When I’m asked how I was to find out the truth about the fashion industry I usually have two answers. One is the documentary The True Cost by Andrew Morgan. Two is podcasts. Podcasts on the subjects of slow fashion, sustainable clothing and ethical practices have given me so much insight into how the fashion industry actually works. With the subjects wide and varied, I’ve been able to learn about waste colonialism, environmental impacts, what happens to our clothes when we donate, the massive overconsumption problem, why fast fashion is so cheap and how to shop mindfully, and to hear from real change makers who are working to flip the industry on it’s head.
An incredible thing happened when I discovered these podcasts. I found I was listening and learning more and shopping less. I was spending more time mending and caring for the clothes I already have. I was shopping my closet first and then hitting up thrift shops. I was discovering more incredible, local, small brands who are leading the charge of change with their ethical practices and commitment to sustainability. If you are wanting to learn more but unsure of where to start, I’ve compiled a list of 20 Slow Fashion Podcasts that have helped educate me and guide me along my sustainable, slow fashion journey. —Jen Pistor
1. Wardrobe Crisis with Clare Press : With more than 180 episodes, Clare addresses big issues – the future of fashion, the fair treatment of garment workers, climate change, plastic pollution and more. The interviews range from a wide variety of folks in different aspects of the industry. Everyone from Supermodels, to economists, to climate activists.
2. Conscience Chatter with Kestrel Jenkins : Conscious Chatter opens the narrative around sustainability, dives into conscious consumerism, talks about degrowth and how that could change everything, and shines a light on how oppressive systems impact the sustainable fashion space.
3. Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty : Clotheshorse says they began as a podcast on a mission to pull back the curtain of glamour and mystery veiling the clothing industry. With clothing being a basic need, Clotheshorse gets us questioning just how much we actually need and what is really behind the clothes we wear.
4. Pre-Loved Podcast with Emily Stochl : The Pre-Loved podcast is a fun interview show about vintage style with guests who shine a light on just how amazing thrifting can be. They chat style, sustainability, vintage, and more.
5. All The Small Things with Venetia La Manna : Venitia is a wealth of knowledge on the subject of the harm of the fast fashion industry as a fair fashion campaigner. She is also a must follow on Instagram (@venetialamanna). If there was one episode of hers to listen to, I would suggest Chloe Asaam on Fashion Waste Crisis from October 2021. An absolute must listen.
6. Sustainably Influenced with Bianca Foley : Sustainably Influenced is an interview series where experts in the sustainability space shed light on the many terms used across the industry, dive into what it means to live more consciously, and share how we can do our bit to help make a difference.
7. Crash Course Fashion with The Sustainable Fashion Forum : Crash Course Fashion explores the relationship between sustainability, business, and fashion. As the fashion industry is driven by constant change, supply chain complexities, and always evolving consumer demands, the podcast breaks down the complexities of slow fashion.
8. Stylishly Sustainable with Monica Diaz : This podcast wants you to know that you don’t have to give up style when going sustainable. They share inspiring stories of sustainable brands in fashion and lifestyle. You can expect tips on how to quickly implement sustainable fashion into your wardrobe by showing you one step at a time.
9. Ethical Fashion Podcast with the Ethical Fashion Initiative : The Ethical Fashion Initiative tackles the intersection of slow fashion subjects such as greenwashing, circularity, biodiversity, climate action, human rights, global solutions, and sustainability.
10. Conscious Style Podcast with Elizabeth Joy and Stella Hertantyo : This podcast interviews experts in many different aspects of the fashion industry. Topics like de-growth, greenwashing, regenerative fashion, rethinking traditional supply chains, and guides consumers to making better shopping decisions.
12. Hot Buttons with Christina Binkley, Rachel Kibbe, and Shilla Kim-Parker : Hot Buttons is a show about the future of fashion and culture on a changing planet. Each week, the hosts unwind the breaking news, industry moves, cultural trends, and tech breakthroughs that are shaping sustainable fashion.
13. Style and Sustain with Amma Aburam : This podcast is said to aimed to any who wear clothes and want to make the world a better place. You can expect conversations championing change in the fashion industry and beyond.
14. Remember Who Made Them with Veneita La Manna, Swatee Deepak, Devi Leiper O’Malley, and Ruby Johnson : Remember Who Made Them is a six part podcast series, digital campaign and fundraiser that aims to help energise a new solidarity economy in fashion. The title refers to the garment workers who predominantly live in the Global South, making clothes for the Global North.
15. Eco Chic with Laura Diez : Eco Chic is an eco-conscious lifestyle podcast that dives into sustainability. Eco Chic is the only podcast ranked in both Fashion/Beauty and Natural Sciences.
16. Made Better with Susannah Jaffer : Made Better is a show navigating the complex impact of the things we create and consume. Covering everything from clothing to cosmetics, the podcast explores how we can all journey towards making better choices, for a healthier planet and perspective.
17. The Wardrobe Shift Podcast with Jessica Ramoshaba : Hosted by South African based fashion editor, stylist, and fashion speaker, Jessica Ramoshaba. She shares her thought provoking views on embracing sustainable living. They conversations around sustainable fashion and clean beauty in the areas of style, wardrobe management and wellness.
18. Big Closets Small Planet with Michael Schragger : The fashion industry must change now, but will we manage in time? Join host Mike Schragger, founder of the Sustainable Fashion Academy, as he explores the challenges, incentives and disincentives as well as emerging solutions needed to rapidly transform the fashion industry.
19. Manufactured with Kim van den Weerd : A podcast about sustainability and the making of fashion. Having had a front row seat to the fashion supply chain, they want to give the listeners and insiders perspective and to highlight the changes that need to be made for a better future.
20. Well Dressed with Gemma McLean : A podcast about fashion wellness and how we can use our clothes to create positive change. Gemma highlights the huge affect what we wear has on our everyday life and shares her knowledge on creating a wardrobe we truly love.
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