Why Learn Conscious Clothing Consumption

A few thousand years ago, clothing became an indicator of social status, and before that it performed only a practical function of protection from the cold and the sun. Over time, beautiful things ceased to be the privilege of wealthy segments of the population: there was a transition to machine production, tailoring appeared in several sizes at once.

In the 1960s, young people opposed bourgeois values ​​and created new subcultures. World fashion offered low-cost students inexpensive clothes that helped them express themselves and oppose themselves to the older generation. Fashion has become public: if in 1995 a parcel with things was expected on average 9 days, now couriers will deliver any order within 24 hours.

Reverse side of fast fashion

A few decades ago, fashion houses began to release collections once a season, the concept of trends appeared. In the 1980s and 90s, many mass-market brands began to rapidly reduce the production cycle of clothing. Today, from the development of products similar to things from the last fashion show, to the start of their sales, it takes from two to four weeks. New models do not stay in stores for more than a month.

Fast fashion also has disadvantages: polyester and viscose are made from petroleum products and cellulose, and chemicals and heavy metals are used in the process of their processing and dyeing. Incredible damage to the environment is caused by toxic waste and the mass disposal of clothes and shoes that quickly fell into disrepair, a huge part of which cannot be recycled due to the mixed composition.

Mass-market brands known to us do not use materials more expensive than $ 5 per meter, so some products are literally disposable and become unusable after several washes. This is beneficial for the manufacturer: the faster customers will come to the store to update their wardrobe.

The low cost of things is achieved not only by saving on fabrics. This is facilitated by the meager wages of seamstresses, and dangerous working conditions in factories, and the involvement of children in the work. In 2013, it became known that in the illegal workshops of one brand in Buenos Aires, not only adults, but also children worked for 16 hours without interruption. In April of the same year, a huge garment factory collapsed in Bangladesh, which had contracts with big brands. As a result of the tragedy, 1130 people died, including children who came to work with their mothers.

Changing consciousness

Many are beginning to practice conscious consumption: already last year, a study by the international holding Romir showed that 60% of Russians prefer thoughtful shopping. Focusing on quality over quantity not only frees up space in your closet and home, but also gets rid of the “garbage” in your head.

By carefully compiling the wardrobe, we soon realize that our style is changing for the better. This is not surprising: having got rid of the habit of being guided by fashion trends and cheer ourselves up with purchases, we listen more to our feelings and carefully choose each item. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to find the real you.

The feeling of comfort from the harmony of internal and external has a positive effect on communication: we feel more confident in our favorite and beautiful clothes, emphasizing our dignity and reflecting our sense of self. In this regard, attention to the image can also be considered as taking care of one’s psychological health.

“I only have money for the mass market”

Do not think that a conscious approach to fashion is expensive. It does not mean switching to things exclusively from expensive organic cotton. An equivalent, but more ethical replacement for the mass market is resale. On the sites specializing in the resale of clothing, you can find brand new or worn a couple of items from luxury brands at affordable prices. Made from quality materials and well-tailored, they can last for more than one season, especially if you choose laconic models or neutral colors.

It is important that the resale of clothes and shoes does not harm the environment, because natural resources are not spent on the production of things. We should not be ashamed of resale: when traveling, we sleep on the same linen as millions of people before us, and in a restaurant we are far from the first to use cutlery brought by the waiter.

Priceless specimens

Especially experienced in fashion appreciate vintage things. It is not uncommon for jeans made in the 1980s or 1990s to have a thicker fabric and a better fit. And a vintage bag can transform both a day outfit and an evening outfit, and the chances of meeting someone with the same accessory are close to zero. Vintage is known for its high quality, but at the same time, the price range allows anyone to become the owner of a unique thing.

Specialist will help

Conscious consumption of clothes and shoes will help the analysis of the wardrobe with a stylist. This is not a luxury at all, available only to lovers of expensive designer items. An expert will help you create a functional set of clothes for any price category. He will tell you what things it is time to get rid of, because they are outdated, do not decorate or do not sit well.

The stylist gives advice on future purchases and teaches you how to choose clothes to match your new wardrobe. The presence of a capsule: a small number of clothes and accessories that perfectly match each other – allows you to endlessly create a variety of sets for going out.

Receive by giving

Over the past five years, clothing manufacturers have become more environmentally responsible. Some brands practice trade-in: you can bring unwanted clothes and bed linen of any brand to their stores and get a discount coupon. Textiles in good condition are sent to second-hand stores, and the rest is made into cleaning materials or sent for recycling.

It can often be very helpful to rethink your habits and start taking responsibility for your life: taking care of yourself, being kinder to the world, and being more mindful in your daily activities.