It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of fast fashion. Buying cheap on-trend clothes, wearing them for a season then discarding them and moving on. Following the latest trends can make you feel good for a moment but cheap clothes weren’t made to last and have negativity sewn into their seams.
Exploitation of garment workers, the use of harmful chemicals and serious damage to the environment are just some of the impacts of fast fashion. We take a look at how you can embrace sustainable fashion and have a positive impact with what you wear.

What’s so bad about fast fashion?
Fast fashion is a business model where clothes are produced quickly and ultra-cheaply. Consumers are encouraged to buy new clothes, wear them a few times and discard them. The damaging effects of fast fashion are far-reaching and garment workers, their communities and the environment are paying the price.
The fashion industry employs millions of people around the world. Only 2% of garment workers earn a living wage. Workers often endure 11-18 hour working days, threats if they don’t meet targets and unsafe working conditions.
Fast fashion brands rely heavily on cheap fabrics made from fossil fuels, use toxic dyes that are harmful to people and the planet and contribute massively to global carbon emissions. Check out our guide to learn more about the harmful effects of fast fashion.
Slow, steady and sustainable
The good news is that there’s a lot we can do to make a difference. And do it with style. Repairing and repurposing clothes, choosing quality over quantity and buying second hand are great ways to have a positive impact.
UK-based charity Oxfam reported that if half the clothes UK adults owned were bought second hand instead of new, it would prevent harmful emissions from entering the atmosphere equal to an airplane flying around the world 17,000 times.

Buy less fast fashion, buy better
Embracing slow fashion might feel overwhelming at first. We’re so used to buying clothes quickly without much thought about where they’ve come from. But starting small and making more conscious choices can have a significant impact.
Taking a stock of the clothes you already have can be a good place to start. There might be clothes you’d forgotten about that you can bring back into rotation. And wearing all your clothes will help you know if you really need to buy something new or just want to.
The best slow fashion brands
When you do buy new clothes sustainable brands are a great slow fashion option. Ethical brands are more expensive than high street brands but usually offer better quality. Better quality means clothes will last longer and you’ll need to buy less. And best of all, you can check the green credentials of any Eco-Stylist certified brand on our website.
For 30 brands to get you started, check out our ultimate guide to non-fast fashion brands.

Why are sustainable brands better?
At Eco-Stylist we rate brands on three criteria: transparency, fair labor and sustainably made. Brands that make our certified list rate highly in these areas and are leading the way in sustainability.
We want to know that brands are honest and do what they say they do, rather than greenwashing. Our certified brands pay their workers fairly, offer good conditions for workers and support like healthcare and childcare.
We’re also looking at what brands are doing to minimise their environmental impact. Reducing carbon emissions, using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and extending the lifespan of clothes through circularity all make a positive difference.
Recycle, repair, renew
Recycling clothes is another way to challenge the throwaway culture of fast fashion and give clothes a second life. If they’re clean and in good condition, clothes you don’t wear anymore might be just what someone else is looking for. Before donating your clothes it’s worth doing some research into how they’ll be used. Clothes ending up in landfill or being burned will do more harm than good.
You can take clothes to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army donation centre or search for thrift stores and non-for-profit organizations in your area who accept donations.
Dress for Success accepts good quality womenswear and you can search for your nearest affiliate on their website. Every time you make a donation there’s the added bonus of knowing your unwanted suit could help someone succeed at interview.
Out of the Closet take donations at their thrift stores across the US. When you shop or donate at Out of the Closet 96 cents of every dollar made goes to AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV prevention and treatment services.
If you’d prefer to make some money out of your unwanted clothes websites like Vinted and Depop can be great online spaces to sell, make some cash and extend the life of your clothes.

Showing your clothes some love will ensure you can enjoy wearing them for longer. Using gentle laundry products and washing at lower temperatures are good for the planet and your clothes. With basic sewing skills, you can repair your clothes when they tear and patch or customise them when they need a refresh.
Slow fashion, big on style
Leaning into slow fashion doesn’t have to take the fun out of getting dressed. You can mix things up with second hand pieces or liven up a capsule wardrobe of classics with interesting accessories.
Now and then we all need a stand-out outfit for a special occasion like a wedding, party or formal occasion. Rent the Runway and Nuuly offer a range of designer and formal wear for hire and list their sustainability values on their websites. Gwynnie Bee is a clothes subscription service offering sizes 0 to 32 but we couldn’t find any information about their approach to sustainability on their website.
Whilst clothing rental services can potentially offer a greener alternative to fast fashion, they’re not a perfect solution. It’s important to factor in the environmental impact of how clothes are transported to customers, what kind of cleaning process is used and what happens to clothes when they’re no longer in pristine condition. Being mindful and moderate, even with slow fashion alternatives, is key.
If you’re tired of wearing the same clothes but want to keep it slow, a swap party can be a great way to promote circularity and refresh your wardrobe. Get together with friends to swap your unwanted clothes, search for a clothes swap in your area or take a look at clothes swapping apps like Dopelle.

Investing in some quality vintage pieces is another good way to build up your sustainable wardrobe. Vintage items might cost a bit more but if they’re still going strong it means they were made to last. If you take care of vintage clothes they can last a lifetime and beyond.
Want to find sustainable alternatives? We can help
If you’re looking for alternatives to fast fashion but you’re not sure where to start, our personal styling service can help. Take our personal style quiz and receive recommendations based on your size, style and location.
Our stylists take the hassle out of shopping by finding the best ethical fashion for your unique style. They’ll send you monthly recommendations and there’s never a commitment to buy clothes — just the pieces you love.
Learn more about our personal styling and discover slow fashion options picked just for you.

Catherine is a content writer based in London. She loves vintage, reading and swimming in the sea.