I’ve been debating over whether I should post this for a while now, thinking that maybe I just wanted to write it to make myself feel better, but I feel like I’m not alone in this.
As the awareness of the negative impact fashion has (on both the planet and the people involved in the industry) grows, so does the number of solutions to combat it.
Unfortunately, not everyone is able to use those tools and is now being subjected to feelings of shame and guilt.
Constant shaming won’t do any good.
Are fast fashion purchases necessary? No.
Can you find a lot of those products elsewhere, ethically made or in thrift stores? Absolutely!
But does that mean everyone is able to do so? Unfortunately no.
The (younger) consumers are facing a lot of issues created on the market and have to suffer the consequences of generations who came before them. Making less money while prices continue to rise affects them in every segment of life, not just their fashion-related purchases, having to work hard to be able to even get some of the fast fashion clothes.
Living in places where second-hand stores aren’t really a thing or just don’t offer the type of items they would wear can leave those trying to get into thrifting feeling defeated.
Reselling platforms like Depop and eBay are a great option in those cases but still aren’t without a flaw. In some countries, those websites and apps aren’t as popular (or even available to download) and if you were to stumble across an item you want it is likely from a seller on the other side of the world. Shipping costs can quickly add up too and be calculated at a price higher than the original item of interest, therefore making the possible purchase fall through as it becomes deemed as not worth it.
Also, not everyone has the time or resources needed to alter clothes, it is a learning process that takes time to perfect. But for those interested and talented it is a great way to express creativity and uniqueness, and with the internet at our fingertips, it is now easier than ever to learn.
Overconsumption is the biggest issue. Those with the ability to shop sustainably should be held accountable for unnecessarily wasteful splurging, and those who can’t, given other helpful ways to avoid supporting fast fashion companies.
The blame is inevitably shifted on consumers.
Of course, we can all hope and dream the big corporations are listening to the masses, are aware of the problems they are causing, and are willing to change. But the reality is much harsher.
Fashion is a huge, multi-billion dollar industry, and as long as the costs are low and products are selling, and making money, it is not likely we will see a big change in their business practices.
So what is easier than going after a huge company? Going after people who buy from them.
I absolutely get (and share!) the feeling of frustration after seeing influencers buying from fast fashion brands and then showing thousands of dollars worth of clothes when they could easily afford to buy those same pieces from somewhere else, but commenting mean things under a random person’s posts when they show a pair of H&M jeans seems counterproductive.
Fashion has a judgy element as it is, displayed for everyone to see, and for the longest time, the biggest concern was the price and the designer of the item. This new awareness adds another element - sustainability (which is also greatly related to price).
Not being able to afford those brands somehow becomes the buyer’s fault and the blame shifts on them for "supporting" unethical brands.
The companies should be the ones embarrassed, not those who struggle financially, so as much as we can, we should try to spread awareness and try to get regulations in place.
Don’t judge, help.
I’m sure you all know those videos of vegans yelling at people for eating meat thinking it will do something? Yeah, it won’t… if anything it will just make them resist more.
I have similar feelings about this topic. Shaming and blaming people for not being able to afford something is pointless, and might only have the opposite effect.
Instead, offer resources, help them find a way to shop sustainably that works for them, send fun tutorials, or encourage them to shop less and learn how to restyle their favorite pieces so they feel new. Educating each other is the best way to go!
There is not much more we can all do but hope people will eventually embrace this way of consuming fashion goods and those in charge will change their ways.
Hope you enjoyed this post!
If you have any tips and tricks please share them in the comments, I would absolutely love to read them!
Gonna leave you with a little something for my fellow Living-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-ers!
I know a lot of reselling apps aren’t even available in most countries or the shipping is too expensive (as I talked about 10 rows above lol) so what you can do is try to find Facebook groups of people in your region or country that are selling their old clothes!
It’s a great alternative and the only way I shop now so I hope it helps!
Just be sure to leave Facebook as soon as you’re done browsing lol
INSTAGRAM: @youworemeout