Are you wondering ‘what is fast fashion‘ and how it has changed the pace in the apparel industry by creating trendy runway-inspired styles? If yes, then you have come to the right place.
The concept of fast fashion has drastically altered the perception of fashion. Additionally, it has accessed the market by reducing costs, thus making trends more accessible to a broader population. The upshot is that fast production cycles allow buyers to keep up with the latest styles without spending much cash. This exposure leads to variety since people can try different looks until they discover what suits them best. Also, many fashionable clothes encourage customers to refresh their wardrobes regularly.
Nevertheless, despite its benefits, one should weigh between its aesthetics and sustainability and the production ethics involved to avoid any regrets later on. So, let’s know its meaning and some of its impacts through this comprehensive blog.
Fast Fashion: Meaning, Appeal & It’s Growth
Fast fashion emerged in the late 1990s when shopping became a form of entertainment, and income increased, especially among youth. This was amplified by the rise of social media, where consumers were trying to emulate influencers and celebrities. Additionally, it provided an excellent solution to trendy, inexpensive apparel that could easily be disposed of and replaced with other apparel.
One thing that made it super versatile was its design, usually inspired by styles from fashion week and celebrities, and its affordability. Further, what makes it advantageous today is its ability to quickly give consumers the latest trends and brands a uniform supply chain.
Understanding The Impact Of Fast Fashion
1. Ecological Impact
Of all the criticisms against fast fashion, one of the most significant is that it harms the environment. This is because it contributes to pollution, resource depletion, and waste. At the same time, its other adverse outcomes include the water used in garment production, hazardous dyeing processes, and the shedding of microplastics into the sea.
On a rough note, this industry consumes 93 billion cubic meters annually and is responsible for 20% of global wastewater. New collections, large amounts of garments worn only a few times, and synthetic fibers that take several hundred years to decompose significantly make one question the overall ecological impact.
Source: Freepik
2. Workforce Ethics
Many fast-fashion brands’ garments are manufactured in developing nations with lenient labor laws or ones that have been ignored. Long working hours, low wages, and unsafe conditions characterize the typical lives of workers in most such factories.
This pressure to develop high-quality clothes quickly and cheaply usually leads to unethical means like child labor and hazardous chemicals. These practices do not harm only the workers but also have an impact on the communities lying in the vicinity of production facilities.
Source: Freepik
3. Impact on Quality
Fast fashion focuses on speed and quantity. While other traditional fashion houses release collections for spring, summer, and so on, fast-fashion brands do it weekly or even daily. This constant churning of new products makes the consumer think it will be gone tomorrow if they don’t buy now.
The flaw of this model is its obsession with quantity rather than quality. Many such items are made from cheap polyester, which is not very durable and bad for the planet. Moreover, this has come at a cost as cheap labor globally, mostly in developing nations, has led to worker exploitation and miserable working conditions.
To Sum It Up
To conclude, fast fashion has revolutionized the industry by making fashionable clothes available to millions of customers worldwide. Zara, H&M, and Forever 21 are popular fast fashion brands that sell trendy clothes at low prices. However, fast fashion comes with its share of consequences, including ethical implications and environmental degradation. Knowing what it constitutes is important for consumers who want to make more informed purchases.
Considering that the fashion industry is evolving, we have a lot of hope to turn towards sustainability. By choosing quality over quantity, reducing total consumption, and supporting fashion firms that prioritize ethical production methods, consumers may contribute on their part. Moreover, with thoughtful decisions, they can actively influence the fashion industry to adopt a sustainable approach.
References
Earth ORG. Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Impact.
Plastic Collective. How Fast Fashion is Bad for the Environment.
