10 Steps to Break Up with Fast Fashion Forever!

 

It’s time to break up with fast fashion.

 

And it’s totally doable…even if it sounds a *bit* extreme.

 

When someone says “I gave up fast fashion” what we really hear are one of three things:

 

1. All their clothes are expensive, sustainable, USA-made $80 basic tees
2. All their clothes are out-of-style, old, thrifted and mended $2 tees
3. They are totally lying

 

But really, there is a fourth (completely likely) option that doesn’t involve lying, mending, or expensive clothes.

 

It’s all in the blend…

 

Chances are, there is a subtle blend going on of a couple things: favorite items they own already stocked in their closet, a sense of style which has weeded out 95% of fast fashion choices, and a sharp skillset for shopping secondhand.

 

And really, someone who had a break up with fast fashion has actually just given up two things:

 

1. Hyper-Consumerism
2. Unethical clothing companies

 

They haven’t give up owning anything fashionable, nor have they won the lottery and purchased $500 worth of organic cotton teeshirts from a boutique.

 

Plain and simple, they have found a way to dress themselves without relying on cheap, unethical, often-synthetic clothes purchased at big box stores or online.

 

That’s it.

 

That’s literally it. And you can do it too.

 

You can break up with fast fashion and still have:

 

-affordable clothes

-new clothes

-fashionable clothes

 

Are you ready to break up with “Fast Fashion” and never slip back into it? Let’s go!

 

 

Step One:

 

Realize (and believe) there is a fashion world outside of cheap, unethical, acrylic clothing.

 

In windows and advertisements, it’s so easy to believe these unethical clothes are beautiful and maybe even necessary. But, they definitely aren’t (behind the scenes) and they probably aren’t either (for most of us).

 

I talk about my own experience with this in my post about how I got started on a sustainable journey. The bottom line for right now is that no one will give up fast fashion just because someone tells them to. It’s something each person has to experience and believe on their own accord. I’m not here to convince you that you must break up with the fast fashion industry, as much as I want to show you how.

 

And one of the first things, beyond of course holding a disdain for the fast fashion industry, is establishing an awareness of a beautiful, ethical, and sustainable fashion world. It really does exist! It’s right within grasp and all you have to do is nine more steps to enter and you’ll never leave it’s beautiful landscape again!

 

Note: For a more detailed look into the fast fashion industry and it’s human and environmental dangers, watch Thee True Cost or read Overdressed by Elizabeth Cline.  There are tons of youtube videos too that take a deeper look at the human trafficking, environmental poisoning, and consumeristic lying that are the pillars of the fast fashion industry. Two I really like are: this (by Shelbizleee) and this (by: Sarah Therese).

 

 

Step Two:

 

Realize that you have enough right now.

 

A quote I love reads: Gratitude makes what you have enough.

 

But also, do this exercise:

 

Dump your drawers and raid your closet. Lay everything on the center of your bed, Kondo-style. For many of us, we won’t even be able to see the center of our bed.

 

Sort your mound into two piles: the 25% of your closet you wear weekly, and the 75% of your closet you wear monthly or even more rarer. (In later blog posts, we will handle the 75% of items you don’t wear, but for now, set those aside).

 

Examine your pile of I-wear-these-all-the-time clothes and put them in a prominent spot. Personally, I like to hang mine (even tees) because keeping them at eye level and exposed helps me see just how available they are to me. And since they are the 25% I wear all the time, they need to be noticeable in my closet so I don’t start having that I-have-nothing-to-wear feeling.

 

Now you will have an eye-level, very exposed collection of the 25% of clothes you LOVE wearing. It will automatically help you realize that you don’t need to just run out buy clothes on the weekend.

 

 

Step Three:

 

Unsubscribe from all fast fashion brands that send you coupons.

 

Move your shopping apps on your phone to their own folder and name it “Inspiration Only”… or better yet, look at Pinterest for inspiration, not clothing stores.

 

Some who give up fast fashion for good find it necessary to take a total detox from anything related to fashion, including Pinterest. But I’ve found that for me, this is only a temporary patch. You’re never going to give up “needing” clothes or having an interest in looking nice. So allow yourself to have a Pinterest board(s) dedicated to fashion.

 

Just maybe for the time being, tone it down a bit. The less exposure you have to brand-new-outfits-every-week, the easier it is to detach from the idea that they will somehow serve you.

 

 

Step Four:

 

Spend time soul-searching for your personal style: color, fit, and vibe.

 

This is actually the most important step in the whole process to break up with fast fashion. It takes the longest. It’s also the most fun.

 

Considering the fact that most of us wear the same clothes over and over and over again (see above), it’s safe to say that we know what we like.

 

But how do we KNOW that we know, ya know?

 

A huge part of the “hunt” mentality that we slip into as consumers is driven by a lack of satisfaction with a previous decision.

 

Ask yourself this: what is your go-to, absolute favorite clothing item?

 

For me, it’s jean shorts. I never shop for them. I never browse them. In fact, I don’t wonder if I should replace them. (This week I’m planning to mend a pair I ripped). I just love the 3 pairs I have. But the clothes I’m not satisfied with (spoiler alert: casual business wear) is something I am always drawn to searching through. I’m not satisfied with my collection. I don’t own the pieces that reflect me.

 

Essentially, my “shopping sprees” are fueled by my need to “discover” things about my style (ahem, to track down casual business wear I actually like).

 

First things first: what are your colors? Do a color assessment, taking into consideration your skin and hair colors and tones. Then, factor in your favorites (what you are drawn to). Come up with a color scheme that ranges 3 STAPLES and 2 flex colors.

 

Next: with a color scheme cemented in your mind, what are your favorite styles? Pick two firm ones, with a flex of one you’re willing to dabble in.

 

Last: factor in your shape and what you know flatters or makes you feel amazing.

 

Chances are, your 25% favorites section in your closet ticks most of those boxes. Make a commitment to only purchase things that further that theme, those colors, that style, essentially– your vibe.

 

The day you know “what” you want, is the day that you stop accidentally purchasing the wrong things. And the less you’ll feel inclined to go out “hunting” for “you” pieces because you’ll have a firm grasp on exactly who you are, wardrobe speaking.

 

 

Step Five:

 

Find a well-organized thrift store for your next shopping experience.

 

Don’t run out to your nearest goodwill if you feel icky about thrift stores (it’s ok if you do.. it takes time to get used to it if you’ve never shopped there). Find a place that has gently used clothes with a boutique feel, like a Clothing Mentor, and start there. If you have kids, visit a Once Upon a Child. It doesn’t have a super high-end feel, but is extremely well-organized.

 

The reason you should start with this step, instead of online, is because it’s easier to delete an app or avoid a website than to “fill the shopping void” if you are someone who shops as a pastime. Giving up a brick-and-mortar experience can be a lot harder than simply refusing to open a tab. Find a local used place that can fill that shopping need without making you feel like you need more things (UGH the mall).

 

Also, that way if you’re still having a hard time walking away from purchases (or you’re still discovering your vibe), outfitting yourself with preloved clothes is a much more environmentally-gentle approach to shopping.

 

 

Step Six:

 

Get online and prep for the next time you need to find something.

 

Download Poshmark and ThredUp (if you use my code, both you and I get $10 to shop with). Shopping online doesn’t have to totally disappear out of your life. Create an app folder of preloved stores where you go the next time you need to make a purchase. (Ebay, Mercari, and marketplace are also options, but they are much more overwhelming for new-to-preloved shoppers).

 

The next time that you need something, whether that’s to replace an old favorite or find something specific (a GOOD fall sweater, a new pair of sandals, etc), you’ll be prepped for the hunt. You’ll already be long gone from considering popping onto Amazon and ordering an “Amazon Basics” item.

 

 

Note: Poshmark is especially useful if you’re trying to find brand new items with a smaller carbon footprint. Look for NWT items…they are brand spanking new and don’t “support” the brand they originated from. You can still get a brand new Abercrombie cropped sweater without having to pay Abercrombie for it.

 

 

Step Seven:

 

If money permits, consider finding a sustainable brand to support. (this is NOT a must, but is great for those who struggle with second-hand items)

 

Guilt-free shopping is a beautiful thing. Take time to research brands.

 

Find a “basics” brand and a fashionable (hyper pieces) brand as well. Find ethical accessory brands or favorite artists on etsy. Research and try-on and get comfortable being a part of the sustainable clothing industry (it’s actually pretty big).

 

Don’t feel pressure to buy things new, especially if they aren’t affordable. But if you’re someone who just loves new clothes or who hates preloved ones, this is a really great spot to put yourself in.

 

Obviously, someone who is extremely ec0-conscious (or minimalist) would recommend not purchasing anything unless absolutely necessary. But if you’re more moderate in your approach, or are trying to replace a severe fast fashion dependency, switching over to an ethical brand is going to be more maintainable for you. And really, you should feel guilt-free if you’re supporting a sustainable brand that is doing great things. It’s not going to destroy the planet for you to purchase a sustainably made, ethically sourced item that helps you eliminate fast fashion from your life.

 

Happiness does matter.

 

 

Step Eight:

 

Take Inventory (again).

 

You have identified your “favorites.”

 

You have nailed down your style.

 

All tempting apps and hangout spots have been eliminated.

 

In fact, you’ve even replaced them with second-hand apps and preloved stores.

 

It’s time to take inventory of what you “need” and what is challenging for you to find ethically.

 

For some, it’s Pjs. For others, lingerie. And honestly, even good sporting gear can be really hard to find (snow pants, workout bras, etc).

 

Keep a tab on your phone of what it is that is hardest for you to find.

 

Now, brainstorm.

 

Can you find these things NWT (new with tags) in the case of Pjs or lingerie? Can you get an “open box” pair of shoes from Amazon? Is this category (say PJs for example) something that you would be willing to buy from a sustainable brand? Is this item sold on Etsy?

 

Identify your needs and assess potential hurdles (before you hit them) so as to ward off an impulse-purchases at Target simply because you know “it’s always hard to find these kinds of things now that I’m sustainable!”

 

 

Step Nine:

 

Give yourself permission to make an unsustainable purchase.

 

*insert gasp*

 

Set a limit. Seriously!

 

If you’ve made a concerted effort to only buy sustainably (be it ethical brands or second hand), chances are you aren’t going to get carried away anyways. In fact, if anything, you’re more likely to restrict yourself unnecessarily simply because of all the guilt you feel. But, being sustainable needs to be sustainable for your mental health too. If you walk around enveloped in a cloud of guilt because you still eat fish or had a takeout cup of coffee unexpectedly with an old friend–you won’t be able to cherish life, embrace sustainability, and pass the message on to anyone else.

 

Also, the “wall of perfection” seems to be a huge stumbling block for people interested in the sustainable community–especially regarding fast fashion. When people think of giving up fast fashion, and their mind instantly races to “what if I need socks or hosiery” then a lot of times those doubts can make them give up before they’ve even started.

 

No.

 

Give yourself permission to break up with fast fashion AND buy a new pack of socks. (ONE pack, and not on a whim but because you need them).

 

If there is a pair of new hiking boots you need, and you can’t find them new, and you can’t afford the $300 sustainable pair…

 

you can buy the boots.

 

Just give yourself a limit…work an agreement up with yourself where you know you won’t exceed your original goals and slip back into a consumerist mindset that subsists off fast fashion fodder.

 

Good limits include: I can only make 4 non-ethical purchases in a year…The only new an unsustainable clothing I will purchase is gym bras and tennis shoes…I can purchase something non-ethical if it’s been in my online shopping cart for 4 months and I still haven’t found an ethical version of it.

 

Remember, sustainability has to be SUSTAINABLE.

 

It would be far better for you, the environment, and the sustainable fashion industry, if you gave up fast fashion for 95% of your clothes, than if you gave up because of that 5% you couldn’t find ethically.

 

In fact, it would be better for you to source only 50% of your wardrobe from preloved and sustainable brands, than if you just never tried because it was too hard to give up fast fashion.

 

Really.

 

 

Step Ten:

 

Believe in yourself.

 

You can break up with fast fashion.

 

I know you can.

 

There are so, so many (a growing number too!) of people who have give up fast fashion for good.

 

Once you give it up, it’s funny how un-tempting it is to go back.

 

Fast fashion items that used to be eye-catching start looking cheap, synythetic, and temporary when you’re accustomed to wearing what you have, shopping preloved, and supporting ethical brands.

 

As a former fast fashion consumer myself, I promise.

 

Someone who has made the decision to break up with fast fashion has NOT decided to give up fashion altogether or owning beautiful things. Someone who has give up fast fashion has simply found a way to outsource their wardrobe so that they are no longer relying on cheap, unethical clothing to fill their closet. (And they realize that they don’t need it to be filled to the brim).

 

Once you realize that a break up with fast fashion is totally possible, and that there is a beautiful, sustainable wardrobe awaiting you, giving it up is fairly simple.

 

If you’ve gotten this far, and you have a favorite sustainable brand to support, please leave a comment/link/description in the comment box below.

 

I love PACT!

 

 

 

 

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