In this article, we hope to help you understand what exactly fast fashion is, and why fast fashion poses a problem.
Let's begin with the most important question first:
What is fast fashion?
Fast fashion is a clothing paradigm that is characterised by the mass production and widespread availability of trendy high-fashion styles at significantly reduced prices. This industry model, gained prominence during the 20th century when manufacturing costs decreased and consumer demand surged.
This decrease in prices can be attributed to the use of novel, synthetic materials like polyester and nylon in garment production. This, combined with the prolific use (or exploitation) of inexpensive labour, optimised supply chains, and agile manufacturing processes created fast fashion labels and flourishing retailers who were able to trade online and internationally.
What is the Importance of Fast Fashion on a Global Scale?
Reportedly, the garment industry ranks as the world's third-largest manufacturing sector, behind only the automotive and technology industries in both size and scope.
In South Africa, the fashion industry, which encompasses the clothing, textile, design and retail sectors, has a significant impact on the country's economy. All over the world, the fashion realm has emerged as a paramount force that wields considerable financial prowess and shapes broader trends, perspectives, behaviours, identities, and cultures.
The power and extent of fashion all over the world is undisputed.
For instance, the UK holds the distinction of having the highest per capita clothing consumption in Europe. In 2017, the fashion sector contributed a noteworthy £32 billion to the UK economy. Furthermore, this industry employs approximately 890 000 individuals across various domains such as retail, manufacturing, brand management, and fashion design within the UK.
Why is Fast Fashion a Problem?
What are the social implications of fast fashion?
Before the Industrial Revolution, fashion production tended to unfold as a gradual and labour-intensive process. Traditionally, crafting garments demanded the need for costly raw materials like wool, cotton, and leather. Along with this, a process of extensive labour and meticulous processing would eventually culminate in finishing clothing.
As modern technology progressed, sewing and textile machinery revolutionised the process, to speed up production and reduce costs. However, a crucial question arises: Who bears the responsibility for creating these clothes?
As machines are not the sole contributors to cutting costs, the entire supply chain of the fast fashion industry raises ethical concerns.
Fashion Checker's 2020 findings revealed a startling truth: a staggering 93% of assessed brands neglect to provide a living wage to their garment workers. Brands synonymous with fast fashion – Zara, H&M, Primark, Shein, and even established labels like Adidas – source their workforce from nations spanning Southeast Asia, Africa, Central America and Eastern Europe, all regions where labour costs remain exceptionally low due to economic conditions.
The current workforce of the fast fashion realm is approximated at 60 million individuals, with a notable 80% of this workforce comprising women. The sector's influence extends far beyond this number, indirectly supporting many more. In China alone, around 80 million people are estimated to be engaged in the fashion industry.
So, why is fast fashion a problem?
Besides looking at the definition of fast fashion, the unfortunate fact surrounding the industry is that these workers lack equitable compensation, let alone a liveable wage. Tragically, their earnings fall short of providing the essentials required for a decent life, which is in stark contrast to the annual profits amassed by global fast fashion giants.
So why is fast fashion a problem? Let’s look at the poor workforce in the context of its beneficiaries.
- Bernard Arnault, the wealthiest individual in Europe, accumulated a significant portion of his wealth by dealing in luxury goods and presiding over a portfolio comprising over 20 fashion and accessory brands and retail establishments.
- Both Inditex and Zara's founder, Amancio Ortega, hold positions among the top ten wealthiest individuals globally.
- In the United Kingdom, Sir Philip Green commands an estimated net worth of £4.3 billion, positioning him as the most affluent figure in the fashion realm. He leads the Arcadia Group, as reported by Forbes in 2018.
This issue is prevalent across many segments of the fast fashion industry's supply chain. If you're interested in learning more and taking action, we suggest exploring your preferred brand in more detail.
Unfortunately, when it comes to fast fashion facts, the societal repercussions of the sector extend beyond mere wages; they encompass hazardous and inhumane working conditions. This includes violations against worker rights, instances of gender bias, and the exploitation of migrant labour and marginalised communities, often coupled with a lack of job security.
When these factors are combined, they contribute to the persistence of inequalities and social challenges within developing and emerging nations.
Our garments don't only carry an economic burden; they can also bear a social toll on our global society.
The Link Between Climate Change and Fast Fashion Explained
United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 12 forecasts that by 2050, sustaining present-day lifestyles could demand nearly three times the natural resources available on earth, due to the burgeoning global population.
In September 2015, the United Kingdom formally endorsed the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, underlining its dedication to fostering sustainable consumption and production practices as outlined in SDG 12.
Fast fashion's intricate ties to climate change are undeniable, with numerous statistics underscoring the impact of the fashion industry. A selection of these statistics is provided below:
Clothing production has experienced a twofold increase, while the lifespan of garments in use has diminished. Essentially, annual clothing sales have surged from 100 to 200 billion units, yet the average number of times each item is worn has decreased by 36% on a global scale.
- According to a 2019 UN Environment report, a notable 8% of carbon emissions can be attributed to the fashion industry. This encompasses factors like water pumping for cotton cultivation, transportation, mechanised harvesting, and even the use of oil-based pesticides.
- The textile sector still accounts for 10 to 20 per cent of global pesticide usage, as stated by McKinsey's "The State of Fashion" report in 2020. This implies that a significant portion – over one-quarter – of the world's pesticides is employed for cultivating conventional cotton for the fast fashion sector.
- The 2017 "New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion's Future" report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation delineated the linear operation of the textile system. It relies on substantial non-renewable resources to craft garments that are often discarded after brief use, leading to landfill or incineration. The report estimated an annual loss of over $500 billion in value due to clothing underutilisation and insufficient recycling efforts.
- Textile dyeing and chemical usage contribute to 20% of global wastewater, translating to approximately 93 billion cubic metres of water contaminated with toxic substances.
- The fashion industry generates around half a million tons of microplastics that eventually find their way into oceans across the globe, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems. These microplastics stem from textiles made of durable and cost-effective materials like nylon or polyester, turning them into a significant source of environmental harm.
These selected facts serve to illustrate the comprehensive environmental repercussions engendered by fast fashion production across multiple dimensions – encompassing carbon emissions, water wastage, land and air pollution – and the subsequent cascading effects that extend to both workers and consumers on a global spectrum.
What is the Definition of Fast Fashion Solved for the Consumer?
Now that you have a few fast fashion facts, what can you as the consumer do about it?
Research and Make Informed Choices
Before making a purchase, engage in research. Familiarise yourself with the sustainability initiatives and social campaigns of brands you like. Once you can identify the notion of what is fast fashion, you will find that there are multitudes of alternative brands that align with your values
Part Ways with Fast Fashion
Now that you can define fast fashion, you can take a social and environmental stance against it. Embrace innovative ways to style your existing wardrobe, perhaps even modifying pieces for a fresh appeal. Extend the lifespan of your clothing by wearing them until they're genuinely worn and conscientiously recycle garments when they reach their endpoint.
Support Local Brands
Insight into fast fashion facts means you can combat it by purchasing from local brands. Cultivate curiosity and explore options crafted locally or, at the very least, within your South Africa. Many of your local brands are actively pursuing more sustainable supply chains and making strides towards positive change.
Design with Intent and Values
If you are a designer, you probably don’t need fast fashion explained. Your role is to embark on a creative journey that transcends mere fashion enthusiasm but to also create sustainably and consciously. Embrace a circular textile production model, which involves repurposing materials whenever feasible in new designs.
Engage and Advocate
Whether you're a consumer or a designer, proactive involvement can drive change. Advocate for your favourite brands to deepen their commitment to sustainable fashion production and demand improved working conditions for all individuals operating within the fashion industry. Your active involvement amplifies the collective call for a more responsible and ethical fashion landscape.
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