How to Dump Fast Fashion for Slow Style in 2025

“Buy less, buy better” is a phrase perennially echoed throughout the fashion industry, be it by brands or consumers themselves.

In theory, it makes sense. But when those who preach it fail to practice it, the concept is lost among the maelstrom of must-have trends must-have trends and the dopamine hit of see now, buy now shopping habits.

For those looking to reduce the environmental and ethical toll of fast fashion, slow style offers a meaningful alternative. It’s about quality over quantity, timeless over trendy, and intention over impulse.

Still, it’s easier said than done. In a world obsessed with newness, where does one begin?

It’s a term we’ve all heard before, but first, let’s try to reel in on exactly what we mean when we speak about “fast fashion”.

Without naming and shaming any particular brands or retailers, the main culprits all share some distinct similarities. And more importantly, they’re all the main contributors to the negative effects of fast fashion on the world.

Fast fashion brands have developed an entire industry that revolves around catering to trends — they live and breathe on the fickle fancies of the average consumer, compelled by the hottest new styles worn by celebrities, influencers, and fashion moguls. Of course, things like the width of pant legs, the length of jackets, and the size and shape of lapels come in and out of style slowly overtime, though certain micro-trends that explode social media don’t take decades to develop, they’re overnight success stories that fade away just as quickly as they arrive.

Today’s “must-have” styles don’t last until tomorrow, and when they’re no longer culturally relevant, they fade away into the abyss, contributing to landfills around the world, often resulting in microplastics and carbon emissions leaking into the natural environment.

The negative ripple effect of the fast fashion industry is more far-reaching and embedded in society and the environment than we may know, though some are very apparent to see.

First, the environmental impact; overuse of natural resources (i.e. water consumption and waste generation of natural materials) are depleting the limited supply of them we have on earth.

With so many fast fashion products not sold, unworn, or quickly tossed away, waste pollution from takes its toll on planet earth.

Ethically speaking, the low-cost of fast fashion products is a positive to the end consumer, but ensures manufacturers must make up their bottom line with sub-par (and often inhumane) labour conditions.

According to a survey conducted by Green Hive, a company dedicated to promoting sustainable lifestyles and environmental transparency, 93% of fashion brands don’t pay their garment workers a living wage.

Additionally, Environment.co, a company similarly dedicated to climate, sustainability, and conservation, health risks in regions like Bangladesh, where many fast fashion brands outsource garment production, workers face severe health risks due to sub-par protection practices against exposure to toxic chemicals.

The concept behind what many have dubbed “conscious consumption” is the act of committing to a more considerate approach to purchasing. Instead of letting passing fancy, emotional whim, or gut-reactions influence your purchase decisions, taking more time to make more considered choices is an increasingly popular trend in direct response to over-consumption.

Not only is this strategy better for your bank account, but over time, it results in a wardrobe full of clothing that you’re more likely to return to wearing time and time again instead of items you don’t feel an emotional connection to or have long-term affection for.

Another way to buck the trend of fast fashion and take a more considered approach to clothing purchases is to explore custom and Made-to-Measure (MTM) clothing options.

Not only is the process longer than shopping for ready-made clothes (typically about 3-4 weeks from concept to final product), but it also forces you to ask yourself, “what do I truly want from this purchase and article of clothing?”.

When you yourself are selecting all of the fabrics, linings, design details, and custom finishes, you’re more likely to get exactly what you want out of a specific item of clothing. And don’t forget the key detail — the garment’s made specifically for you, which means it’s designed to fit you and you alone, however you want it to.

Making custom-made purchases also prevents you from shopping on impulse as you can’t exercise a see-now, buy-now reaction.

Articulating your desires for each custom purchase to a Style Advisor and/or MTM Specialist will eventually result in developing a long-term style relationship with them, and in turn, will provide you with expert advice and a valuable second opinion on future purchases and seasoned advice on honing your personal style.

Ultimately, taking the time to invest in well-made, high-quality garments benefits not just you—it benefits the environment and society as a whole.

Whatever your reasons for making more thoughtful choices, both the planet (and your wardrobe) will thank you for resisting the urge to chase trends or spend on pieces that won’t stand the test of time.

Whether you're shopping with us in-store or online, you can feel confident that your experience at Harry Rosen will empower you to make smarter purchases and build a wardrobe designed to last—and to look great for years to come.