How to embrace a more sustainable wardrobe...
Let’s be honest – we’ve all been tempted by the allure of fast fashion. The thrill of snagging that new top at a bargain price is hard to resist, but the truth behind these too-good-to-be-true deals isn’t so pretty. From mountains of discarded clothes to unethical working conditions, the cost of fast fashion goes far beyond what we pay at the checkout.
But there’s a new movement that’s here to save our wardrobes (and the planet): Slow Fashion. And it’s not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle that’s all about thoughtful consumption, sustainability, and buying clothes that are made to last. Let’s dive into why slow fashion is so important, how much waste the fashion industry generates, and what some of the clothing and accessories brands at The Store Collective are doing to change things.
Fast fashion’s dirty little secret
Let’s talk about waste. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world, and it’s largely due to our obsession with fast fashion. According to McKinsey & Company, every year, a staggering 92 million tons of textiles end up in landfills around the globe. That’s like throwing away a lorry full of clothes every single second!
What’s even more shocking is that 85% of all the textiles that are produced end up in the bin each year. And it’s not just the waste that’s the problem; fast fashion is notorious for using unsustainable practices that deplete natural resources and pollute our environment. From toxic dyes seeping into waterways to the massive carbon footprint from constant production, fast fashion is, quite literally, costing us the earth.
What exactly Is slow fashion?
Slow fashion is the antidote to this wasteful cycle. It’s a philosophy that promotes quality over quantity, focusing on clothing that’s made to last using sustainable materials and ethical production methods. Unlike fast fashion, which is all about churning out cheap, disposable items, slow fashion encourages us to invest in pieces that we truly love – ones that we’ll wear for years to come.
Slow fashion isn’t just about shopping less; it’s about shopping smarter. By investing in timeless, high-quality items, you’re not only reducing waste but also supporting brands that care about their workers, the environment, and the communities they operate in.
Meet some of the brands embracing the Slow Fashion movement
If you’re ready to ditch fast fashion and embrace a more sustainable wardrobe, look no further than the Store Collective’s amazing lineup of brands that perfectly embody the “Shop with Purpose” ethos. Here’s how some of them are redefining what it means to be fashion-forward and eco-friendly.
Project AJ117: Known for their effortlessly chic designs, Project AJ117 is all about creating timeless pieces that never go out of style. They use sustainable materials and practices, ensuring that every item is made to last. By focusing on quality rather than quantity, encouragimg us to buy less but better.
Dawn x Dare: This Danish brand takes knitwear to the next level with their luxurious, handcrafted designs. Dawn x Dare uses high-quality, natural materials and works closely with skilled artisans. Each piece is made with care, ensuring that it stands the test of time and becomes a cherished part of your wardrobe. And left over yarn from each season is used to create unique knitwear for the following one.
Tanta: Rainy days just got a lot more stylish, thanks to Tanta. This brand offers gorgeous, high-quality rainwear that’s designed to keep you dry while treading lightly on the earth. Tanta uses recycled materials to create their rain jackets, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking to stay fashionable and eco-conscious, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Odaje (ex M.Moustache): This French trainer and shoe brand are the first circular footwear brand. Designed by their stylists in their Parisian workshop, their trainers are made from eco-friendly materials, LWG-certified leathers, and recycled materials. Most notably, they manufacture the soles of their sneakers by recycling used shoes collected in their stores, creating a closed-loop production system. Which means less to landfill - win win.
Pieszak: If you’re looking for sustainable denim that doesn’t compromise on style, Pieszak is the brand for you. They’re committed to using organic cotton and environmentally friendly processes as part of the Better Cotton Initiative, to create jeans that are both flattering and eco-friendly. Plus, Pieszak prioritizes fair wages and working conditions in their partner factories, so you can feel good about every pair you own.
Have A Look Sunglasses: Accessories can be sustainable too! Have A Look eyewear is rooted in the tradition of Danish design. They offer thoughtfully produced bio-based eyewear, reflecting a commitment to the planet and its people. With hard wearing and durable frames (including flexible hinges), and top-notch craftsmanship, they help you avoid the cycle of constantly replacing cheap, flimsy sunglasses.
Wallflower Studio: Perhaps the brand that most emcompasses the ethos of Slow Fashion is The Wallflower Studio. Founded by Laura Neads, a print designer who felt uninspired after a career in fast fashion, The Wallfower Studio use Laura's hand designed prints to make gorgeous women's clothing, all with floral themes. Silk dresses, skirts and jackets are handmade to create gorgeous, often unique pieces. All offcuts are then turned into other products so that no material is wasted. You can shop a range of Laura's handmade silk scrunchies, sleep masks and pouches on our website, as well as cute cards based on her designs.
How to embrace slow fashion in your life
Ready to make the switch to slow fashion? Here are a few tips to help you start shopping with purpose:
• Quality Over Quantity: Instead of buying lots of cheap, disposable items, invest in a few high-quality pieces that you truly love. These items will last longer, look better, and save you money in the long run.
• Choose Sustainable Materials: Look for clothes made from eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, Tencel, or recycled polyester. These materials have a lower environmental impact and are often more durable.
• Support Ethical Brands: By choosing to shop from Store Collective brands, you’re supporting companies that prioritise sustainability, ethical production, and fair wages.
• Think Long-Term: When you’re considering a purchase, ask yourself: “Will I still want to wear this in a year?” If the answer is yes, it’s probably a good investment.
And finally...
The fashion industry doesn’t have to be wasteful, and it’s up to us as consumers to demand better. By choosing slow fashion over fast fashion, we can help reduce waste, protect the planet, and support brands that are committed to doing things right. So, the next time you’re tempted by that £10 T-shirt, remember that it might end up in a landfill sooner than you think. Instead, invest in pieces that tell a story, have been made ethically, and will be with you for years to come. It’s not just a fashion statement – it’s a statement about the kind of world you want to live in.
Chek out our full clothing collection HERE.
Happy (sustainable) shopping!