Fast fashion is a business model prevalent in the fashion industry. It is a popular trend in the fashion industry that focuses on producing inexpensive clothes, quickly made, and easily available. This business model is characterized by fast turnaround times for designing, producing, and delivering garments to stores.
Brands that follow this model focus on bringing the latest styles from the runway to stores quickly, emphasizing affordability and accessibility to a wider audience. It enables fashion retailers to stay ahead of the latest trends and offer a continuous flow of new items to consumers.
It’s like a whole world is a fashion frenzy.
When did it originally start?
During the 17th century, there were no retail stores where people could buy readymade clothes. Instead, they would visit a seamstress to get their outfits personally tailored. Both men and women would go to their tailor, who would stitch the outfits according to their measurements. Even today, in some countries, the tradition of getting clothes tailored is still popular.
Throughout history, the fashion industry has evolved significantly. With time, Boutiques were invented, where customers could find clothes that were already made to fit a specific size range. This made it very convenient for consumers to buy and wear the items without having to wait for a tailor. As the interest in fashion grew, machines were invented to make the process of creating clothes faster.
Most of the clothes were manufactured in big countries at that time and exported to different countries. Europe was in high demand and making a lot of money but struggled to keep up with the orders. As a result, they began hiring laborers of all ages, willing to work or in need of work. Unfortunately, this is when things took a turn for the worse. They hired children and required employees to work overtime without adequate pay. During this period when fast fashion became popular, consumer demand for more convenient clothing options increased. In order to meet this demand, factories began producing clothes in large quantities and using poor-quality materials. Unfortunately, many of these materials contained harmful chemicals and other cheap practices were used that were harmful to both the environment and the employees working in the industry. These employees often suffered from issues such as eyesight problems, skin irritations, stress, and other negative health effects.
view my article on how to quit fast fashion
5 Easy ways to move away from fast fashion in 2024 – Green Glamour
Over the years, the trend of fast fashion has gradually increased without fully realizing its detrimental impacts. Malls and shopping stores have been buying clothes from factories that mass-produce garments, and as a result, the amount of clothes that are returned or discarded has also increased. These factories prioritize producing clothes with cheaper prices and lower quality.
With the rise of social media, influencers showcase new trends frequently, creating a growing urge among consumers to keep up to date. Online shopping has made it more convenient for consumers to purchase these trendy clothes.
Why it is popular?
Fast fashion has become increasingly popular among consumers due to its ability to offer affordable and trendy clothing at a rapid pace. The appeal of fast fashion lies in the quick turnaround from design to production that allows fashion retailers to quickly respond to emerging trends and offer a constant flow of new styles. The affordability of fast fashion items makes it accessible to a broad demographic, enabling them to partake in the latest fashion trends without spending a lot of money. Moreover, the frequent turnover of inventory and the availability of a wide variety of styles contribute to a sense of constant novelty, leading consumers to make frequent purchases. The convenience, accessibility, and affordability associated with fast fashion have made it a dominant force in the industry, shaping consumer expectations and driving the demand for ever-changing styles.
It may seem more convenient to buy clothes from retail stores, but we often overlook the true cost of fast fashion and who pays for it. While it may be cheaper, it is important to consider the impact on the environment and the world around us. Before heading to the mall, think about alternative ways to save the mother nature and consider purchasing second-hand. Let’s be mindful of our choices and take steps towards a more sustainable future.
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Ultimate guide to buy secondhand clothes in 2024 – Green Glamour
5 Easy ways to move away from fast fashion in 2024 – Green Glamour
