How To Go From Fast To Slow

Choosing slow fashion over fast fashion is something we all need to do, but how does one get started? Let’s go from fast to slow.

I’ll be the first to admit my love for fashion. And it can be very fun indeed to look through the new arrivals in the shops. Online and in stores. Creativity and artistry should always be celebrated, I say.

However, I don’t think there is a person out there who doesn’t carry a fair bit of creativity in their hearts. While something may be out of budget for you, making it yourself isn’t.

At any rate, I am no longer as keen on hearing about the new trends or what the big corporations decided they want us to wear and purchase this season. If I do look in the shops, online or in person, it is for inspiration alone.

The thing is that once you’ve opened your eyes to the truths of fast fashion, you can’t unsee it. However much they market their designs to you, claiming to be oh-so eco-friendly, all you see before your inner eye are the landfills full of their designs, the workers who have worked tirelessly for hardly a penny to make the garments, and the horrible environmental impact of the material, manufacturing and the shipping. The world of fast fashion is no fairytale.

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How To Get Started

I think the best way to get started with turning a fast fashion habit into a slow one, is at the very beginning. In other words, you should begin with your own clothes and shoes. As Konmari mentions, you should gather them all at once and place them before you. Hold and evaluate each one to figure out what you want to keep, what you want to transform, and what you want to let go of. Thank what you let go of, and then decide how you want to move forward. You could sell it, donate it or bring it to a swap meet and trade it for garments and shoes that you do want.

The garments you wish to keep, look them through and jot down what they are, what materials they are made out of and what size you wear.

Now, let’s move on to the garments you wish to transform. If I were you, I would begin by creating a mood board, either on Pinterest or on a sheet of paper or piece of cardboard. That way, you will be able to determine what kind of emotion you are going for, what colour scheme you want to stick to and what you need to add or remove to make sure the garments go well with the rest of your wardrobe.

After that, you’re off to YouTube. There are tutorials for nearly anything, and however you wish to alter or add to your garments, there is a tutorial out there for you.

When a need arises

Next time you need something for your wardrobe and you’re absolutely sure that you need it, don’t go to the big brands and sites. Go to the thrift shops, the flea markets, charity shops and second-hand stores. Search for such garments online and ask friends and family what they might have that they’d be willing to give or trade you.

Learn the basics

I think that everyone should learn how to do basic sewing and mending. And if there is interest and physical ability, I would certainly recommend learning things like pattern making, crochet, knitting and embroidery. They are very useful skills to have when making your own clothes. And think about it. When you fancy something new, you can just make it. There will be no labels attached to it, no sizes, no fuss. Just you and your creative spirit.

I’ll leave you with a few reminders.

Never throw clothes away with your “normal” trash, or scraps for that matter. So much can be done with both scraps and almost every garment – unless it is completely tattered – can be reused in some way. And if it is indeed tattered, recycle it properly. Don’t let it end up in a landfill.