Slow Fashion - Your guide to making your wardrobe sustainable

 

Many of us intuitively know that a big part of the fashion industry is broken. We realize that prices in Fast Fashion stores are too good to be true and that these clothes fall apart again in no time. But it's difficult to know how broken things really are when all we see of the production chain is a nicely ironed T-Shirt in a well-temperatured store.

Slow fashion is a thoughtful approach to making, choosing and caring for clothes. It means buying with intention, considering how garments are made and keeping them in use for longer. You can start with what’s already in your wardrobe — through care, repair, swapping and second-hand finds.

If you want to explore sustainable fashion without starting your wardrobe from scratch, this guide is for you. We’ll look at what to buy, what to ask brands and how to keep your favourites in use.

What is considered Slow Fashion?

To understand what Slow Fashion is and why it matters so much, we must first look at the harsh reality of its opposite, the Fast Fashion world:

• According to UNEP, an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated worldwide each year.

• UNEP estimates that the textile sector accounts for 2–8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

• It takes 2,700 liters of water to produce one non-organic cotton shirt

• In a 2024 BIDS survey, garment workers in Bangladesh’s export factories earned an average of around 16,000 taka a month, including bonuses — about US$140 at 2024 exchange rates.

• Pesticides and chemicals used in fast fashion production pollute the earth for decades to come

The Answer: Slow Fashion

Simply put, Slow Fashion is the countermovement to the Fast Fashion industry. It is the antidote to using low-quality materials and cheap labor to bring out a never-ending stream of cheap new clothes at a rapid pace. At its essence, Slow Fashion stands for a choice to be more considerate in the way we buy our clothes - that means carefully choosing better-quality clothing and buying fashion less often.

What is Slow Fashion?

Kate Fletcher explored the idea of slow fashion in a 2007 essay for The Ecologist, drawing inspiration from the Slow Food movement. Slow Fashion brings this movement to the clothing industry. While “ethical”, “sustainable” and “organic” is more a description of how our clothes are made, the idea of Slow Fashion encompasses both producers and customers, who must work hand-in-hand to bring more quality and transparency to the fashion industry.

Even though Slow Fashion is a relatively young phenomenon, it is becoming a global movement with more and more brands choosing transparency and sustainability. It is still small compared to the giant fast fashion industry, but it's strong enough to make a difference!

What are the principles of slow fashion?

Principles of Slow Fashion

• Quality - Slow Fashion stands for higher-quality and long-lasting clothes that you can happily wear for many washes.

• Awareness - Slow Fashion is not just about the clothes themselves, but stands for a bigger movement where we pay more attention to how we buy clothes and how we treat our planet.

• Sustainability - Slow Fashion aims to reduce pressure on our planet through thoughtful material choices, responsible production and longer use. Organic fibres can be part of that approach, but a fibre alone does not determine a garment’s overall impact. 

• Ethics - Slow Fashion calls for respect for the people who make our clothes: safe working conditions, fair pay and protection from exploitation. Look for evidence of these practices rather than relying on the “slow fashion” label alone.

• Natural Methods - The Fast Fashion industry hasn ́t been around forever. Before that, we cared much more about long-lasting and handmade clothes, so Slow Fashion means going back to more natural ways.

• Economic Sense - If we buy smart and carefully, Slow Fashion actually allows us to save money.

  

Slow vs. Fast Fashion: A Critical Comparison

The distinction between Slow and Fast Fashion is stark. While Fast Fashion is characterized by rapid production, low costs, and a heavy environmental toll, Slow Fashion advocates for a thoughtful approach towards consumption and production. The Fast Fashion model has led to significant environmental degradation and labor exploitation, a narrative slowly being challenged by the Slow Fashion movement. For further insights, explore the environmental impact of Fast Fashion through documentaries on the subject.

Historical Aspect: The Beginnings of Slow Fashion

Pre-Industrial Revolution Era: Before the advent of industrialization, clothing was predominantly made by hand. Garments were crafted by skilled artisans, tailors, and seamstresses. Clothing was made to order, ensuring a high degree of customization and quality. This period represented the essence of what we now call Slow Fashion - quality over quantity, emphasis on craftsmanship, and sustainable production methods.

Impact of the Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift in clothing production. The introduction of machines and factory systems in the 18th and 19th centuries led to mass production of garments. This shift made clothing more accessible but also began the move away from the principles of Slow Fashion, as the focus shifted towards quantity and efficiency.

20th Century Consumerism: The 20th century saw an exponential increase in consumerism. The fashion industry responded with even faster production methods, leading to the rise of Fast Fashion. This era was characterized by rapid production, changing trends, and disposable clothing culture, moving further away from the sustainable practices of the past.

Rise of Environmental Awareness: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there was a growing awareness of the environmental and social impacts of Fast Fashion. Issues such as pollution, waste, and unfair labor practices led to a call for a more sustainable approach to fashion.

Re-emergence of Slow Fashion Principles: This awareness gave rise to the Slow Fashion movement as we know it today. Influenced by the Slow Food movement, which started in the late 1980s as a reaction against Fast Food, Slow Fashion advocates for a return to the principles of quality, sustainability, and ethical production. Designers like Kate Fletcher in the 2000s played a pivotal role in articulating and promoting these concepts, marking a return to many of the traditional values of pre-industrial clothing production but within a modern context.

Modern Slow Fashion Movement

Today, the Slow Fashion movement is seen as a solution to the pitfalls of Fast Fashion. It emphasizes the need to slow down production, focus on sustainability, support ethical practices, and encourage consumers to value quality and longevity in their clothing choices. It's a movement that doesn't just look to the future for sustainability but also draws heavily from the past, from a time when clothing was made with care, quality, and a respect for the environment.

Join the Slow Fashion Movement

Here are the best things you can do to slow down your fashion consumption and make a meaningful difference:

• Buy Quality over Quantity

Go for pieces where you know they will last longer, keep their shape and colour. 

Look for pieces that fit your everyday life and work with clothes you already own. A simple staple such as our organic cotton Easy Tee can be worn with jeans, relaxed trousers or your favourite layers.

• Look under the Hood & Do research

Choose sustainable and ethical whenever you can. Be curious about the clothes you buy. We don't have to become experts, but with a little bit of interest we can much better understand how our clothes are made.

Read the full fibre label. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon release plastic microfibres during washing and wear. Natural fibres can shed too, but cotton fibres are not plastic. Check blends as well: an organic cotton garment may still contain elastane.

• Need vs. Want

Shop with intention and make a difference between clothes you need and clothes you want. If you are not sure that you will wear something often, consider holding off the purchase.

It can help to think about cost per wear. For example, a €60 piece worn 60 times costs €1 per wear, while a €20 piece worn five times costs €4 per wear. This is an illustration, not a promise: a higher price alone does not guarantee that a garment will last longer.

 

Cost per wear: a small calculation that makes clothing purchases easier to weigh up.

• Build a timeless capsule wardrobe

Choose items that won't go out of style after a few months and instead, build a wardrobe of timeless classics. That means: more basics and less pieces that don't stand the test of time. 

Start with the pieces you already love. If there’s a genuine gap, explore organic cotton tops and organic cotton leggings in shapes and colours that work with your existing wardrobe.

A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of pieces that mix easily and suit your personal style. Start by making three outfits from what you own. Keep your work, weather and laundry routine in mind. The useful number is the one that works for your life; you don’t need to buy a whole new capsule wardrobe.

• Repair, Rewear and Repurpose

Get creative with the clothes you already own. Turn long pants into shorts, learn how to stitch or turn your t-shirts into workout shirts.

A hole doesn’t have to mean goodbye. Our Second-Chance Knee Patches, made from leftover organic cotton fabric, offer a simple way to repair well-loved children’s trousers and keep them in use.

• Have kids? Buy gender neutral clothes, so that they can easily be passed on to siblings or friends. 

Embracing Slow Fashion doesn't require expert knowledge but a willingness to learn and make informed choices.

How to make your clothes last longer

The easiest place to practise slow fashion is your laundry basket. A little care helps the pieces you love stay in rotation.

• Wash when needed. Air a clean jumper between wears or spot-clean a small mark. Sweaty or dirty clothes still need washing.

• Choose a cooler wash. Follow the care label and use a cycle that gets the garment clean. Heating the water uses much of a washing machine’s energy; air-drying also saves dryer energy.

• Learn a few simple sewing skills. Reattach a loose button, close a small seam or add a patch before damage spreads. For a tricky repair, ask a local tailor.

 

Four small care habits to help your wardrobe favourites last.

Ensuring Brand Sustainability

In the big fashion jungle, it's easy to get lost and difficult to know what brands are really sustainable and what not. Thankfully, there are official fashion certifications that bring transparency into this jungle.

GOTS is a standard for textiles made with certified organic fibres. It sets environmental, chemical and social requirements for textile processing and manufacturing. When comparing products, check the specific certification and label information. Certification is useful evidence, but it does not mean a garment has no environmental impact. You can explore the official GOTS requirements and our guide to other textile certifications.

And one more thing: textile certification does not automatically cover delivery to your door. When shopping online, look for clear information about lower-emission shipping options. Carbon offsetting does not make a delivery emission-free.

What does a living wage mean for garment workers?

A living wage should support a decent life for workers and their families within normal working hours, according to the International Labour Organization. When fashion brands promise fair wages, look for wage data and a named living wage benchmark. Transparent supply chains help you see where clothes are made; wage evidence helps you understand how garment workers are paid.

What are slow brands?

The "slow fashion" model is characterized by a series of defining traits that set it apart from mainstream fashion practices. Brands that adhere to this model typically showcase the following features:

1. Use of High-Quality, Lower-Impact Materials: Slow fashion brands often choose materials that are not only durable but also environmentally friendly. Organic linen is a popular choice due to its lower ecological footprint compared to conventional materials. This choice reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact while providing quality to the consumer.

2. Timeless Design over Trendy: Slow fashion leans towards creating garments that are classic and enduring rather than chasing fast-changing trends. This approach promotes longevity in clothing use, reducing the need for frequent purchases and, consequently, lessening waste.

3. Localized Retailing: Instead of mass distribution through large chain stores, slow fashion brands often prefer selling their products in smaller, local shops. This approach supports local economies and can reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of goods.

4. Local Sourcing and Production: Emphasizing a localized supply chain, these brands typically source materials and produce their garments within the same region or country. This practice not only supports local industries but also minimizes the environmental impact of transportation.

5. Limited Collections: Contrary to the fast fashion industry, which rolls out numerous collections annually, slow fashion brands tend to release just a few specific styles per collection, sometimes only two or three times a year. Some even maintain a permanent, seasonless collection, which further underscores the principle of timeless fashion over transient trends.

6. Made-to-Order Production: Many slow fashion brands adopt a made-to-order approach, crafting garments only when there is a demand. This method significantly cuts down on waste and excess inventory, aligning with the sustainable ethos of producing only what is necessary.

These characteristics highlight a holistic approach towards fashion that respects both the environment and consumer needs. Slow fashion is not just a style choice; it's a sustainable, ethical, and environmentally conscious approach to clothing production and consumption.

Slow Fashion Brands

Discover our curated list of favorite brands that champion the principles of slow fashion. These brands have integrated sustainability and transparency into the core of their missions, offering stylish and responsibly-made collections:

1. ASKET: Embracing the ethos of slow fashion, ASKET focuses on creating timeless pieces with a commitment to quality and sustainability.

2. LANIUS: Known for its blend of high-quality materials and ethical manufacturing, LANIUS offers a range of fashion that balances style with responsibility.

3. Veja: A Slow Fashion Shoe Brand that stands out for its eco-friendly and ethical approach to footwear, combining trendy designs with sustainable practices.

4. JAN 'N JUNE: As a Slow Fashion Brand, JAN 'N JUNE is dedicated to crafting beautiful slow fashion clothes that are both stylish and responsibly made.

5. Patagonia: A pioneer in the slow fashion movement, Patagonia is renowned for its outdoor clothing that's both environmentally conscious and durable.

6. Reformation: A Slow Fashion Brand known for its luxury slow fashion garments, Reformation combines high-end style with sustainable and ethical production methods.

7. ARMEDANGELS: This brand focuses on creating fashion that's fair, organic, and sustainable, offering a range of clothing that's both stylish and ethically produced.

8. Know the Origin: A brand dedicated to complete transparency, offering sustainably made apparel and advocating for ethical practices in fashion.

9. At Orbasics, we create organic cotton clothing for everyday comfort: soft tees, cosy sweaters and leggings you’ll want to live in. Simple shapes and easy-to-combine colours help you build a wardrobe of favourites you can wear on repeat.

10. Two Thirds: Committed to the ocean and its preservation, Two Thirds produces clothing with sustainable materials and practices, echoing their deep respect for nature.

11. Wiederbelebt: This brand stands out for its innovative approach to slow fashion, utilizing recycled materials to create fashionable and sustainable garments.

What is Slow Fashion Trend?

Slow Fashion Movement Trends

The Slow Fashion trend represents a significant shift in the sustainable fashion industry towards more sustainable and ethical practices. This movement is marked by several key trends that are reshaping how we view, purchase, and use clothing:

1. Second Hand: The resurgence of second-hand clothing is a pivotal aspect of Slow Fashion. Companies like Sellpy and Thredup are revolutionizing the perception of second-hand clothing, offering stylish and affordable options. This trend not only makes fashion more accessible but also extends the lifecycle of garments, reducing waste.

2. Rentals: The concept of renting clothing, similar to a subscription model like Spotify, is gaining popularity. Platforms such as Rent the Runway enable consumers to rent outfits for specific occasions and return them afterward. Renting may reduce the need to buy an outfit for a single occasion. Its overall impact depends on how often garments are worn, how they are cleaned and transported, and whether renting actually replaces a new purchase. Life-cycle research shows why these details matter.

3. Take-Back & Resale: Some brands help keep their clothes in use beyond the first owner. Eileen Fisher’s Renew programme takes back the brand’s used clothing for resale or creative reuse — a practical example of giving existing garments another life.

4. Recycled Clothing: The use of recycled materials in fashion is an expanding trend. Pioneered by brands like Patagonia, which created a jacket from used plastic back in 1993, this practice is now being adopted by other major companies. Many Brands are using materials like ocean plastic to create shoes, jackets, and bags, repurposing waste into valuable products.

But the most important trend of all? Slow Fashion itself! Only if we start shopping more consciously and choosing better quality clothing, instead of giving into the desire for cheap and fast fashion, can the fashion world really change for the better!

So let's check the tag for sustainable labels. Let's get to know the people who make our clothes. Let's ask questions to labels and let's speak to friends. Each one of us really can make a difference to slow down the fast-paced fashion world.

If you enjoyed this post, check out these other articles:

• Best Non Toxic Leggings Made with Organic Cotton

• Best Organic Children’s Leggings to Buy for Your Little One

• Going green: Your ultimate guide to sustainable materials

• Best Non Toxic Sports Bras for a Healthier Workout
  

FAQ

Is Slow Fashion Truly Sustainable?

Sustainability is at the heart of Slow Fashion. By encouraging longer use, thoughtful material choices such as organic cotton, and better working conditions, Slow Fashion aims to reduce the harm associated with clothing production and consumption. The label alone does not guarantee these outcomes; specific production practices and how long we use our clothes still matter. This shift towards sustainability is not just a trend but a necessary evolution in how we view and consume fashion. To understand more about sustainable practices and about the impact of fast fashion, consider reading about sustainable materials or the benefits of natural fiber clothing.

Is thrifting considered slow fashion?

Yes. Buying second-hand can be part of Slow Fashion because it keeps existing clothes in use. It is most useful when a purchase replaces something you would otherwise buy new and becomes a piece you actually wear. Choosing carefully still matters — even when shopping second-hand.

Do I need to replace my wardrobe to embrace slow fashion?

No. Start by wearing and caring for the clothes you already own. Repair small signs of wear, try new combinations and consider swapping or buying second-hand when you need something. When you do buy new, choose a piece that fits well, suits your daily life and comes with clear information about its materials and production.