How I (Try to) Think Sustainably About Fast Fashion

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Happy Friday! This week was back-to-school for my younger sister, and I'm starting to get those fall vibes. Which can only mean one thing - that picking out some new staples for fall will be happening soon. 

As with any college student or recent post-grad on a budget, sometimes it seems like the only place to look for clothes are the hip fast fashion retailers in my mall. Forever 21 is my "go-to" fast fashion store, because I find that they have a wide range of styles and trends so I can find something I like even if I'm not hopping on the newest fashion bandwagon. (I refused to buy off the shoulder tops for the entirety of their reign, and I'm hoping they don't come back next summer.)

Below, I'm sharing some of my tips for how I think consciously about what I purchase at Forever 21 and other fast fashion stores.

LOOK FOR TIMELESS SILHOUETTES, COLORS, AND STYLES.

When shopping at stores like Forever 21, I mostly try to look for items that have classic shapes and styles. I know what looks right on my body and try on before buying or make sure that there is a good return policy (F21 lets you return now!) I don't purchase clothes in colors that will wash me out, look badly with my skintone, and I stay away from items that I think are "cool" but realistically will never wear.

TRY TO PURCHASE ITEMS MADE FROM NATURAL FIBERS.

I find that items made from 100% cotton or other natural fibers hold up better over time and are more comfortable to wear, meaning that I will get more use out of the item. Also purchasing natural fabrics is one way to be sustainable and not support synthetic fiber production.

 THINK ABOUT HOW MANY WAYS YOU CAN WEAR IT.

There are times when I get more use out of a top from Forever 21 than one I bought elsewhere because I just love the color, it matches a lot of my other clothes, or I can use it to make many different outfits. If I can think of at least 3-5 different ways to wear the same piece, it is worth it to me. This way, I don't have to overbuy and I can ensure that the pieces I have are ones I really want to wear, while also sticking to a budget.

PICK SEASON-LESS ITEMS.

Take the example of a striped long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve tee. This shirt is essentially season-less! Paired with a quilted vest, jeans and riding boots in the fall, or with shorts and sandals in the summer, this is something you can wear all year round. Odds are, if you purchase a year-long piece that you really love, you will get tons of wear out of the piece and won't be trapped in the trend of needing new clothes weekly.

DON'T JUST BUY IT BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE IS.

Plain and simple - don't purchase something you hate just because it is "in style." Fashion is all about self expression, and sometimes that means wearing what you like even if no one else is.

TAKE ITEMS TO THE TAILOR.

There are so many occasions in which I've found myself hating something I bought just because it doesn't fit 100% right. Taking items to a tailor who can make them fit your body better helps eliminate the problem of throwing away otherwise-good clothes because of the fit.

CHECK FOR DEFECTS BEFORE BUYING.

A lot of people will comment that fast fashion clothes quickly wear out and get torn/broken/stained, but I'll admit that some of my most worn pieces are from fast fashion retailers and that I've had them for years. Before buying, check that there are no unraveling seams, pulls in knits, and that there are no holes or stains. Then, make sure that you are gentle with your wearing and washing. 

All in all, my feeling is that it doesn't matter whether you purchase fast or slow fashion if you end up tossing your clothes on a weekly or monthly basis. For me, fast fashion is a way to try new trends and also find items I love without breaking the bank. BUT, the important thing is that I shop with the idea in mind that I am intending to keep that item for as long as possible, not just to wear once and be done with. Fast fashion works because we keep buying more, more, more and throwing out last week's style. If we treat these fast fashion purchases as investments as well, then our inclination to buy into the "fast" world of fashion significantly decreases.

Do you agree? How do you feel about fast fashion when shopping on a budget?