Fast fashion vs Slow fashion - which one is better in present times?

Nowadays, you might be hearing terms such as ‘fast fashion’ and ‘slow fashion’ a lot. But what are these two concepts all about? And how are they different from each other? Fast fashion is all about following trends and styles launched by popular designers on the runway. As various mega brands follow fast fashion, it allows many fashion enthusiasts to get their hands on these latest styles at a low price. However, they cause negative effects on the process involved in garment manufacturing and also to the environment. On the other hand, slow fashion is all about sustainable fashion. It focuses on the ethical practice of garment manufacturing that includes the resources used, the process, and the people involved. All these they keep in mind without compromising the quality. Let us discuss the difference between the two concepts and find out which one is beneficial at this present age.

 

                         

Fast Fashion Vs Slow Fashion - how they are different 

In the very basic concept, fast fashion and slow fashion differ from each other. Slow fashion acknowledges the importance of sustainable fashion. It also realises the negative impact that the fashion industry is causing to the environment and society. You can consult a slow fashion stylist London to understand more about this concept.

On the other hand, fast fashion focuses on the accessibility of the latest fashion trends at a cheaper rate. In this pursuit, they overlook the adverse effect that this concept is causing to the environment and the producers. Slow fashion also promotes fair wages to the workers, lower carbon emission, and no waste.  The other aspects in which these two concepts differ from each other are discussed as follows-

Industry size

As mega brands with an annual turnover of over 1 trillion dollars follow fast fashion, undoubtedly the industry is quite huge. On the other hand, the slow fashion industry is catered to very few businesses. However, a significant change has been noticed in recent years. Millennials and Gen Z have gained more buying power and they prefer slow fashion over fast fashion. This fact made the supporters of sustainable and slow fashion hopeful regarding the growth of the slow fashion industry. As these sections of the population constitute an increasing force in terms of the global economy's spending power, even brands could not ignore the importance of slow fashion. This might take time, but the slow fashion industry will surely experience growth with time.

Quality 

The quality of products in slow fashion is comparatively better than that of fast fashion and hence they are long-lasting. The process and resources used in manufacturing goods as a part of slow fashion ensure that.  

Quantity 

Fast fashion focuses on producing in a high volume where the styles and trends at store change every two weeks. On the other hand, slow fashion involves the manufacturing of products in a low volume where the trends are updated every season.

Production methods

The production methods involved in fast fashion are unethical and harmful to the environment. On the other hand, the same in the slow fashion industry is traditional and respectful towards the environment.

Traits and ethics

Fast fashion following businesses practices very low labor traits where employees at manufacturing units are forced to work for at least 12 hours a day with very low wages. As opposed towards fast fashion, the businesses practicing slow fashion have formed cooperatives so that workers can work in communities and enjoy various benefits including standard wages.  

Sustainability

Since slow fashion focuses on practicing sustainable fashion, it maintains high quality and eco-friendly standards, in terms of product manufacturing and also provides a better working conditions for the workforce.

Material

Fast fashion uses resources such as nylon and other-petroleum-based products to manufacture various pieces of clothing, bags, and shoes. Whereas, slow fashion relies on organic and natural fabric such as eco-friendly denim, organic cotton, bio leather from pineapple leaves, and others to manufacture various fashion products.

Toxins

Fast fashion fabrics are produced and processed with harsh chemicals and dyes. Slow fashion involves the safe processing of organic and eco-friendly fabric.

Why slow fashion is beneficial in modern times

The above discussion highlights how slow fashion differs from fast fashion. You can even consult a personal styling London that follows and supports slow fashion movement to understand more about their benefits. Let’s find out how slow fashion is beneficial for our people and the planet. 

Considerate of the environment 

One of the most important benefits of slow fashion is the benefits it offers to the environment. The companies that follow slow fashion, focus on the durability of their products to make fashion sustainable. Unlike fast fashion, they use natural and eco-friendly resources to prepare products. Some of the examples of slow fashion products are dresses made from organic cotton, bags from bio leather, which is obtained from pineapple leaves, vegan suede shoes, etc. This helps in reducing carbon footprints and causes zero waste.

Make most of your wardrobe

The slow fashion movement is all about making the most of your wardrobe. An important campaign in terms of sustainable fashion ideas is # 30wearchallenge. This implies asking yourself before buying any outfit is whether you are going to wear that item for at least 30 times. Following a slow fashion can help you in bringing out your creativity in terms of wearing the same dress differently for a long time.

Ethical manufacturing

Slow fashion carries out ethical practices that are beneficial for the workers involved and the environment. Because the fashion industry is one of the key contributors to environmental pollution, the slow fashion movement is gaining momentum in recent times. Its main objective is to reduce environmental pollution as much as follows.

Does not support human exploitation

Fast fashion industries force people to work for a long duration in an unhealthy working environment against unfair wages. On the other hand, slow fashion uses local human resources to aid in the development of local businesses. 

Therefore, as from the above discussion, we can establish the fact that in this present situation, we should follow a slow fashion. They will help in protecting our planet and people and we can enjoy living on healthier earth for long.