Breaking Up with Fast Fashion: Confessions of a Reformed Shopaholic

May 7

4 min read

Two years ago, I was buying most of my clothes, impulsively and through the fast fashion market. I had pieces in my closet that I wore once. And while my closet was overflowing with clothes, I still somehow had "nothing to wear".

Sounds familiar?

Well, it turns out, I wasn't alone. Studies show that the average person today buys 60% more clothes than they did 20 years ago, but only keeps pieces for half as long.

And let's be honest: Half of the stuff we buy today through fast fashion doesn't even survive 2 washes. Thin fabrics, broken zippers, and unravelled hemlines didn't even used to bother me that much. I would just throw the crappy skirt out and look for a new one the next day.

Today, I understand the deeper value of considering quality and sustainability:

My studies at Vogue College ensured that I learn some crazy facts about the massive impact of the fashion industry on our environment.

-> The fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions - more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. - UNEP

-> A single T shirt can take up to 2,700 liters of water to produce - enough for one person to drink for almost 3 years. - Triple Pundit

-> Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned somewhere in the world.

I don't know about you, but I never realized the heavy impact of my weak purchasing decisions. And it wasn't like my crazy and excessive "fast fashion" shopping spree was a one-time thing. For starters, the clothing on websites like "SHEIN" is cheap in comparison to other higher-quality brands, so you tend to buy more. I went through a phase where I would spend over R2000 (approx. 100 pounds) A MONTH on these fast fashion stores, changing my wardrobe up, simply because my clothes didn't last and I was 'bored' with what I had. Then, when I received my clothes, I always remembered being disappointed at least at some of the products that turned out to be lower in quality than I expected, or just did not look like they did online, or were broken and unwearable. The worst is, I never returned an item; I would just throw it away or leave it in my cupboard, never to be worn.

Looking back now, I am horrified to think that I spent so much money on the fast fashion industry, and it bothers me so much that others continue in this cycle, unaware of the implications of their choices as they continue to support these industries.

I don't want to render myself completely innocent in this whole thing... I still buy from brands like Zara, which is also considered 'fast fashion' based on various business practices, but I do appreciate their better quality and durability compared to other 'fast fashion competitors'. I am determined to make a change and realize that my overflowing closet is cluttering the planet.

How I'm Implementing Change:

No, I didn't just go and throw everything out and start sewing my clothes in a little cabin in the forest. (Although tempting.) Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate the skill that is 'sewing'. I did attempt to make a tote bag once, and wow.... I have a newfound respect for people who make clothes.

Anyways, back on topic...

I'm making small, sustainable mindset changes going forward:

I started questioning myself before making a purchase. "Why am I buying this?" "Do I really love AND need it?" "Is it practical and will it fit in with other items from my wardrobe?"

Turns out, this is a quick way to save money, as 70% of my temptations don't pass these simple questions.
I learned to appreciate my already existing wardrobe. In fashion, there's a phrase "Shopping your closet," and that's exactly what I started focusing on. This means learning to better mix, match, and layer your already owned items, and learn to accessorize them well.
I Invested in Quality Pieces. I learned that saving up for one beautifully made top instead of buying 5 cheap shirts made me feel amazing. AND with better quality, you're outfit is automatically elevated in a natural way that quantity can never provide.
So yes, it's true: Quality > Quantity
I buy second-hand if the right opportunity presents itself. I'm not gonna lie, this was a bit of an adjustment for me, - but the thrill that comes with finding a good vintage one-of-a-kind piece is so much more satisfying than grabbing something off a fast fashion rack.
BONUS: Buying second-hand increases a garment's life and number of uses, keeping it out of landfills and reducing the demand for new production.

The Perks of Breaking Up with Fast Fashion:

Style improvement: I developed a sense of personal style instead of just following others.
Saving money: Fewer impulsive buys meant I had more money for experiences I genuinely value.
Lighter (capsule) closet: Buying less means more closet space. As reverse psychology would have it, this made getting ready easier, faster, and more fun because I learned how to mix and match what I had.
Mindful shopping: Every piece I buy feels like a true "yes", not a "maybe", and I appreciate every single item so much more.

Transitioning will take time...

It's good to keep in mind that this is not about achieving perfection. By being more mindful and aware of your purchases, ALL of the tiny shifts in your decisions will add up over time.