For some, fashion is a way to express their individuality and creativity. They enjoy the process of selecting and putting together outfits and the confidence it brings. For others, fashion is just a tool to get dressed in the morning and not something they give much thought to. And we don’t think there is anything wrong with either of these approaches.
However, the problem lies in the pressure to conform to certain fashion trends and the belief that we need to constantly update our wardrobes to stay relevant or stylish. This is where fast fashion comes in, offering cheap and disposable clothing that we can buy without much thought or consideration. But the consequences of this approach to fashion are devastating, both to the environment and to the people who make the clothes (the average wage for a fast fashion worker in India is around 200-300 rupees per day for which in some cases, workers may need to produce hundreds of pieces of a single garment in a day!)
The fast fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, contributing to water and air pollution, toxic chemical use, and greenhouse gas emissions. It also relies on exploitative labor practices, often in developing countries, where workers are paid low wages and work in dangerous conditions.
So, instead of blindly following trends and constantly buying new clothes that have a short shelf life, it's important to recognize that fashion is only as important as you need it to be.
One way to make fashion more sustainable and ethical is to opt for slow fashion instead of fast fashion. This means investing in high-quality, well-made clothes that will last you longer, rather than buying disposable pieces that will fall apart after a few wears. You can also shop for second-hand clothing or support brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production methods.
In conclusion, fashion is a personal choice and its importance is subjective. By recognizing the impact of fast fashion and making more conscious fashion choices, we can create a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry, and live a life that is true to ourselves.
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First, let’s look at the production side of the fashion industry. With globalization, it is now easier for brands to source materials and manufacture clothing in different countries. This allows them to take advantage of lower labour costs, access new markets, and produce clothing more efficiently. However, it also raises concerns about ethical labour practices and the environmental impact of global production chains.
On the consumption side, the rise of e-commerce and the internet has made it easier for consumers to purchase clothing from anywhere in the world. Consumers now have access to a wider range of styles and brands, and can purchase clothing from different countries without ever leaving their homes. However, this globalization of the fashion industry has also led to the rapid growth of fast fashion, which is characterized by its focus on speed, low cost, and mass production.
So, what does all of this mean for the future of fashion? Fashion without borders represents both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, it allows for greater creativity and collaboration, as designers and consumers from all over the world can come together and share ideas. On the other hand, it also raises concerns about sustainability and ethics, as the fashion industry becomes increasingly complex and globalized.
At the heart of the fashion without borders movement is a desire for a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. Consumers are becoming more conscious about the impact their purchases have on the environment and workers, and are looking for sustainable and stylish clothing options. Brands that prioritize sustainability, ethics, and quality are increasingly popular, as consumers seek to make a positive impact with their purchases.
Building a fashion industry that celebrates diversity and prioritizes the well-being of the planet and its people requires a multi-faceted approach that involves all stakeholders, including designers, consumers, and industry leaders. Here are some steps that are taken to achieve this goal:
In conclusion, fashion without borders represents a new era for the fashion industry. As the industry becomes increasingly global and interconnected, it is up to designers, consumers, and industry leaders to ensure that fashion remains sustainable, ethical, and creative. By working together, we can build a fashion industry that celebrates diversity and prioritizes the well-being of the planet and its people.
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We are all aware of the fast-paced, use-and-throw fashion industry of this era. The mass-produced garments, directly and indirectly, contribute to many environmental no-nos. We also know enough about microplastic pollution and overflowing landfills, which are constantly in news today.
But why are we still unable to change our shopping patterns? Have you ever sat back and thought about how it was done back in the old days?
Rewind to pre-historic times, the early hunter-gatherers and nomads wore leaves, bark and animal hides as clothes. Animal hides were made on a strictly need basis. Large-scale tanneries and fur factories did not exist then. The environment was still healthy.
Later, linen and wool were a huge hit. Starting from the ancient Egyptian civilization, to the Grecian and Roman empires, linen togas and tunics were in vogue. All the materials were hand-woven and produced on a small scale.
Let’s revisit the times when our grandparents bought clothes on rare occasions or when our parents rocked bell bottoms. Garments were definitely not the main reason the environment suffered back then. Since the Industrial Revolution took a firm root, the apparel industry went on to become more and more unsustainable.
This is why we claim that the ancients got it right. Their approach to fashion, though extravagant was nowhere near as unfeasible as it is now.
Is it possible to live a zero-waste, slow-fashion lifestyle now?
Let us take the example of Angel Chang. She is an American fashion designer who moved back to Guizhou province in rural China. There she learnt the traditional knowledge of the Miao, Dong and Buyi tribes that goes back 14 generations in history. She learnt about plant dyes and indigenous techniques for making garments.
Chang aims to focus on a different tribe from a different location each season and highlight their craftmanship. Her line of clothing is designed and manufactured by these tribes in a zero-carbon and natural manner. “For the public, the collection enables them to learn about indigenous practices and experience the joy of wearing clothing made directly from nature,” she says. “For the artisans, each purchase brings revenue back to their communities and creates jobs for elders, mothers, and the younger generation.”
There are many eco-conscious brands like Angel Chang, that seeks to make the planet a better place. Slowthreads looks to do the same.
How can we as individuals emulate the ancients and start being kinder to the world?
- Written by Sukhanya Sriraman
]]>But things have taken a dramatic turn since then. Clothes are now used to make a statement. They are a form of self-expression. Clothes define one’s mood and form a narrative of our life through the fashion choices we make.
Workplaces encourage formal wear since they are believed to have a very tangible impact on one’s psychological state. It can define a productive or an unproductive day. This is referred to as “enclothed recognition” by researchers at Northwestern University in the US.
COMFORT or STYLE?
But how often have we focused on how comfortable we feel in these clothes?
The very instant you wear a piece of cloth; your sensory nerves are on fire. They are actively trying to gauge the softness of the fabric, its feel on your skin, its smell, and so on. According to a case study published by the Journal of Sensory Studies, people preferred comfort just as much as style. 66 per cent of the people were reported to have paid lots of importance to the material of cloth they purchase. This was because it gave them a sense of calm.
But do comfort and style go together? Oversized tees, hoodies, baggy pants, and worn-out jeans are rarely seen to make a statement. Comfortable clothing is seen as a code for “a lazy look”. But this is not really the case.
Why comfortable clothes make sense? Comfortable clothes are powerful enough to elicit a physiological response. The amygdala of the brain stores memories attributed to mental comfort and relaxation. We usually associate these memories with positive feelings. When we wear comfortable clothes, the amygdala triggers our “comfort memory”, immediately calming down our mind and body.
Feeling comfortable in your clothes allows you to listen to what your body needs without any distraction.
CHIC YET COMFORTABLE?
How do you look chic, yet feel comfortable?
There is no good or bad when it comes to clothes. Fashion is timeless, one simply just needs to find their style – something that’s personal to them
Old isn’t gold always. Know when your clothes’ lifetime has come to an end. Is it incredibly worn out? Is it torn in multiple places? Upcycle or recycle or restyle the piece of clothing or pass them on if wearable.
Play around with fabrics. Find different materials - natural fabrics like khadi, linen, hemp and cotton are fabulous on your body - to style
yourself
It is not only about the fit! It isn’t essential to wear skinny or tight dresses to look good. Comfortable clothes work just fine. Accessorizing loose clothes with a belt or tying them up at the waist are easy ways to balance out style and comfort.
Follow us for more exciting content and be sure to shop at Slowthreads, where comfort and fashion go hand-in-hand!
- written by Sukanya Sriraman
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