Detox From Fast Fashion

In 2019, I had a realisation that I no longer needed fast fashion. For so long, it had been a constant presence, almost like a necessity. It was convenient, offering quick and affordable solutions for my fashion needs. Fast fashion provided immediate gratification, allowing me to wear something new for an event without much hesitation.

However, upon deeper reflection, I began to question the nature of this relationship. Despite its apparent convenience, I started noticing the drawbacks. I found myself caught in a cycle of purchasing more and more cheap, low-quality clothes. While fast fashion didn’t have glaring red flags, I realised it was contributing to a larger issue—waste, exploitation, and environmental degradation.

Recognising this impact was a turning point for me. I understood that breaking up with fast fashion was not only necessary for my own well-being but also for the future of our planet. It was a decision to align my values with my actions and to prioritise sustainability over fleeting trends.

This realisation motivated me to advocate for change, to educate others about the true cost of fast fashion, and to explore alternative, more sustainable ways of expressing style and individuality. Breaking up with fast fashion has been a journey of growth and empowerment, shaping not just my wardrobe but also my perspective on consumption and environmental responsibility. 

At first, the months felt endless as I struggled to find new ways to style the same clothes. It was frustrating—how could I keep wearing the same things when I kept thinking about that $10 top at Zara or those must-have chunky boots for the upcoming music festival, priced at just $30? Not being able to indulge in a weekend shopping spree was disheartening. Clothes had been such a big part of my life; why couldn’t I continue consuming the latest trends?

It wasn’t until I went stir crazy, meticulously sifting through every item in my wardrobe in search of new outfit ideas, that the reality hit me: I owned an overwhelming amount of clothes. Potentially hundreds of items, yet I found myself rotating the same 10 outfits week after week. Why was my wardrobe bursting at the seams when I struggled to put together an outfit most days? It felt absurd.

Clothes were piled up, untouched for years. I held onto them out of wishful thinking—they might come in handy for a rainy day or a last-minute themed party. But deep down, I knew I was kidding myself. When would I realistically wear some of these pieces? Many were impulse buys, never worn and now wasted.

How could I pursue a career in fashion without truly caring about where clothing comes from and where it ends up? It just doesn’t align. Recognising this, I took action by sorting through all the clothes I knew I’d never wear. I donated half to local charities and sold the rest at Sunday markets, advocating for the importance of second-hand buying. Clearing out my wardrobe brought immense relief—no more dead weight. It was fulfilling to donate to charity and promote sustainable practices through resale. What other steps can I take to further my sustainable lifestyle and transform my wardrobe?

I became immersed in TikTok, soaking up heaps of videos with hot tips on building a sustainable wardrobe. Surprisingly, I quickly became addicted to slow fashion. It was astonishing how easily I moved on from fast fashion without looking back. It felt like I was finally making a positive impact without any red flags in sight.

I shifted to purchasing only high-quality items made from sustainable fabrics every six months to curate my capsule wardrobe. These were styles I could mix and match for every season—long-term investments that proved their loyalty through timeless style and durability. Slow fashion felt dependable, like a healthy relationship built on trust and longevity.

Today, I feel empowered and confident in my choices, proud to prioritise second-hand purchases. I know these clothes will endure, standing the test of time without contributing to harm to our planet. They feel amazing against my skin and inspire me to get creative, crafting new outfits each week.

Slow fashion has given me a deeper purpose beyond mere passion for style—it’s ignited a desire to make a meaningful impact by advocating for sustainable practices in fashion. As consumers, it’s crucial that we play our part and break up with fast fashion. Together, we can drive positive change towards a more sustainable and responsible future.