In today’s day and age, the fashion community has the responsibility of shopping sustainably due to the constant conversation surrounding the ethics of fast-fashion. It is far from uncommon to log on to any social media app and see an onslaught of shaming and condemning those who cannot shop sustainably. I personally feel guilty wearing clothing I have owned from Urban Outfitters for years, fearing that someone will ask me where it’s from, exposing my past (and honestly, part of my present) of unethical shopping habits. We as consumers are seen as the entity that is responsible for the destruction of our planet, while in reality the ones at fault are the large corporations, wasting gallons of water and exploiting their workers.
There seems to be unlimited access to ethical shopping whether that be second-hand or from sustainable brands. Thrifting has become an extremely trendy and affordable way to shop with a less guilty conscience. If thrifting takes too much time, consumers can turn to online thrift stores like Depop, ThredUp, and more. People also have the option to turn to ethical brands such as Reformation or Patagonia.
Yet when rethinking these options, it is quite obvious that not everyone is fortunate enough to shop in these types of conditions.
Thrifting is time-consuming and takes a careful eye to be able to find pieces in your size that fit with your sense of style. When considering that thrifting can be inaccessible to some, many may offer alternatives such as Depop. However, due to the increased popularity of secondhand clothing, the prices on the online shop have skyrocketed. Simple t-shirts can cost upwards of 40 dollars and jeans oftentimes reach hundreds of dollars. These high prices are out of the question for many, especially when considering these items are already secondhand. The last option, turning to already sustainable brands, such as Reformation, faces a similar problem. As Sadhana Cardozo mentioned in her article “Reforming Our Sense of Sensiblity”, “a biker jacket from H&M costs $49.99, one from Ref costs an exorbitant $498”. These prices are astronomical for the everyday consumer.
So what is the answer for the environmentally conscious consumer? If they have no time to thrift and don’t have the funds for Depop or sustainable brands, they are often forced to shop at fast-fashion stores. When there is no other option but to shop fast-fashion brands, people can be left with the hefty feeling of consumer guilt. The internet often shames individuals who do not shop morally 100 percent of the time. In reality, this shame should be directed onto the big companies that produce the fast fashion. Fashion is such a unique and essential part to being an individual. People who do not have access to sustainable options still deserve the right to dress in ways that express themselves and their personalities. Our fashion sense is a huge aspect of our identities and how we view ourselves. Just because some people do not have the means to shop in the way that social media has deemed morally acceptable, does not mean they should not get to express their sense of self like the rest of us.
When faced with this guilt and inability to shop ethically, what are the alternatives available to minimize the guilt? The first step that almost everyone can partake in is limiting our overall consumption of goods. By only buying what is absolutely necessary, you are limiting your contribution to waste in the landfills. Another opportunity to change up your habits is upcycling items that you already own. It is fun and easy to crop a shirt or take it in in order to give the piece another life. If the item is beyond altering to fit your style, think of those in your life who may enjoy it. Lastly, when you have outgrown the item and no one in your life would benefit from it, do not throw it away but donate it to the local thrift store, or perhaps a shelter in your area. There are certain stores such as Buffalo Exchange that take in old clothing and give you either cash or credit to shop in the stores. The main way to reduce guilt, however, is just to remember that not everyone has the same abilities when it comes to purchasing ethically made items. As long as you are trying your best and you are educated, that is all that matters.
We can only ask for everyone to do their best.