How Are Upcoming Fashion Trends Responsible For The Rise Of Fast Fashion
Never in the history of the world has fashion moved as quickly as it does in the digital era. Between Tiktok and Instagram, we now see millions of strangers' outfits a day. We also see how quickly trends can change.
Trends are very fun but they can have a detrimental effect on the environment. Companies like Forever 21 and H&M feed off of this. Typically, trends cause Fast Fashion. Any clothing can end up as fast fashion depending on how it's used, really.
Companies like Forever 21 and H&M are only a few of the hundreds of companies that contribute to fast fashion globally. They follow internet trends very closely and quickly reproduce items. They often create millions of items and sell them at low prices. They will also make them of poorer quality.
When the trends end, they are often left with a lot of stock. When the pieces go completely out of style for the consumers, they end up in the same place as the leftover stock; oftentimes it's the dump. Some of the pieces might be donated or passed on, but a good amount of time, its thrown out in the end,
Fast Fashion is one of the largest contributors to pollution. Pieces are thrown out while they still can be used if managed efficiently. They go to the trash because they're out of style or because the consumer no longer wants them, even though they still have use for them.
Fabrics are also made with less and less natural materials. Many manufacturers are switching to man-made plastics for their clothing. Not to say some haven't switched to recycled materials, but many haven't. The creation of fabrics in factories is another contributor to air pollution.
There’s a lot of ways you can help fight fast fashion. You also have the power to choose more sustainable brands. Another option is to not follow trends! You have so many options out there for how you choose to dress, you shouldn't feel dominated by trends!
In summary, most large brands are often contributing to fast fashion waste because of how they follow trends. They often make too many pieces and can't sell them all before the trend goes out of business.
Opinions and Perspectives
I never realized how much social media influences these fast fashion cycles. Pretty eye-opening article!
What bothers me most is how these companies keep churning out new styles every week without considering environmental impact at all
Actually got rid of my TikTok because I was constantly feeling pressure to buy new trendy outfits. Best decision I've made for my wallet and closet
I started thrifting most of my clothes last year and honestly find much better quality items than what's at fast fashion stores
The article makes good points but fails to address how unaffordable sustainable fashion is for many people
We need to normalize wearing the same outfits multiple times instead of this constant pressure to have new clothes
I work in retail and the amount of perfectly good clothing we have to dispose of is heartbreaking
Does anyone else feel overwhelmed by how quickly trends change now? I can barely keep up
Totally agree with avoiding trends. I've developed my own personal style and it feels so much more authentic
The statistics about fabric waste in landfills are shocking. We really need to rethink our consumption habits
My grandmother used to make her own clothes. Maybe we need to bring back some of those old school skills
I've started buying mostly classic pieces that won't go out of style. Saves money in the long run too
Let's be real though, these sustainable brands are way too expensive for average people
The article doesn't mention how fast fashion companies often exploit workers in developing countries
I try to stick to a capsule wardrobe now. Makes getting dressed easier and more sustainable
Just watched a documentary about this. The amount of water pollution from textile manufacturing is insane
Anyone else noticed how H&M always has those sustainable collections but still produces tons of waste?
Been trying to teach my kids about conscious consumption. It's harder with all the social media influence
The part about synthetic materials really got me thinking. Most of my workout clothes are basically plastic
I actually disagree about trends being all bad. They can be fun if we approach them mindfully
Trying to find a balance between staying current and being sustainable is really challenging