With global warming, plastic-filled oceans and overpopulation central among the issues environmentalists are facing, it’s no wonder more people are asking that their clothing not just be fashionable, but sustainable as well. While many designers are now opting for organic materials to make their clothing, another movement has arisen from the desire for eco-friendly clothing, aimed at reducing waste while remaining chic: “slow fashion.”
Created as the antithesis of “fast fashion” (clothing/accessories that are often imitations of high-end retailers using cheap/non-organic materials to get them quickly to market), “slow fashion” was a term coined in 2007 by Ecological Design Consultant Kate Fletcher. The movement emphasizes many things, but among them are reusability and re-designing already existing clothing, rather than allowing it to end up in a landfill. Using these ideas, it is entirely possible to remain stylish and fashionable, while still contributing to a cleaner future for the next generation.
Let’s tackle some simple, easy-to-do clothing DIYs: in addition to being able to make throw pillows out of your old button-down shirts and t-shirts, a lot can be done to “upcycle” old, outdated pieces into new, fashionable garments.
For beginners, this can be as simple as cutting an old, tired pair of sweatpants (or jeans) at the thigh to create a new pair of shorts (watch you don’t cut off the pockets though!). Old sweaters are versatile items, as many a Pinterest-er has posted tutorials on how cutting out the mid-section of a sweater can often result in a cute infinity scarf. Have a hole in an old sweater and want to sew it, but not have it look “sewn”? Some crafty women have noted that a simple crocheted flower (available at many craft stores or made by hand) can be sewn onto the hole, instead, thus creating an exclusively-you fashion piece.
Of course, not everyone is a seamstress, and for those people “slow fashion” emphasizes thrift-store shopping. With the ’80s beginning to replace the ’90s trend in modern fashion, now is the perfect time to hit up your local thrift or consignment shop for some hidden treasures. The biggest problem many people have with buying thrifted clothing is the fit, for which the simplest option is to visit your local tailor to make sure your upcycled piece is flattering.
Though there are always hidden treasures (and definitely some unusual ones) stocked in these stores, try to pick items you know you could use on a daily basis. A blouse or pair of straight-leg trousers – with the right tailoring – can look like you bought them fresh off the retail rack. In addition, many of these stores offer discounts to those in their golden years, so don’t be afraid to ask if you qualify to save a few extra coins!
For women who don’t sew and aren’t interested in thrift-store hunting, a quick internet search will present another option to follow the “slow fashion” trend: local seamstresses. Often found on sites such as Etsy, many independent designers are already adding the “eco-friendly” tag to their online stores. Designers here have mastered the art of either creating their own clothing – or upcycling from used clothes – to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece you can’t buy anywhere else. In addition to recycling material or clothing, a purchase from a local designer supports small businesses, and truly allows you to vote with your dollar for a more sustainable future in fashion.
“Fast fashion” may be instantly gratifying, but “slow fashion” is in style for an eco-friendlier world, which still allows you to have flair and be chic, while giving back to the planet.
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