Three Common Slow Fashion Myths Busted - Why Sustainable Fashion Gets a Bad Rap

With the rise of consumer consciousness and the demand for environmentally friendly fashion, many people like you, are on the hunt for clothing options that are affordable and kind to the planet. However, there are still plenty of skeptics out there that fall into the fast-fashion trap simply because of convenience and low price-point.

There are many myths floating about that keep consumers from making ethical clothing choices. Their intentions are good, but they’re slow to act simply because they may not know where to begin their sustainable fashion journey.

If you’ve found yourself confused or hesitant to make the transition into ethical fashion, you’re not alone. It can be a daunting choice, but to help make your journey a little less of a chore, here are the most common slow fashion myths and the truths behind them.

MYTH #1: Slow Fashion Is Ugly & Plain

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I admit when I first dove into the world of slow fashion, I expected to see a lot of rail-thin women wearing tan and beige sack dresses made of linen or burlap and completely void of shape or silhouette. While those do exist, I was pleasantly surprised to discover an abundance of design talent and hi-fashion looks.

Contrary to popular and uninformed opinions, slow fashion is very stylish. There are a plethora of brands offering wildly attractive designs for every shape, size, and style. 

My biggest surprise and naughty little find was a brand of sustainable and elegant lingerie. I didn't even know that was a thing!

I quickly fell down the rabbit hole of beautiful garments made with love and unique design. Not every look was my flavor, but there are some exquisite pieces and talented designers. 

With the growing number of slow fashion designers and the expansive global community, more materials are available to creators which gives us savvy fashionistas plenty of stylish options to choose from.

You can find everything from casual everyday wear to swimwear from Ocean Child Swim, high-fashion dresses by Brunna or Paneros Clothing, business attire, loungewear, and even lingerie for the kink-friendly at Aurore Lingerie. Yep, I went there. Slow fashion literally has something for everyone.

For a robust list of designers, check out the Our Common Place Marketplace.

MYTH #2: Sustainable Clothing is Expensive

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Secondhand shopping is sustainable fashion even if the brands or items may not be. True, there are those who would argue with me here, but if one of the basic tenets of sustainability is to reduce consumption, then reusing what exists falls right into alignment with that.

You can find quality items from your favorite designers (even if they’re not technically eco-friendly) at consignment shops and local thrift stores. The act of buying local, supporting a small business, and reusing previously loved clothing is slow fashion. You’re reducing waste and giving existing pieces new life. 

When you buy from an eco-conscious brand, the initial cost may be more, but you’re supporting workers, small businesses and the quality tends to last longer so you’re buying less over time. Also, like any diligent fashionista, you know how to hunt for deals and wait for sales.

Splurge-Worthy Threads That Are Actually Worth It

The cost per use is far less and the value is far greater than buying cheaply made goods. Instead of buying ten cheap t-shirts in a year that fall apart after three washes, you’ve got one well-made item you may get a few good years out of. Sustainable fashion is about the long game.

Your money is going farther - it’s supporting a small business that pumps money directly back into their community just by paying its operating costs and their workers. Your money is helping someone make a liveable wage.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Not all self-proclaimed “sustainable” or “eco-friendly” brands are actually paying a living wage - another blog for another day. We won’t call anybody out here, but they know who they are. Stay tuned. (To read more about greenwashing, check out this sharp article in Vogue Business)

When to Swap Instead of Shop - why clothing swaps are all the rage! 

Swapping - this is a creative, fun and free way to uplevel your wardrobe. Who says you have to purchase your clothes? You can borrow or have a swapping party. Believe it or not, this is a real thing. Maybe a millennial thing, but it’s catching on because it’s sustainable and social.

The slow fashion collective is nothing if not a solid community. We love to share and swap! Shop your closet or your friends' closet or go full vintage and scope out your mom or grandma’s digs.

No-Buy Groups & The No Buy Movement

Ever heard of a no-buy group? Us minimalists are all too familiar with this amazing concept! Simply put, it’s a barter platform. We trade goods and clothing too! Check out the Buy Nothing Movement and find a local No Buy Group.

Some uber kind brands like the chic minimal brand Arielle even offer a “pay what you can” option to empower everyone to participate in slow fashion. And a tiny little secret: some brands offer sample pieces for a discount or even free!! Yeah, girl, FREE-ninety-nine.

Re-Purpose, Repair, or Recycle Old Clothing

Keep what you’ve got and get it fixed.

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Slow fashion can also mean you keep and maintain what you already own. The notion behind sustainable and intentional fashion is consuming less. So if you love what you have, but it needs a little repair - it’s worth it.

Even better, turn a plain old throw-away into a unique design that’s truly yours! That “so-last-season” dress can now be a cute summer tee! Pull out that sewing kit or take it to a professional. Get more wear out of your wardrobe. That is what slow fashion is all about!

It’s a Rental...

If you only need an item for a special occasion, first shop your closet! Then see if you can borrow, but if not, you can always rent. You’ve probably heard of Rent the Runway, but there are a few more trendy spots to get rental garb - Nuuly and Gwynnie Bee to name a couple.

There’s no sense in buying something you’ll only wear once, but if you’re dying for a new look and nothing in your closet will do, then be open to renting the piece. 

MYTH #3: Sustainable Fashion Is for Hippies & Hipsters

Maybe decades ago, before “slow fashion/sustainable fashion” had a name, buying used, homemade, or ethically designed clothing was only for the flower children, but not anymore!

If “for hippies” you mean people who care about the planet, then yes. It’s for hippies. But using that logic, it’s fair to say that if you care about the planet, welcome to the hippie club!

With every style available and within a variety of price ranges to suit any budget, sustainable fashion is not just for the tree-hugger crew.

Many high-end designers are embracing the sustainable lifestyle, ditching the sweatshop digs, using ethical methods to create their designs, reducing their waste, and incorporating thoughtful packaging into their brands. 

My girl Stella McCartney has been on the sustainable train for the long haul.

It may take a bit of browsing as you won’t readily find many of these sustainable brands on the racks of any big-box chains, but it’s only a matter of time before they get the memo! Online directories and collectives such as  OurCommonPlace and the Sustainable Jungle have put in the work to list tons of brands to make sustainable fashion more accessible. 

With a variety of style options, the world of slow fashion is just as diverse as the high-fashion world. As a former slave to the labels, I’m happy to say there are plenty of glamorous options in the sustainable fashion space. 

Slow Fashion for a Fast World

For all the former skeptics, like myself, I encourage you to join the slow fashion movement now that you know you have a variety to choose from that won’t break your bank or drag down your style.

Are you a Sustainable Fashion brand looking to increase brand exposure? Let’s chat about your marketing goals!