Did you know that clothing waste has become so massive that it’s causing a global environmental crisis? Fast fashion is a huge contributor, and it's nearly impossible to stop them from producing more. Although I don’t fully support fast fashion, I want to share a story that might offer some insight into why some people still buy branded clothes or go for preloved and thrifted items from a popular fashion brand.
Some people buy branded clothes for status, but there are also those who have an eye for fashion and can recognize high-quality pieces worth the investment.
Personally, as you know, I’m a fashionista who studied at a renowned fashion school, so I understand a thing or two about fabrics. There are certain brands that aren’t worth the price because they use low-quality materials. It’s disappointing when a piece that costs 500k++ feels no better than one priced at 100-200k.
For me, instead of buying lots of cheap clothes, I prefer building a capsule wardrobe with well-made pieces, even if they’re more expensive. These clothes, with proper care, can last for decades. On the other hand, buying low-quality clothes means that after a few washes, they start looking worn out. When it comes to t-shirts, it’s not a big deal if they’re cheap, since even my Uniqlo t-shirts eventually wear out after years of use. But when Uniqlo goes on sale, the price is pretty reasonable. Their Airism series, for example, is worth it, even though I’m not a fan of the neckline, haha.
I’ve bought random t-shirts from online shops, but sadly, the quality often matches the price, and many stores sell counterfeit items using photos of the original brands. These t-shirts might be fine for daily wear, but I’ve stopped buying overly cheap ones because I don’t want them to wear out quickly and end up in the trash.
I’m still figuring out the best solution for my lifestyle, trying to balance environmental care with financial wisdom. This is where the internal conflict arises.
Local brands like Executive are quite worth it for their affordable prices, especially during sales. Some of their items are timeless, like shirts and work pants, but I wouldn’t recommend their knit or ribbed materials, as they wear out after just a few washes. I think they really need special care, Idk. When it comes to pants, you need to be selective and wash them properly to make them last longer.
Sometimes I reflect on how, as someone who cares about reducing waste, I try to choose durable materials that can last at least 10 years for everyday wear. However, adopting this lifestyle requires significant financial investment. Still, I feel a bit less guilty knowing that I’m doing my part to reduce textile waste. After all, I know that the capitalists will always win and get richer.
Pollution of rivers and oceans has gotten so bad that it’s killing marine animals and destroying ecosystems, with the fashion industry being one of the culprits. As just a speck of dust in this vast universe, all I can do is try to reduce waste in any form. I admit, I still buy clothes from brands like ZARA and Mango because, in my opinion, they offer better quality and still hold resale value if I sell them as preloved. People who buy my preloved clothes always give high ratings because the condition is still excellent.
I think adopting this kind of habit is a great way to reduce waste. Besides, my preloved clothes are in great condition and are more affordable for those looking to own quality clothing. Maybe we need to set aside our pride and change our mindset—cheaper isn’t always better. The lower the price, the lower the quality. The lower the quality, the faster the clothes wear out. Once they wear out, it doesn’t feel right to donate them, and they end up in the trash.
If you can, start saving and investing in high-quality clothes that can last longer. You can resell them as preloved, give them to someone who appreciates them, or even pass them down to your children. I often hear stories of teens wearing their mom’s vintage Levi’s jeans because they’re still in great condition and look even cooler as vintage pieces.
In the end, it's all about making conscious decisions. Fashion should be something that brings joy, not guilt or harm to the environment. By choosing quality over quantity, we're not just investing in timeless pieces that last, but we’re also playing our part in reducing the environmental impact caused by fast fashion. So, before you make your next purchase, ask yourself: will this piece serve you in the long run, or will it be just another forgotten item contributing to the growing waste?
Let’s strive for a more sustainable future, one wardrobe choice at a time.
