Fashion is only as important as you need it to be.

Fashion is a big part of our daily lives, and it's often perceived as a way to express ourselves and make a statement.  But with the rise of fast fashion and the environmental impact it has, it's important to re-evaluate the role that fashion plays in our lives. The truth is, fashion is only as important as you need it to be.

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!)

(Image source: Inside the Ugliness of the Fast Fashion Industry, Mehreen Tariq Ghani on Medium)

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.