We must admit that fast-fashion is an almost no-effort ticket to staying on trend, not to mention on the cheap. It’s easy to hop onto Temu or SHEIN and find a sexy weekend outing outfit for under $30. It doesn’t (or does, depending on where you sit) help that fast-fashion orders are snappy.
But fast-fashion is doing more harm than good on a grand scale. So, let’s talk about fashion trends that will help you look stylish and feel good at the same time.
The ugly side of fast fashion
It’s hard to say no to a cute dress you saw your favorite celeb wear on the street, Instagram, or TikTok. That’s especially true if getting the outfit to your doorstep is zippy and won’t drill a big hole in your bank account. But that’s almost it when it comes to fast fashion because there’s a dark, ugly side.
The industry churns out roughly 100 billion pieces of clothing, yet a little shy of 13% of that end up being worn. The rest (if you have done the math, that’s about 87 billion garments) slug their way into an incinerator or, worse, a landfill. What can we do about this? You can do your bit by buying sustainable fashion, but experts think public policy and regulations can do the trick.
Think about it. Almost all industries with a potential (even if it is small) to harm public interests often do well for themselves and good for society when they’re regulated. The pharmaceutical companies, for instance, must ensure their drugs pass clinical trials and health checks set by the FDA, while gambling operators must follow strict regulations and policies, such as those detailed in this website. The same should be true of the fast-fashion industry in the interest of public and environmental good.
Let’s look at ten sustainable fashion options that will help you ditch fast fashion without doing a number on your style mojo in 2025.
1. Sustainable sneakers
Remember when sustainable meant boring outfits? Well, those days are gone. Today’s eco-friendly kicks are turning heads for all the right reasons and can help you walk the green talk. Made from recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton, and even pineapple leather, these sneakers pack style and substance. Brands like Allbirds and Veja are proving you can rock fresh looks without leaving a nasty footprint.
An eco tip: Look for sneakers with biodegradable soles. They might cost more upfront, but they’ll last longer and won’t hang around in landfills for centuries.
2. Upcycled wool scarves
Nothing feels cozier, warmer, and more eco-friendly than rocking an upcycled wool scarf this year. They are fitted together from old sweaters and wool garments that might’ve otherwise ended up in the trash. Each piece tells a story, and no two are exactly alike.
3. Try vegan leather
Gone are the days when vegan leather looked like cheap plastic. Plant-based leathers you can find today are snazzy. They’re made from many vegan things, from mushrooms to pineapple leaves. It helps that they feel amazing and age beautifully, meaning no cows would be harmed in the making of your chic jacket.
4. Think old-school, thrifted and vintage pieces
Think of thrift shopping as finding treasure. Those one-of-a-kind pieces sitting in your local thrift stores have stories to tell, and they’re usually built to last. It could be an old-school leather jacket from the ’80s or a silk blouse that saw the heydays of the 1970s. Vintage pieces add character to your wardrobe, but don’t forget the most sustainable garment is the one already made.
5. Recycled polyester puff clothing
You’d be forgiven for thinking plastic bottles couldn’t keep you warm. Modern recycled polyester puffers are proof that someone else’s trash could be your treasure. These jackets are lightweight, water-resistant, and often puffed with recycled materials too.
6. Patchwork sweaters and knitwear
These aren’t your grandma’s patchwork sweaters (though she might have some good ones too). Deconstructed sweaters mix and match a bevy of textures and patterns for a look that will knock your socks off. They bring together fabric scraps and old garments, helping you beat fast fashion.
7. Try second-hand jeans
Denim is something that the best of us can’t do without. But it takes well over 1,800 gallons of H2O to grow cotton that’ll bring your favorite pair of jeans to its beauty. That’s enough water to make 12,000 cups of your fave coffee, at least according to Marie Claire magazine. It really pays to get your hands on second-hand denim because it is cheaper, already broken in and has that perfect lived-in feel.
8. Go basic with organic cotton
Fast fashion doesn’t end with dresses. It can bleed onto the tees, tanks, and underwear you wear every day. Organic cotton can help cut growing water usage by 91% and helps skip the nasty pesticides. We think opting for garments made with them can do wonders, not to mention they feel nice on your skin.
9. Biodegradable accessories help future-proof your style
From sunglasses made of coffee grounds to belts that’ll decompose when their time is up, biodegradable accessories are the future of fashion. These pieces are designed to look good now and disappear later, without leaving a trace.
10. Capsule wardrobe staples mean choosing quality over quantity
The secret to sustainable style is owning less but better. A capsule wardrobe is all about having fewer, higher-quality pieces that mix and match perfectly. Think classic cuts, neutral colors, and materials that last. When every piece works with everything else, you’ll always have something to wear.
Wrapping up: Making the switch
Jumping off the fast-fashion train doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start with a small but, maybe buy a pair of sneakers or a thrifted jean jacket. Each sustainable buy you make is a vote for better fashion.
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