Leaving fast fashion in 2022

Jemima Henderson discusses fast fashion and the need to shop sustainably

Iwas unsurprised to discover that Shein has been named the most successful online retailer of 2022. With its a ordable prices, accessibility and choice of thousands of products, it’s hardly shocking that Shein was the most googled fashion brand in 113 countries this year, or that the company has been valued at a staggering $100 billion dollars. However, behind its popularity lies the devastating impacts of the fast fashion industry.

Increasing consumerism, perpetuated by the fast fashion industry, has devastating e ects both on the environment and on the rights of labourers. It is estimated that each year, 92 million tons of textile waste end up in landfill. This waste, for the most part made up of synthetic fibres, then takes centuries to decompose. Brands like Shein, the majority of whose income comes from online shopping, are to blame for a lot of the subsequent environmental damage. It is thought that if this cycle continues, by 2050 the fashion industry will be using a quarter of the world’s annual carbon budget. Needless to say, the statistics are astonishing.

Fast fashion, however, is di cult to avoid

Fast fashion, however, is di cult to avoid. The appeal of a cheap price tag, combined with the desire to keep up with the latest trends, has certainly drawn me to fast fashion brands in the past, and a move to sustainable shopping will be a big personal challenge. There is no doubt that the cost-of-living crisis has contributed to the growth of brands like Shein and ASOS, as people turn to companies with more a ordable prices. Shopping sustainably, though, does not always have to be expensive. Online marketplaces like Depop and Vinted are also great places on which to buy or sell secondhand items. In terms of education, the University’s Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Society is a good way to learn more about the devastating consequences of fast fashion. However, I will admit that have struggled to find brands that are both environmentally conscious and a ordable. As environmentally conscious brands often use organic cotton, lowimpact dyes and natural materials, their products, unsurprisingly, cost more than those from high street shops. Although not an option for everyone, it is normally worth investing in a piece from a more eco-friendly brand, as their pieces will most likely last a lot longer than cheaper items that are made from synthetic materials.

Shopping sustainably does not always have to be expensive

If you are like me – constantly influenced by what is trending on social media – shopping secondhand may pose some di culties.

A challenge I anticipate as I try to shop more sustainably in 2023 is how to update my wardrobe with pieces that fit the constantly changing trends. Growing-up watching fashion influencers definitely had an impact on how I used to shop, with the weekly haul videos persuading me to buy what was deemed fashionable at that moment. But, faced with the fact that Shein workers are paid roughly $0.02 USD per clothing item they make, the notion of staying fashionable has begun to seem absurd. As well as changing our shopping habits, therefore, we must reconsider what it means to be stylish. Instead of following the crowd, the most fashionable thing we can do now is to re-wear, rework and re-style the clothes we already have. One small change I have already made is to avoid buying a new dress for each ball or formal; re-wearing a dress I already have or borrowing a piece from a friend both saves money and benefits the environment.

It can feel daunting to try to make the switch to sustainable shopping, especially given the prominence of fast fashion in our society. The best way, I have found, is to make small, gradual changes. By making the e ort to research eco-friendly brands and rewearing items in your wardrobe, these small changes will make a di erence.

Fast fashion is destroying the planet and undermining the labour rights of millions; are we still willing to clothe ourselves with this burden?

I’m really excited to try the new vintage shop on North Road! I’ve seen some really cool pieces in the window and it looks like a great addition to the many charity shops in Durham.

One of the best activities in Durham is to go charity shopping! My personal favourite is the British Heart Foundation. With a little bit of patience, I have found some wonderful clothes!