slow fashion is better fashion

The fashion industry has faced increasing criticism due to its detrimental environmental, social, and economic impacts, largely attributed to the rise of fast fashion. Fast fashion, characterized by rapidly produced, low-cost clothing designed to quickly capture the latest trends, has dominated the market. However, slow fashion, a movement advocating for more sustainable, ethical, and thoughtful approaches to clothing production and consumption, presents a compelling alternative.

At Watson Ellis, we do slow fashion. To us that means custom garments made under sustainable circumstances — ie., not in sweatshops, but by trusted expert tailors who work in good conditions for fair pay — and made to last. We like to think of our custom suits as heirlooms that will be treasured by our clients long into the future. On the surface this perhaps doesn’t make the best business-sense — how are you going to attract repeat sales if your garments last so long, if there’s no ‘planned obsolescence baked into your business model? But we haven’t found it to be a bad model at all. Our clients trust the quality of our products and they continue to come back to us to help expand their wardrobe. The idea of ‘planned obsolescence is too cynical, if you’re asking us.

Anyway, here are a few reasons why we wholeheartedly believe slow fashion is better than fast fashion:

1. Environmental Impact

One of the most significant reasons why slow fashion is better is its reduced environmental footprint. The fast fashion model relies on a high turnover of clothing, which means massive production volumes and frequent waste. The textile industry produces more greenhouse gas emissions than international flights and maritime shipping combined. This is primarily due to the energy-intensive processes involved in producing synthetic fibers, dyeing fabrics, and transporting garments.

Slow fashion like custom suiting, on the other hand, emphasizes quality over quantity. It encourages the use of sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and recycled fabrics, which require less water, fewer chemicals, and lower energy consumption. By focusing on durability and timeless designs, slow fashion reduces the need for frequent replacement, thereby minimizing waste.

2. Social Responsibility and Ethical Practices

Fast fashion's race to keep up with the latest trends often comes at the expense of fair labor practices. Workers in fast fashion factories — often women and children — are subjected to low wages, long hours, and unsafe working conditions. The 2013 Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, where a garment factory collapse killed over 1,100 workers, is a stark reminder of the human cost of fast fashion.

In contrast, slow fashion is rooted in ethical considerations. At Watson Ellis we have fostered long-term relationships with our suppliers in order to ensure transparency throughout the supply chain. By supporting slow fashion, consumers can contribute to a more just and equitable fashion industry, where the rights and dignity of workers are respected.

3. Quality Over Quantity

Fast fashion is synonymous with low-quality materials and poor construction, resulting in garments that wear out quickly. As mentioned earlier in this post, this is part of the business model: the quicker the clothes fall apart, the sooner consumers must replace them, driving sales. However, in addition to being too cynical and short-sighted in terms of seller-consumer dynamics for our tastes, this approach leads to a cycle of constant consumption and disposal, contributing to the staggering amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills every year. According to the EPA, in 2018 alone, 17 million tons of textile waste were generated in the United States alone...

Slow fashion challenges this cycle by prioritizing quality over quantity. Slow fashion brands like Watson Ellis invest in higher-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship to create garments that are made to last. The pieces we create strive for a timeless aesthetic, meaning they can be worn for years without looking dated. By buying fewer, better-made items, consumers can reduce their overall consumption and minimize waste, ultimately benefiting the environment.

4. Encouraging Thoughtful Consumption

Fast fashion thrives on impulsive buying, fueled by a constant influx of new collections and limited-time offers. This approach encourages a throwaway culture where clothing is seen as disposable. The psychological impact is significant: consumers are conditioned to view clothes as short-term purchases, leading to a lack of appreciation for the resources and labor that go into making them.

Slow fashion promotes a more thoughtful approach to consumption. It encourages consumers to be more mindful of their purchases, considering not only the aesthetic and functional aspects of a garment but also its ethical and environmental implications. By fostering a deeper connection between consumers and their clothes, we at Watson Ellis advocate for a shift away from the disposability mindset, urging people to buy less but invest in pieces they truly love and will wear for years.