Last Updated on 21 May 2021 by Lily
Slow fashion vs Sustainable fashion vs Ethical fashion explained
Slow Fashion, sustainable fashion and ethical fashion. We hear these words more often than ever. But what is the differences between slow fashion, sustainable fashion and ethical fashion? There seems to be a lot of confusion between them which is understandable as I was confused at first too! Let’s see one by one!
Slow Fashion
I am not gonna lie, once upon a time, my favourite shop was Zara. When I was younger, I used to buy clothes from TOPSHOP, H&M or anywhere else that I could buy trendy clothing at a low cost, even though the quality wasn’t what I was satisfied with. It was more quantity over quality… As I get older, my shopping habit has changed to quality over quantity. And since I’ve started a green lifestyle journey and learnt about conscious living, I’ve turned to slow fashion instead of following the trends. I am no longer purchasing clothes from these fast fashion brands for good. No more quantity over quality.
The fashion industry is known as one of the most polluting industries in the world, especially fast fashion brands. They are trendy and affordable clothing that takes ideas from the big-name designers and puts it out for the masses for cheap without concern for the impact on the environment or human welfare sadly.
On the other hand, Slow fashion is the opposite of fast fashion. They may not be as trendy or cheap as fast fashion brands, because their purpose is to design something stylish that you will wear and keep for a very long time which saves your money in the long term.
Slow fashion is more about quality over quantity. The quality that you can wear for years or maybe for a lifetime. They also tend to have fewer collection releases in the year and with that, may only have a limited amount of stocks for an item. So once it is gone, it is gone. Some brands even have a pre-order system which I think is a great way to avoid overproduction.
Furthermore, slow fashion is about creating and consuming consciously and with integrity. Slow fashion labels consider and aware of environmental issues and the impact they may cause to create products. Therefore, they take responsibility to create sustainable products through sustainable processes and people who are making them, to be ethical without compromising on quality.
Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion is producing clothes, shoes and accessories in a way that is most considerate of the environment. Reducing the environmental impact wherever possible. It means using fibres and materials that are organic, other natural (cotton, khadi, linen etc ), sustainable fabrics, recycled or repurposed materials, biodegradable fabric that can eventually return to the ecosystem after you have worn it out, Moreover, limiting harmful chemicals/dyes, reducing energy/water usage and waste. Overall choosing low-impact options and engineering to last longer. Most sustainable fashion brands use recyclable packaging as well.
Ethical Fashion
Ethical fashion is concerned with a human right. It is about fair treatment (working conditions, fair wages) and respect (no child labour, worker abuse, or slavery) for the people employed to make the clothing. And of course, treating animals with respect and dignity when using their products (i.e. cashmere, wool, silk, etc.). We should be more aware that there is absolutely no beauty in clothes if it causes hunger and unhappiness. Ethical fashion is caring and to be kind to the people, animals and our planet every step of the way.
Conclusion of the differences between Slow Fashion & Sustainable Fashion & Ethical Fashion
Slow Fashion – About clothing pieces itself
Sustainable Fashion – About the environment
Ethical Fashion – About human and animal rights
Slow fashion, sustainable fashion and ethical fashion may be different in their individual aspects, but the overall goal behind each remains the same. They are all for our planet, for people, for animals, and you! It’s easy to forget the impact of purchase or the power you have as a consumer. However, as we are all consumers, we need to take responsibility for our daily choices.
Next time when you’re shopping, do your research. educate yourself and raise awareness on who made the clothes, what they’re made of and how their production impacts people and the planet and always choose to buy from sustainable and ethical fashion brands. I hope you get ideas of the differences between slow fashion, sustainable fashion and ethical fashion.
Related Sustainable Fashion Articles:
• 9 Best Affordable Environmentally-Friendly Clothing Brands for Women and Men
∙ 7 Reasons to Choose Sustainable and Ethical Fashion
∙ What is Conscious Living? – How to Be More Conscious and Mindful
• 10 Best Vegan Boots from Ethical Brands for 2021
• 10 Best Vegan Sneakers that You Will Love in 2021
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