The Fast Fashion Frenzy: How We All Got Hooked (And What We Can Do About It)
, by Guest Login, 5 min reading time
Fast Fashion: The Candy Aisle of Your Closet Fast fashion is like a sugary indulgence—cheap, trendy, and oh-so-tempting. But behind the thrill of a quick style fix lies a heavy cost for the planet, garment workers, and even your own wardrobe. From polluted rivers dyed in seasonal colors to garment workers earning pennies for their labor, the true cost of fast fashion is staggering. The good news? You don’t have to give up your love for fashion to make a difference. Whether it’s secondhand shopping, renting your wardrobe, or choosing natural fibers, small shifts can lead to big change. Platforms like Brie, ThredUp, and Rent the Runway offer stylish solutions that are as kind to the planet as they are to your closet. Ready to rethink your wardrobe? Let’s show that fashion with heart never goes out of style.
Fast fashion is like the candy aisle at checkout—too tempting to resist, and suddenly, you’ve got a closet full of clothes you barely wear. Whether it’s that one-time-only party dress or the jeans that didn’t quite fit right, we’ve all indulged. But what’s behind the thrill of cheap, trendy clothes? And is there a way to have fun with fashion that’s kinder to the planet? Spoiler: there is, and it’s way more stylish than you think.
Fast fashion is like the fast food of clothing: cheap, quick, and not exactly nutritious for your wardrobe (or the planet). Social media and influencers are partly to thank for this frenzy. As influencers post fresh outfits daily, it feels like wearing the same thing twice is a fashion faux pas. But why are we so hooked on “newness,” and what’s it costing us?
1. Fashion’s Heavy Environmental Footprint
Fast fashion pollutes on a massive scale. In countries like China and Colombia, it’s said you can spot the season’s “it” color in the rivers, stained by dyes and chemicals from textile factories. This contamination harms both the environment and local communities, leading to high rates of cancer and skin diseases.
Polyester, one of fast fashion’s favorite fabrics, is a plastic that can take hundreds of years to decompose. And denim? It’s thirsty. It can take up to 2,000 gallons of water to make just one pair of jeans! When you consider the demand, it’s clear why this is a problem.
2. The True Cost for Workers
Many garment workers endure long hours in tough conditions for very little pay, often far from their families. In some places, mothers must travel miles away from their children to work, sending money home while others raise their kids. Fast fashion’s low prices hide a high cost for the people who make our clothes. There’s even a Rolling Stone article exploring the hidden costs and controversies of brands that thrive on disposable fashion.
Okay, So What Can We Do? (Hint: It’s Easier Than You Think!)
Shifting to more sustainable fashion habits doesn’t mean ditching style or fun. There are simple swaps and smarter choices that make a huge difference, and you’ll still look amazing doing it. Here’s how:
1. Try Secondhand First
Secondhand shopping keeps clothes in circulation and reduces demand for new production. Platforms like Thredup, The RealReal, and Brie curate pre-loved treasures so you can find unique, stylish pieces without adding to the fast fashion cycle. Every secondhand piece is one less item heading to a landfill and one more step toward a more conscious closet.
2. Rent Your Wardrobe
Love the thrill of new clothes but want to avoid the waste? Renting is a fantastic alternative! Rent the Runway lets you wear designer pieces on rotation, and Pickle has an in-store location in NYC if you’re in the area. Renting gives you that “new outfit” feeling without the long-term commitment, perfect for events, special occasions, or whenever you want to try something fresh.
3. Choose Natural Fibers (Your Closet Will Thank You)
When you do buy new, look for natural, biodegradable fabrics like cotton, silk, and Tencel. These materials break down far more quickly than synthetics like polyester, which can hang around in landfills for centuries. They’re better for the environment and feel amazing to wear, too!
4. Recycle with Brie
Brie isn’t just for shopping secondhand. When you’re ready to say goodbye to an old item, Brie makes sure it doesn’t go to waste. Gently used pieces find new homes or get donated, and damaged items are recycled into insulation or stuffing. With Brie’s full-circle approach, your clothes get a second life—keeping your wardrobe stylish and guilt-free.
So, yes, fast fashion has its hooks in all of us. But with options like secondhand shopping, clothing rentals, and choosing quality over quantity, we can still have fun with fashion while keeping our values in mind. Ready to try a new approach? Check out Brie’s curated collection, rent with Rent the Runway or Pickle, and start making small shifts toward a more sustainable style.
Let’s make conscious choices together—and prove that fashion with heart is the best look yet.
, by Author Anaisa Rios, 5 min reading time