran and dyed the other garments...lesson learned!!

04-02-2019 12:51AM

freshpopcorn wrote: »

I buy clothes from various shops and wear them multiply times.
I've never bought something and only worn it once.
I know some women into what you'd call fast fashion. If they buy a dress in Penneys they'll wear it once to an event but if they bought a French Connection dress for example they'll still only wear it once. Dispite the fact nobody really cares.

There are far too many people who refuse to be seen in the same dress twice, if that really worries them, why don't they hire, rather than buy to dump in the back of the wardrobe never to be seen again.

freshpopcorn · 04-02-2019 12:57AM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

There are far too many people who refuse to be seen in the same dress twice, if that really worries them, why don't they hire, rather than buy to dump in the back of the wardrobe never to be seen again.

It's sort of a badge of honour at a wedding I find. Mainly women come out with "Oh I had to go out and buy this" because of the fear somebody will relies they wore something twice. It's sort of a psychology thing.
I don't think wearing a dress that's already worn would be good enough.

LirW · 04-02-2019 12:57AM

freshpopcorn wrote: »

I buy clothes from various shops and wear them multiply times.
I've never bought something and only worn it once.
I know some women into what you'd call fast fashion. If they buy a dress in Penneys they'll wear it once to an event but if they bought a French Connection dress for example they'll still only wear it once. Dispite the fact nobody really cares.

Fast fashion per definition is a high-pace output of 'fashionable' items. The turnaround time from developing a collection to being on the shelves is 2-4 weeks, so that's at least 26 collections a year. Most labels we buy from operate like that, Penneys for example cater a younger audience and sell cheaper, Zara caters a more sophisticated clientele and has higher margins. They all still produce on max output with poor quality, use cheaper materials that parish a lot easier.
The thought is to create a feeling of urgency to get things because they might be out of fashion soon.

Many people just don't throw these clothes away, they donate them or hand them on, donations get shipped out to developing countries and land in a hugely successful resale market that destroys the local garment industry and some stuff ends in our charity shops that fill up with more and more crappy fast fashion stuff.

I believe it's pretty important teaching people that they waste a lot of money buying that stuff, teaching them how to mend or alter clothes. Most people are simply not aware of it.

04-02-2019 01:06AM

I'm not sure we'll ever convince people to mend or alter things, those skills are by and large gone and few items would be worth the cost of it being done professionally. I think the best bet is to convince people to buy fewer, better quality items. The fashion industry will be the enemy agent there, as will the be countless magazines, articles and influencers pushing the target consumer to buy more or be left behind.

I might be wrong but I imagine the biggest offenders are younger girls and women with a fairly low income, for whom spending 100 in Penneys would be an indulgence that would give them what feels like a good return on their money with lots of cheap items, instead of two better items that would last. It's hard to convince that demographic that getting 100's of wears from the same item is a good thing.

freshpopcorn · 04-02-2019 01:06AM

LirW wrote: »

I believe it's pretty important teaching people that they waste a lot of money buying that stuff, teaching them how to mend or alter clothes. Most people are simply not aware of it.

I suppose that can be done probably with a social media person.
Or make some things more affordable or socially acceptable.
I really wear clothes out and they'd be beyond mending or giving to charity.
I can turn something up or soe in a button/etc but I could never see myself altering clothing due to the style I wear.
I do know a few people into it and they spend a fortune in materials and they look mediocre at best.(They don't sell it)

Johnnyhpipe · 04-02-2019 01:11AM

Dakotabigone wrote: »

Full of sperm, mucus, blood, vaginal discharge.

Sorry, that was the cacks I dropped into Oxfam last week

JupiterKid · 04-02-2019 01:25AM

I have a feeling that women's clothing is more prone to "fast fashion" than men's garments.

Most men's stylish and special occasion clothing involves suits and sports jackets and shirts with chinos/designer jeans for the "smart casual" look which most guys would have no problem wearing many times over but I suppose with the advent of the more fashion conscious/victim male - aka the "metrosexual" guy, mens' fashion is moving in that direction too...

I think a lot of guys are dressed by their girlfriends/wives although that is changing. They pick out what they think looks good on their fella. And it happens with gay male couples as well - my ex always picked out items for me as I hate clothes shopping with a passion...give me a good bookshop any day instead!

The idea of wearing a dress only once because you might be worried to be seen wearing it more than once is preposterous - the fashion industry has a lot to answer for.

Also - there is a big difference between fashion and style. Style is timeless, and you either have it or you don't. Fashion is fleeting and ephemeral.

Lastly, if we all followed my lead the pyjamas and swimwear industries would collapse. I prefer (when conditions allow) to wear the most practical outfit for sleeping, swimming and sunbathing - my birthday suit!

Dravokivich · 04-02-2019 10:23AM

Candie wrote: »

AKA disposable fashion.

When you buy a new outfit for a tenner for an event, then buy another dress the next week for another and pile up a collection of cheap clothes that end up as landfill or are donated, wind up being sold in markets in developing countries and decimating the local clothing market, and are usually environmentally disastrous in the manufacturing stages, as well as likely exploitative in the production chain from grower to distributor. That's fast/disposable fashion.

Ah, that's never really been something I've been into. I've still got damn near every t-shirt I've had over the last 18-20 years.

JupiterKid wrote: »

I have a feeling that women's clothing is more prone to "fast fashion" than men's garments.

I'd be of the same mind, like when morning TV has regularly segments about finding cheaper alternatives to designer clothes.

Mrsmum · 04-02-2019 10:28AM

Hadn't heard of Project 333 before this but sounds like an excellent idea. I'm drowning in clothes of every price point. Think i'll give it a go.

LirW · 04-02-2019 10:36AM

Dravokivich wrote: »

Ah, that's never really been something I've been into. I've still got damn near every t-shirt I've had over the last 18-20 years.

I'd be of the same mind, like when morning TV has regularly segments about finding cheaper alternatives to designer clothes.

It's great when you're able to do this, as in, your clothes stay in a nice shape without damage for such a long time. Seriously, I envy that.

To give an example, last year when we moved house, money was very tight, I was post baby and I needed to get a few new pieces because my whole body was different. Since I have a very plain style of dressing I was looking for black basics.
I went to Penneys, that's all my wallet allowed at the time, and bought 3 pairs of black leggings. All of them are in the bin now, the last one went yesterday. The issue was that the fabric was badly woven and holes were forming that got bigger over time. The more I washed them, she more Ill-fitting they became. All these issues were impossible to mend, I'm not a novice with needle and thread and sewing machine but they were cases for the bin.
These clothes aren't made for everyday wear, they're not made for being "heavily" used, the bad quality makes sure of that.

It's getting increasingly harder to get good quality clothes and I made the decision I'm done with that and I'll change the way I'm buying entirely because fast fashion doesn't work for me, it's too frustrating. I'm not proud of the mountain of rubbish it creates and I'm sick of Ill-fitting clothes that just keep getting destroyed by everyday usage.

OldMrBrennan83 · 04-02-2019 10:39AM

I don't really care. I just buy clothes when I need them and occasionally when I want them. If you were to give up everything that the environment headcases want you to then there's little point in being around at all so planet be damned.

LirW · 04-02-2019 10:42AM

Mrsmum wrote: »

Hadn't heard of Project 333 before this but sounds like an excellent idea. I'm drowning in clothes of every price point. Think i'll give it a go.

I have the tiniest wardrobe and selection of clothes so I initially said it's gonna be easy. When I opened my wardrobe I quickly realised that even though everything I have fits in 2 drawers, I will still have to get rid of things because I have too much that I don't wear.
I take the arrival of spring as an opportunity to be even more conscious about it.

super_furry · 04-02-2019 10:43AM

Yeah Penney's is an absolute false economy. You're much better off buying decent, well made clothes that would end lasting you far much longer.

LirW · 04-02-2019 10:48AM

super_furry wrote: »

Yeah Penney's is an absolute false economy. You're much better off buying decent, well made clothes that would end lasting you far much longer.

Yes but realistically where do you get them? The big names in chains are producing the same crap under the same conditions. You'll find twisting seams and gappy fabric in Penneys, H&M, Dunnes, New Loon and Zara...and many more. The price tag is no indicator of how well-made things are.
I watched a video yesterday of a French designer that explained how Fast-Fashion brands produce in terms of quality and why different labels charge differently even though the quality difference isn't big. Zara has insane margins for example because they market their stuff well.

Do we need to move away from fast fashion?

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