Over the past couple of years, many fashion trends have gripped our generation: cargo pants, flannel, country coats. With fashion being a form of self-expression for many, it is only natural that companies will sell clothing at very low prices—but what is the true cost of these items? Fast fashion is a term that originated in the 1990s, with fashion brands trying to imitate popular styles worn by celebrities for cheap, through low-cost production, creating the cycle of fast fashion.
Today, fast fashion is in stores everywhere. Look at any big brand to find the latest trends sold in bulk, usually at insanely cheap prices. You might not even wear all of those clothes, but the low cost and the desire to wear the trendiest items draw hundreds of shoppers into buying mass quantities of clothing that will likely be disposed of within the year.
In today’s world, it is easy to fall into the trap of consumerism. But it is also important to remember that the fast fashion you see in stores is mass-produced through cheap labor to maximize sales and lower the cost of production all while polluting the environment. By thrifting or upcycling clothing instead, you can help both customize your own style and help the environment.