How to Have a Slower Approach to Fast Fashion

We’ve all been there — you just really love a design — a high end designer created it, but there is no way you are spending that kind of money, so you find yourself searching for affordable alternatives. Or you may be in a situation where you desperately need a wardrobe update on a budget — whether it is a new outfit for a party on the weekend, a suit for a job interview or workout clothes to get back into training. And you probably will turn to shopping fast fashion.

There is a reason why fast fashion brands are widely popular — they are good at catching you in the right moment. Here is my shopping tips for when that happens. Some ways of navigating the world of fast fashion are better than others.

The 30 wear rule

If you (like me) were wondering how much wear you need to get out of a piece, this is it.

According to Livia Firth (who is a powerhouse in the world of sustainable fashion) you should see yourself wearing a piece at least 30 times — the style has to be versatile and the quality has to last. This is the first rule I use when I considering purchasing anything whatsoeve, but particularly from a fast fashion brand.

Not all fast fashion brands are the same

While fast fashion undoubtably creates a lot of waste and contributes to ethical and environmental issues, not all fast fashion brands have quite the same impact. Oxfam maintains a rating of fast fashion brands in categories such as transparency, commitments to social and environmental issues, whether they pay their workers a living wage. It is worth having a look at when you are choosing which brand so spend your money on. You can find it here.

Choose carefully

As always, go in with purpose. You should try to avoid trends and buy pieces that are timeless. It’s always a good idea to step back and ask yourself whether this dress is what you envisioned when you started shopping — are you compromising? Impulse shopping? If you answer yes, than put it down (or take it out of your cart).

Be picky

One of the biggest issues with fast fashion brands is their disregard for quality control, so you still need to make sure a piece will last the 30 wears.

It pays to learn about fabrics (especially when you shop online and cannot feel it) — just a little bit about what feels good on the body, what will crease, what will stretch.

If you are trying a piece on in store, pay attention to stitching, quality of zips and buttons; see if a little rubbing and stretching while you try the piece on causes any damage.

Keep in mind that often pieces that do not fit quite right in the beginning may stretch and become unwearable later, so pay attention to the cut and the fit.

Find it second hand instead

I have spoken about this one before and I seriously cannot recommend this enough! I often see people selling barely worn recent season clothing, shoes and accessories on places like eBay, DePop and Facebook Marketplace. So if you have found a piece you love, just do a quick search to see if you can find it elsewhere — buy pre loved to save $$ and extend the lifecycle of fashion items.

These are the tips that I found most useful as a fashion lover. Please share yours so we can all keep learning and having a thoughtful approach to fashion.

Lots of love,

Lena