The fashion industry is making moves towards sustainability with the rise of ‘slow fashion’ labels – the opposite of the polluting ‘fast fashion’ we hear so much about.

But what do these terms really mean?

While fast fashion is cheaply made and quickly ends up in landfill, slow fashion prioritises its impact on both people and the planet. Although it’s important for a garment to look good, what use does it serve if it cannot withstand the test of time?

Let’s Take a Closer Look

Slow fashion is best described as a movement that prioritises sustainable longevity. From eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes to limited, infrequent collections, the practices of slow-fashion brands revolve around leaving as little impact on the environment as possible.

Avoiding trend-driven collections, these brands release classic pieces that can be worn for years. They encourage consumers to purchase quality garments less often, reducing the amount of clothes that end up in landfill at the end of their (now much longer) lifecycles.

For modern consumers, speed and efficiency are no longer badges of honour, but concerns, indicating a lack of care for the environment and the employees who make the garments. Ultimately, today’s consumers value garments that have been created to support a greener future.

If you’d like to make your wardrobe more eco-friendly, a good path is to invest in clothes made by brands who oppose fast fashion processes. Not only does this support those brands doing the right thing, but it also provides an incentive for other brands to follow suit.

Luckily for us Aussies, the number of fashion brands engaging and integrating slow fashion practices into their business is only increasing. Australian-based brands such as A.BCH, ESSE Studios, Friend of Audrey, and Bondi Born are just a handful of the many Australian brands excelling in this field.

Eager to join the slow fashion movement? See below for Casper’s environmentally friendly fashion must-haves.

SHOP ESSE STUDIO