No iba a hacer una segunda parte del post SLOWING FAST FASHION, pero últimamente he visto mucho barullo en redes con el asunto de comprar moda sostenible, sus precios y la polémica de publicaciones por parte de personajes que deciden subirse al tren y que abordan el tema de nuevo desde la burbuja de la moda elitistita-privilegiada./ I was not going to do a second part of the SLOWING FAST FASHION post, but lately I have seen a lot of noise in social media about the issue of buying sustainable fashion versus fast fashion, prices and the controversy of posts by characters who decide to jump on the trend and address the issue but from the elite-privileged fashion bubble.
Así como hay influencers que parecen maniquíes y nunca repiten prenda, hay un grupo que se cree moralmente superior por no comprar fast fashion; pero cuando hay que pagar alquiler, comida y mantener a alguien más, la ecuación se vuelve complicada y poco va a importar revisar si esa pieza de Bershka cumple con términos de sostenibilidad./ Just as there are influencers who look like mannequins and never repeat an outfit, there is a group that believes itself morally superior for not buying fast fashion. But when you have to pay rent, food and kids, the equation becomes complicated and it will not matter to check if that Bershka piece meets sustainability terms.
SLOWING FAST FASHION PT. 1 👜
El tema de la moda sostenible es complejo y considero que no hay una sola respuesta. Me encantaría tener mi armario lleno de propuestas de diseñadores y marcas comprometidas con la sostenibillidad, pero ahora no me es factible al 100%. Sin embargo en los últimos meses he estado intentando encontrar otras posibilidades para vivir la moda (que muchas veces incluyen abstenerme de la compra y mi cartera lo agradece), sobre todo durante el encierro, tiempo durante el cual mi relación con mi ropa se ha modificó. Ahora me es más fácil identificar aquellas prendas que quiero más, ya sea por tema de calidad o porque tienen una historia especial para mí./ The issue of sustainable fashion is complex and I think there is no single answer. I would love to have my closet full of proposals from designers and brands committed to sustainability, but now it is not 100% feasible for me. However, in recent months I have been trying to find other possibilities to live fashion, specially during the lockdown, time in which my relationship with my clothes has changed. Now it is easier for me to identify those garments that I love the most, either because of quality or because they have a special story for me.
¿Más tips para reducir el consumo de fast fashion? Aquí algunas cosas que he recopilado (hay más en la primera parte):/ More tips to reduce fast fashion consumption? Here are some things I have collected (there is more in the first part):
👖CLOTHING SWAP 👚
El intercambio de piezas con amistades, es como el trueque de cromos y pegatinas de Pokémon pero al siguiente nivel. Antes de tirar algo pregunta a algún conocido si hay opción de intercambio para darle una vida más larga a las prendas y ahorrar dinero. La basura de algunas personas es el tesoro de otras. ¡De hecho hay fiestas de intercambio de ropa!/ Clothing swap with friends, is like the exchange of Pokémon cards and stickers but taking it to the next level. Before throwing something away, ask someone you know if there is an exchange option to give the garments a longer life and save money. Some people’s trash is other people’s treasure. There are even clothing swap parties!
💸 DEJA EL DINERO EN TU COMUNIDAD / LEAVE THE MONEY IN YOUR COMMUNITY 💸
Comprar moda sostenible no sólo es comprar en Stella McCartney (I wish), también tiene que ver con acciones pequeñas dentro de tu comunidad. Comprarle a la chica que borda a mano, en bazares del barrio o al colectivo que estampa camisetas en su pequeño taller. Lo mejor de esto es que el dinero se queda en tu propia comunidad./ Buying sustainable fashion is not only shopping at Stella McCartney (I wish), it also has to do with small actions within your community. Buy from the girl who embroiders by hand, in neighborhood bazaars or from the collective that prints T-shirts at a small workshop. The best thing about this is that the money stays in your own community.
THE CONVERSION TRICK / EL TRUCO DE CONVERSIÓN
Estoy intentando aplicar una regla que al comienzo parecía un sacrificio pero que ahora estoy disfrutando: comprar 1 o 2 piezas por temporada pero de calidad y que me enamoren./ I’m trying to apply a rule that at first seemed like a sacrifice but now I’m enjoying it: buy 1 or 2 pieces per season but pieces of quality that I really like.
Para todo esto funciona muy bien aplicar el truco de la conversión que mencioné en el post MONEY DIARIES 4, si bien no estrenaré cada 15 días, la satisfacción de ver en mi armario piezas con las que realmente pueda forjar una relación (suena a cursilería) me emociona./ For all this, it works very well to apply the conversion trick that I mentioned in the MONEY DIARIES 4 post, although I will not have something new every 15 days, the satisfaction of seeing pieces in my closet with a special story (it sounds cheesy) excites me.
✨ SET YOUR OWN RULES / TUS PROPIAS REGLAS ✨
Aplicar una serie de reglas para los nuevos miembros de tu armario. Hay algunas cosas que sé que si o si seguiré comprando en tiendas fast fashion por ahora (en mi caso: calcetines, ropa de ejercicio y otras cosas de las que no me dolería deshacerme si me tuviera que mudar). Algunas personas optan por comprar básicos de muy buena calidad, otros por alquilar ropa elegante ya que la usan poco, etc…. Adaptar tu consumo de moda a tu estilo de vida y posibilidades es un pequeño gran paso para comenzar./ Apply a series of rules for the new members of your wardrobe. There are some pieces that I know I will continue shopping in fast fashion stores for now (in my case: socks, exercise clothes and other things that it would not hurt to get rid of in case I had to move). Some people choose to buy very good quality basics, others to rent elegant clothes since they use them just once a year, etc…. Adapting your fashion consumption to your lifestyle and possibilities is a great little step to start.
PS: Y entender que algunas cosas nos van a costar un poco más que en las tiendas fast fashion. En países como en España ya el solo hecho de ser freelancer te supone una cuota de casi 300 euros al mes + impuestos + alquiler de local y si encima tienes que pagar sueldos…. pues las cuentas no salen para poner una falda al precio de H&M./ PS: And understand that some things are going to cost us a little more than in fast fashion stores. In countries like Spain, the mere fact of being a freelancer supposes a quota of almost 300 euros per month + taxes + rent of premises and if you have to pay salaries…. accounts can’t allow independent brands to sell a skirt at the price of H&M.
SO NOW WHAT?
Obviamente a los dueños de las grandes cadenas de fast fashion les viene valiendo un cacahuate que yo dejé de comprar un par de cosas en sus tiendas, pero mi compra en un proyecto más pequeño si que puede hacer un cambio en esa cadena de preparación y dar empuje a un pequeño diseñador/proyecto que va a necesitar mucho más ese dinero que las personas de las grandes esferas./ Obviously the owners of fast fashion store don’t care if I stop buying a couple of things in their stores, but my purchase in a smaller project can make a change in that preparation chain and push a small designer / project that is going to appreciate that purchase, at least more than people in the big spheres.
Creo que el tema del fast fashion + moda sostenible tiene un montón e capas, pero atacar a un proyecto sólo por tener precios más elevados que Zara o H&M es quedarse en la superficie y todos podemos dar baby steps para modificar nuestro consumo de moda. ¿Qué otras acciones sugieres? Yo propongo volver a enamorarnos de la ropa que ya tenemos./ I think the issue of fast fashion + sustainable fashion has a lot of layers, but to attack a project just for having higher prices than Zara or H&M is to stay on the surface and we can all take baby steps to modify our fashion consumption. What other actions do you suggest? I propose to fall in love with the clothes we already have.
Más tips de moda sostenible por S MODA AQUÍ./ More sustainable fashion tips by S MODA HERE.
Such a great article Pablo!! Yes to a more slow “fast” fashion. I’ve been swapping, or more like borrowing, clothes from friends more and more. I’m right now borrowing a brown jacket from a friend, which she’d grown tired of. I really love it although it’s not a clothing piece I’d buy for myself as for now, so it’s great that I can borrow it. I also like the idea of investing money back into your own community. It’s more expensive indeed, but definitely sustainable! Xx
Thank you for this lovely comment, Mia!
Borrowing from friends should be normalized right? Obviously with close friends, as we sometimes do with family… Sometimes you need a specific piece just for a specific date, such as party!
Hey Pablo, how you doin? Did you got used again to the normal daily life?
Really, since the weather is still so good (here as there in Barcelona, I guess) I hope you still manage to enjoy those last summer days (safety of course)!
But let’s pass to the topic of the week. And what a topic! This is one of the most controversial argument around, and I have to say that you’ve developed it very well: wisely and reasonably!
For my concern, I’m starting from a simple fact: I have to sustain myself firstly. Maybe sounds selfish but that’s it.
I mean, of course that if I’d have loads of money I’d buy everything sustainable: but since I have to think of many other expenses of my life I can’t nauturally buy a skirt of 300€ that is sustainable, pretty and of good quality.
I have to choice, and the choice is often among pretty or sustainable or of good quality: just one. And sincerily I choose the pretty, since I buy clothes to look pretty.
Then if I have the chance , I buy sutainable every time that I can (like the recycled line from H&M), but firstly I have to like the piece.
Plus almost ALL the sustainable shops I like the most are so expensive!!!
Buying things of good quality is another very intelligent way to shopping, but really right now I’ve got yet all my basics of good quality, if I buy a neon sweater definitely I don’t buy it made of cachemire since I know that it wont’ last… In short it’s a very complicated matter!
Your ideas to still have a sustainable shopping are all very smart and practical, doing sustainable in little steps and without beaing obsessed from it!
Wising you a great week end, dear! Stay safe!
XO
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
Hello Silvia, I hope you’re doing good! I’m doing well and making my life as normal as possible, but with a lot of precautions to be honest! Trying to enjoy the last bits of summer.
And thank you so much for your feedback, I totally understand your point…. I remember that H&M was even a luxury for me when I arrived to Barcelona and I didn’t had a job, just my savings… Then after I started to get money Zara and H&M were my first options and I didn’t care about sustainability, but then after starting working in an event related to sustainable fashion I realized that there is a world of options with less impacts…. but of course it was an organic evolution and right now I am doing baby steps, I think this is the most feasible option from everyone’s possibilities of course 🙂
Such a great article Pablo! I’m glad to read more about it. I try to be green in my fashion options. Sometimes it is by buying locally made clothes and supporting local artisans and sometimes by shopping my own closet, I love what you said about making our own rules. I think it also helps to find a personal style we are really happy with. That makes it easier to resist fast fashion.
I really enjoyed reading your opinions. I love what you said here- Buying sustainable fashion is not only shopping at Stella McCartney. We don’t have to buy a designer that is 100 percent ecological, we can also be sustainable within our community. Actions like ordering a dress from a small local designer or a bracelet from an artisan are not just taking away from fast fashion, they also help to support creative individuals and that’s extremely important. Sustainable fashion as you point out- it also has to do with small actions within our community. I LOVE WHAT YOU SAID HER: ‘ Buy from the girl who embroiders by hand, in neighborhood bazaars or from the collective that prints T-shirts at a small workshop. The best thing about this is that the money stays in your own community.’
Buying less but buying better quality is also a great options.
I think people have become too spoiled, they expect low prices from small brands and that is just impossible. Big brands like Zara and etc steal designs from independent artists or designers all the time. If we want creativity to survive we need to support it and that means less or no shopping Fast Fashion.
Hey Ivana, thank you so much for your lovely opinion, it is great to read your thoughts about every single topic!
I think we tend to judge even the smaller steps, like when somebody is trying to do a vegetarian diet but just during Monday…. that small option can create a big impact if it is repeated and if you encourage more people to do it, even for one day. So same with sustainable fashion, since there is not just one way to approach it.
For example you do a great job by telling us how to do endless combinations with the same piece 🙂
Yes indeed this is more complicated then we would like to think. I try not buy a lot of fast fashion and I feel fast fashion itself has to become more sustainable perhaps it will due to public pressure. But yes not everyone can afford high-end designer clothes. And in particular those with children who out grow them quickly.
I think a combination of buying preloved, renting if you can, buying more quality sustainable pieces when you can. And keeping FF for the things you mentioned or the occasional super trendy piece.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Hello Allie!
I agree with you, some brands (obviously the biggest brands) are trying to do a big effort, but do they really identify their business model with sustainability? I don’t know….
Thank you for stopping by!
I love this post! I didn’t get into fashion until after I retired. My work always dictated what I wore before (scrubs, then business casual). I often feel like I’m playing catch up. It took me awhile to figure out what I really liked, what my style is. In that quest, I was drawn to fast fashion, because it was an easy way to try a new look. But the thing of it is, I never buy anything with the intent of wearing it just a few times, and if it turns out that I don’t like something then I donate it to a charity shop. Regardless of whether I buy an expensive item, or a cheap one, my clothes tend to last forever. I’m just not that hard on them.
As for other ways to deal with the wastefulness of dealing with fast fashion, if I order online and the item doesn’t fit, I don’t send it back unless I know it will be restocked. Amazon has found its cheaper to throw things in the landfill rather than restocking. The waste infuriates me. There are companies who will destroy their items that don’t sell rather than put them on sale or donating them as they don’t want to harm their reputation. This infuriates me too. (I need to do research again, to remind myself which brands they are.)
Excellent post!
Hello Michelle! Thank you so much for stopping by!
I’d also say that fashion has to do a lot with personal lifestyle, with our agendas and with our needs…. despite the biggest trends, since everyone is looking for something particular. As you, some of my clothes are lasting a lot, since I am always trying to take care of them and lately, just buying the things that I really like or the things that I really need.
But as you I’m staring to get mad with all the waste, since fashion is one of the most contaminant industries out there! I think the second or so… Imagine that!
These are good rules to have! i am trying to shop less – i can’t buy sustainable and ethical all the time, i don’t have that budget, but by shopping less and shopping second hand more I’m hoping to have less of an environmental impact with my fashion choices! Plus my kids love coming thrifting with me as we always stop by the book section before we leave and get some new to them books! 🙂
Hope that you are having a lovely weekend 🙂
Thanks for visiting, Mica!
As you I don’t have the budget to fill all my closet with sustainable fashion, but making baby steps like you said (thrifting) is a good resource!
Thank you for your lovely comment on my post, Pablo!
I love this topic because I, myself, am curious about sustainable fashion. I’ve been wanting to do my part on this but of course it takes time! I love your point in having a clothing swap because I have never thought of that before. What a brilliant idea!
Thank you for this.
x, Bee | https://beecaluya.com
Thanks for coming back to the blog, Bee!
Hope you enjoy the upcoming posts, planning to talk more about sustainable fashion!
This is a very good topic, Pablo! Makes people think about their shopping style and spending habits.
Personally, I am here to support smaller businesses and their ideas, especially if they offer convenient shipping methods and overall cost is reasonable. I guess one thing smaller/sustainable businesses should pay attention to is the price they charge you. Sometimes it is (and I am sorry to say this) astronomical. And it is not just fashion, it can be beauty, food stuff or anything in-between. Add extremely slow delivery (2-4 weeks for a simple online order) and you wonder if it is easier to just go and get something down the street.
I also agree that there are small, easily replaceable things that are easier to get from fast-fashion brands. These are your basics (white/black t-shirts and now even reusable face masks). Of course I would not mind to sport Gucci socks around the house, maybe some time soon hah!
Having said that, I haven’t added anything to my wardrobe this year at all (sigh). The only thing I purchased so far was skincare, sportswear and homewear (sums up my lockdown lifestyle lol)
P.S. love your illustrations here!! xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
Thanks for your comment Naya! 🙂 Lately I’ve thinking a lot about my shopping habits in order to have a healthier relationship with my money.
But I totally agree with you, some small-sustainable business raise the price too high and then it is a little bit difficult to support the cause, but I’m always here to try new options and spot new designers to support their projects, understanding that some prices can’t be the same if we compare it with the biggest brands!
Thanks for everything as usual!
Pablo
Hey Fungi!
I hope you are doing well! Thank you for sharing your great article about fast fashion and sustainable fashion. I really love the last sentence! Your illustrations are also great!!!
When I am confused and tired, I think that there is not clothe I want to wear in my closet. When I get myself back, I can see lovely clothes in my closet. It is a funny illusion, right? For that reason, keeping to relax with coffee and music is important for me to love my clothes 🙂
Your blog support me always when I think about fashion! Thank you so much, Fungi! Have a great day 🙂
akiko
Hello Akiko, thank you always for your warm comments, really appreciate the fact that you take the time to visit my site 🙂
I’m loving your last sentence here, about loving the clothes we already have.
I’m not gonna lie I have a lot of clothes but I’m not planning to just wearing them once. It’s so much fun to find a lot of different ways to wear them.
To me the worst is not to buy fast fashion, the worst is to buy clothes and just wearing them once.
But I don’t like the way how now everything’s is going too fast. New collections are popping every week. Sometimes it makes me questions if there is still trends since everything’s evolving so fast.
I’m just happy I can make some of clothes. It makes me add even more special items to my closet.
And sometimes it just fun to take the time to appreciate just one piece than just buying 10 new ones.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Yes, that’s the worst! I mean, buying fast fashion doesn’t make a bad person, this topic is way more complex but the fact to wear that cheap t shirt just one time…. I think we can make an effort even if we’re buying at big companies.
I imagine making your own clothes expand all the possibilities! Kudos on that, great thing Margot 😀
Have a lovely day!
Hey Fungi!
This year I’m totally falling in love all over again with the clothes I already own. I haven’t bought anything new because now most often I find myself at home or going out in nature where fashion isn’t needed. haha
And to help keep this throughout the end of the year, I’m not going on any of my favorite shopping sites. I’m so proud! hahaha
Hope you’re doing great! Happy September!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Hello Radi!
As you I haven’t bought clothes, just a shirt and a pair of shoes from Superga, but I’m trying to fall in love with my old pieces 🙂
Such an insightful blog post. Yes!! we know we need to make more sustainable choices but living in todays world of fashion it is quite hard actually to go all out. But we can start with small steps and try our best not to consume any fast or unethically sourced pieces. Thankfully with posts like yours maybe people will make more informed and educated.
Thanks you so much for your comment Ann!
I totally agree with you, it is difficult to navigate in today’s fashion world with all those reduced prices and the fact that big fashion brands are almost everyhere!
Todos podemos cambiarlo un poquito 🙂
Oh Pablo such a masterpiece!! So many helpful tips and yes you are right baby steps are better than the all-or-nothing-mentality. Slowly changing to more sustainable/fair fashion.
I love the idea of borrowing things and have been doing this more and more in the last year with friends. Especially when it comes to unique outfits like fancy dresses, which you only wear at weddings/parties and just a couple of times.
But also more day-to-day clothes like older jackets can make someone else really happy, especially when it`s still good but just doesn`t fit you so good anymore or just isn`t your style anymore.
have a great start in the new week, looking forward to read your next post!!
Tiziana
http://www.tizianaolbrich.de
Hello Tiziana, thank you so much for taking the time to leave your comment!
Slowly changing is perfect, there are no specific steps when it comes to improve our habits and we can all adapt those changes to our own lifestyle 😉
I completely understand that people need to buy fast fashion when they have so many other monetary commitments going on, and I strongly believe that we shouldn’t judge others for not being able to afford more eco-friendly fashion. I think that being mindful and trying to at the very least slow down our fashion consumption is the best thing to do, especially for those who find themselves struggling.
Have you seen the documentary called Blood, Sweat and T-Shirts? I think it was by the BBC but it talks about the fast fashion industry and the UK’s part in it, and I think you might be interested in it!
Hi Amy, good to hear from you!
Thanks for your kind feedback, as you I think we all can do small steps , slowing fashion consumption (even tho you only buy at big fashion brand) is a great way to start!
I need to check that documentary! BBC always have interesting stuff to watch!
sustainability is a topic that I’m always interested in. I’m very happy to hear your opinions and story about fashion and sustainability. I agree that the cost of buying a sustainable fashion piece is usually at a higher rate and perhaps not everyone can afford it especially in challenging times like this. I feel that a consumer we have to be smart about our purchase. In my case I prefer to buy a better quality item even though it is only 1 piece. I personally prefer quality vs quantity. I also agree with your view on buying locally made brand as it will grow the community better. Of course for certain item i still buy from a fast fashion retailer e.g. socks and scarfs in adequate amount. It is a plus minus and depends on each and everyone’s lifestyle preference. Nevertheless, even though nothing we do is perfect, at least we start to do so.
I know! Your blog is full of interesting sustainable fashion proposals, thanks for introducing me to new projects!
And I’m on your team, I prefer a single piece that I know I’m going to use a lot instead of a lot of pieces! Lately I’ve been thinking on how to improve my wardrobe and my fashion consumption, but it is a process that takes a few years go master 🙂