What is slow fashion?

True or false? All slow fashion is sustainable fashion, but not all sustainable fashion is slow fashion.

There are many keywords that have developed over the last few years to describe fashion businesses that are attempting to operate in a different more ethical way, to reduce the harm the fashion industry causes to people and our planet. And although terms like slow fashion, ethical fashion, sustainable or vegan fashion, sound like the same thing, there are some subtle differences.

Today we explore the definition of slow fashion, and how it translates to a more sustainable fashion industry.

What is slow fashion?

Slow fashion is an approach to fashion that considers the environmental, social, and cultural impact of the fashion and garment manufacturing industry. It is the antithesis of fast fashion and its concern for profits and consumption above all else.

Just like the slow food movement before it (farm-to-table, organic, country of origin labeling etc), slow fashion aims to raise awareness of the wasteful practices in the traditional fashion industry and advocate for a slower, more considered approach to fashion.

The great thing about slow fashion is it’s an approach that can be taken both by brands, as well as consumers. While brands like Alyssa Lloyd can take a slow fashion approach by limiting their production and taking a considered approach to design, you can incorporate a slow fashion mindset too.
Here are 3 ways you get started with slow fashion.

Buy better-quality garments that will last longer

Ever bought a cheap t-shirt and washed it once only to have it stretch and warp? Or noticed a hole in the seam of your new pants?

Thanks in large part to the fast fashion industry, not all clothing is created equally. Many manufacturers prioritise low costs, lightning-fast production, and a near-constant stream of new products at the expense of quality and longevity.

But fortunately, by merely supporting smaller brands (and ones that take pride in the quality of their products!), you can take your first step towards a slow fashion wardrobe. High-quality construction is essential to long-lasting and quality clothing. The more care and effort put into construction at the beginning of a garment’s life, the more likely it will be to last.

Support small scale manufacturers or local businesses

For too long the idea of more, bigger, and faster has overtaken fashion. This has led to many problems from the exploitation of workers in third world countries, to overproduction and environmental costs. But thankfully the era of mass production is slowly coming to an end, as more people shift their priorities and begin to appreciate the benefits that come from small scale production.

In the fashion industry small produces are pioneers in sustainability. Not only can they be more innovative with their processes and designs, but they also don’t have to rely on the traditional fashion business model of overproduction and excess. Supporting small and local fashion brands is a great way to be more considered in your fashion choices, as well as supporting businesses who want to do things differently.

Consume less overall

On the flip side of overproduction, is overconsumption. For many of us, this looks like a wardrobe full to bursting of clothes we hardly wear because they’re too big/small, we don’t like them anymore, or have simply forgotten we own them in the first place.

But never fear this modern problem is a simple one to solve, and it all comes down to making smart choices about how you shop. Being more thoughtful about the items you buy can have a profound impact on your wardrobe. While a capsule wardrobe might be extreme for some, having a core set of high-quality staples in flattering and complementary colours and styles is the perfect foundation for a wardrobe you can be proud of.

While slow fashion is only one piece of a larger sustainability in fashion pie, it’s an important one for both brands and consumers. If you’d like to take steps to be more thoughtful in your fashion choices consider following these tips and support the slow fashion industry.