The very famous saying of Oscar Wilde - "fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months." This saying summarizes the current scene of the fashion world. Today, we see trends come and go. Despite this, there is a growing movement toward slow fashion.
The fast vs slow fashion debate highlights a shift in consumer attitudes, with slow fashion brands emerging as a thoughtful alternative. iTokri in India stands as the Sustainable fashion brand and abode of handmade clothes like Dupattas for women, sarees, bags, and fabrics.
What is slow fashion?
People dubious about what is slow fashion can understand that slow fashion meaning as
all about quality over speed. It focuses on designing and making clothes that are built to last. Unlike fast fashion, which thrives on mass production and quick turnover, eco-conscious fashion asks consumers to think about the impact of their clothing choices on the planet and people.
According to McKinsey, for every five new clothes made each year, three are thrown away. To change this, the slow fashion movement encourages designers to slow down production and invites consumers to rethink how they engage with fashion.
Sustainable fashion aims to make people purchase fewer but better quality items and to back brands that focus on sustainability and fair working conditions.
Traditional Indian Textiles
Handcrafted fabrics Material from Indian handooms
Handmade Clothing: The craft of conscious style
As people become increasingly aware of their impact on the environment, the future of eco-conscious fashion looks brighter than ever.
● Sustainability
Sustainability fuels the slow fashion revolution. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, it encourages us to buy less but buy better. By choosing quality over quantity in fashion, we create wardrobes that last and define what is sustainable fashion. This leads to a smaller carbon footprint saving the planet over time.
● Artistry
Slow fashion adds craftsmanship in clothing. Instead of mass-produced outfits churned out in factories, slow fashion celebrates artisanal skill. These artisan-made outfits are handmade with intricate details. Check out our best Indian handicrafts online, where each stitch is a tribute to our artisans.
● Connection
Slow fashion tells stories rooted in culture, tradition, and identity through its attires be it Women kurtas, Shirts for men, stoles for women or stitched suits . The techniques, patterns, and craftsmanship of cultures around the world inspire many handmade garments.
Consumer awareness in fashion leads to more intelligent choices. At Itokri, our garments are crafted with intention so they can be worn and loved year after year.
Mass-produced fashion: Convenience with a cost
At the polar opposite end of eco-conscious fashion, we have fast fashion. Fast fashion is all about quick, affordable trends that are produced rapidly by mass-market retailers. These brands flood the market with new collections every season. It's a cycle of endless consumption, often without thinking about the true cost of these fleeting styles.
1. Exploitation of labour
One of the major mass-produced fashion drawbacks is that it exploits the labour. Many brands outsource their manufacturing to contract producers in developing countries where labour is cheaper. Unfortunately, some of these manufacturers have faced criticism for poor working conditions, long hours, and inadequate safety measures.
2. Toxic materials
Mass-produced clothing often relies on toxic materials, like harmful dyes and chemicals. At Itokri, we're committed to changing that. We use earth-friendly materials! Check out our collection of organic women's kurtas, handmade cloth bags, shirts for men, and home decor items here!
3. Disposable culture
Fast fashion problems involve replacing one clothing item with another in a blink. Fast trends push us to buy more and then discard what feels "old." It's a never-ending cycle!
4. Environmental strain
The quick turnover of design trends and the short lifespan of clothing lead to increased waste. As these garments are tossed aside, many end up in landfills or are incinerated. This cycle amplifies the environmental impact of fashion, as it contributes to pollution and generates excessive waste.
Fast vs. Slow Fashion: Choosing Style with a Conscience
There are uncountable ongoing debates about handmade vs factory-made clothes in the fashion industry! Choosing slow fashion is the need of the hour and also reflects ethical fashion choices and a commitment to mindful consumption. Here is a sneak peek into the differences:
Slow fashion vs fast fashion - At a glance
Aspect |
Fast Fashion |
Slow Fashion |
Production Speed |
Mass-produced quickly to follow trends |
Time-intensive, thoughtfully made |
Quality |
Lower-quality materials; short lifespan |
High-quality, durable fabrics |
Cost |
Cheap upfront, but low in value |
Higher price, but better long-term value |
Labor Practices |
Often involves unfair wages and poor working conditions |
Supports fair wages and safe working environments |
Environmental Impact |
High waste, pollution, and carbon footprint |
Eco-friendly, lower environmental impact |
Design Uniqueness |
Trend-based, repetitive styles |
Unique, artisan-made, often limited-edition |
Connection to Item |
Disposable mindset |
Emotional value and connection to the maker/story |
Examples |
Large brands like Shein, H&M, Zara |
Local artisans, ethical brands, handmade collections |
Sustainability |
Not sustainable |
Focused on sustainability and longevity |
Consumer Mindset |
Impulse buying, trend-chasing |
Mindful, intentional purchasing |
Why Handmade Slow Fashion Matters More Than Ever
Slow fashion is crucial because it offers a solution to the destructive consequences of fast fashion on both the environment and society. Slow fashion is about more than reducing the waste of dress materials. It encourages a thoughtful approach to clothing: one that respects the environment, supports fair wages for workers, and values craftsmanship. By focusing on quality over quantity, slow fashion promotes sustainability, conscious clothing choices and ethical practices.
When exploring what brands are slow fashion, iTokri emerges as one of the leading and affordable slow fashion brands Indians are acknowledging for its commitment to ethical trade and artisan empowerment
Conclusion
Sustainable fashion is a fashion with purpose! At iTokri, we use high-quality, responsibly made fabrics with a focus on handwoven and organic materials. Our collection includes jewellery, handbags, fabrics, stitched suits and much more. We also cater to men's fashion!
iTokri is deeply committed to working with artisans to preserve traditional craft techniques and textiles! Thus,we strive the hardest to bring most authentic and premium Indian handicrafts online for the ease of buying it anytime from anywhere.
Where Style Meets Sustainability
Handmade Co-ord Sets
Frequently Asked Questions on Fast vs. Slow Fashion
1. What is the difference between fast fashion and slow fashion?
Fast fashion focuses on producing mass products with a focus on quantity. Slow fashion takes into consideration quality over quantity and encourages consumers to invest in long-lasting fashion items!
2. Why is slow fashion better?
Slow fashion is better because it takes into account the environmental impact of fashion ethical practices and prevents the exploitation of labourers.
3. What are the concepts of sustainable fashion clothing?
Sustainable fashion clothing involves buying clothes that are built to last long. The production of such garments does not impact the environment negatively.
4. Why is fast fashion considered harmful?
It exploits the environment, and products have a short lifespan, making people consume a lot of products.
5. What are the benefits of slow fashion?
It does not harm the environment, saves money, reduces consumption and provides high durability.
6.How do I switch from fast to slow fashion?
Find a slow fashion brand in India. Avoid purchasing from fast fashion brands, and eventually, you will shift to conscious clothing.
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