Which is better, sustainable fashion or fast fashion?

Fast fashion offers quick and easy access to trendy, inexpensive pieces but its benefits come at a cost. Cheap clothing is often made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon and acrylic, which are derived from fossil fuels. Not only that, inexpensive clothing is usually low quality and not durable due to its rapid production process using low-cost materials. This means that you end up buying more as your clothing wears out more quickly. Moreover, most plastic-based synthetic fabrics are non-biodegradable, meaning they could take up to 20 to 200 years to break down after disposal.

Sustainable fashion was developed in response to fast fashion from the perspective of environmental protection and social responsibility. Sustainable fashion brands often offer durable, high-quality garments made from natural fibers such as organic cotton and linen. These eco-friendly fibers are biodegradable and made without unnatural processes. Sustainable fashion may not be as budget-friendly as fast fashion, as it prioritizes quality over quantity, but it has a lower environmental impact. Additionally, it significantly reduces the reliance of the fashion industry on fossil fuels.