Fast Fashion: A Growing Concern and the Shift Towards Sustainable Wardrobes

By Mary Colmar on October 2, 2025

Courtesy of SkyFi: The satellite imagery company SkyFi produced some of the highest-resolution photos of the landfill in Chili that went viral in 2023. The company has published these images on its blog and social media for general use.

Fast food and fast fashion are a lot alike, and both have quite the effect on our health and the environment. These industries focus on getting things done quickly and cheaply, but that often means we end up with products that aren’t so great for us or the planet. They’re prime examples of a throwaway culture, and that can lead to some pretty serious problems for our well-being and the world around us. As we start to see these connections, we’ve got a chance to push for more sustainable practices in both areas.

But let’s talk about some of those pesky fashion dilemmas! You know the one—when you stand in front of your closet, scratching your head, thinking, “Goodness, I’ve got nothing to wear!” It’s a familiar sight, isn’t it? And then, just when you think you’re safe, you fire up your email and bam—there’s your favorite brand shouting about their latest sale. It’s downright hard to resist that siren song of discounts! If we’re honest, many of us have a bit of a shopping habit, don’t we? It’s like every time we turn around, there’s something new calling our name!

I would like you to shop your closet instead. There are enough clothes in the world to dress everyone hundreds of times over. It’s estimated that over 100 billion pieces of clothing are produced every year. Take some time to review your closet and assess everything you have stored there.

The next step is to try on the items and ask yourself why you don’t wear them. Or try the 333 method, which challenges you to pick out nine items you already own from your wardrobe — three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes and create as many outfits as possible using these items.

Well, let’s have a little heart-to-heart about those clothes crowding your closet! You know, the ones that just sit there, waiting for a day that may never come? Maybe they’re too short, need a good pressing, or perhaps they’re stuck in a bygone era when you thought they were the bee’s knees. Whatever the reason, don’t let them gather dust!

Why not breathe new life into those garments? You could mend them, giving them a little TLC, or get creative and remake them into something fresh and fabulous that you’ll actually want to wear. There’s a treasure trove of upcycling ideas out there on the good old internet—so many ways to turn those forgotten pieces into something special!

And if DIY isn’t your cup of tea, consider sharing the love. There’s bound to be a small thrift store nearby that would welcome your donations with open arms. Let’s give those clothes a second chance to shine and find a new home!

It looks like Gen Z is really embracing second-hand clothing! With tight budgets these days, many are discovering the joy of thrift store finds—saving money while showcasing their unique style. There’s also a growing awareness of the downsides of fast fashion and its impact on our planet.

Hunting for pre-loved pieces has become quite the trend, allowing folks to snag quality items while making a positive difference. In the circular economy, reselling garments is gaining traction among designers, highlighting the importance of avoiding overconsumption. We need to tackle issues like garment pollution and its toll on communities, and thrifting is a smart way to help protect our Earth!

The fashion world is realizing it needs to change, slowing down on shopping and production. Yet, many folks still lack a clear value system for their purchases. Instead of shaming anyone, let’s focus on spreading the message that mending is the future. By cultivating self-actualization, we can take better care of ourselves and our planet together!

We all need similar value systems to collaborate, innovate, and legislate. The brands that may not have the same product but are still value-driven to collaborate by the three P’s: PEOPLE, PLANET, AND PROFIT in that order should get our business. Every company should collaborate more, even if it’s with direct competitors. Many manufacturers are taking these steps to produce better, more expensive clothing.

Take-back programs are popping up all over the globe, and just about every brand has joined in on the fun to help folks get rid of their old items the right way. Companies like Eileen Fisher, Nordstrom, and Patagonia are all on board with these programs, making it a little easier for us to be kind to our planet.

But here’s the kicker: returns have really skyrocketed lately, jumping all the way up to 40%! That’s a big change from the good ol’ days when it was closer to 5-10%. A lot of it has to do with the rise of online shopping—people are buying more than ever! And speaking of online shopping giants, did you know that Amazon is now the biggest player in the clothing game, raking in a whopping $412 billion in sales?

Regulations formed by the Fabric Act, now before Congress in the U.S., are essential but sometimes not nuanced enough for collaborations and innovations around the world. Generalizations can hurt collaborations and innovations by adheringto specific certifications and having to get all of them in place before working together. Developing countries have moresnot consistent with First World countries, especially when women’s work is not valued the same. The main one is to havebetter production practices, usually in the form of better pay or penalties.

There’s an interesting idea called the “Tell-All Tag” for clothing. This tag would show where and how a garment was made, as well as what its second life might look like before it gets recycled into new fiber. Some apps can help you find a similar used garment to the one you’re interested in.

Many companies are actively researching solutions to address these issues and are meeting with lawmakers to develop better practices. While manufacturers understand the need for change, many consumers haven’t fully caught on yet. However, in the UK and France, anti-fast fashion laws are already in place.

How do we educate the customer who only cares about price point?

Language is a problem. Sustainability has become a word no one understands. Some industry spokesmen think we should say Remanufacturing instead. The luxury market likes the term pre-loved for its second-hand market or anything butsustainable.

That is where I come in as a fashion activist. I am remaking or updating clothing that is donated. I am an Upcycle Fashion Designer. I would like to introduce you to ideas about shopping in your closet first.

I worked in the fashion industry for at least thirty years, if you count that I am still involved in Fashion production. I used to be part of the problem with fashion today, but I am now part of the solution, spreading the word.

Mary Colmar is a Fashion Designer and owner of SaladBowlDress upcycle, a DIY Decor business, as well as a fashion activist. marycolmar@gmail.com

These are some helpful websites to learn more.