From Fast Fashion to Forever Pieces: 5 Ways to Shop More Sustainably

Say goodbye to fast fashion forever!

Fast fashion may offer convenience and low prices, but it comes at a high cost—to garment workers, the planet, and ultimately, your wardrobe. The good news? Shifting to a more sustainable approach to fashion doesn’t mean sacrificing style. In fact, it can spark creativity, save you money, and help build a wardrobe you truly love.

And let’s be clear: sustainability isn’t new. It’s a traditional way of life practiced for generations across cultures in the Global South—and even here in the Global North. Our grandparents and great-grandparents, especially those who lived through the Great Depression, routinely mended and rewore their clothes out of necessity and care. Have we forgotten? It wasn’t that long ago.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your commitment to conscious consumerism, here are five practical and impactful ways to shop more sustainably.

5 Ways to Be Stylish Without Buying Fast Fashion

You don’t need fast fashion to look good! Here’s how to upgrade your wardrobe without harming the planet:

1. Shop Your Closet or Swap With Friends

Before hitting “add to cart,” take a fresh look at what you already own. You’d be surprised how many new outfit combos you can create by mixing and matching pieces differently—or even styling them for different seasons. If you’re feeling uninspired, organize a clothing swap with friends or attend local swap events to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime. Not only is it a budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe, but it also keeps perfectly good clothing in circulation and out of landfills.

2. Thrift and Vintage Shopping

Secondhand shopping is one of the easiest ways to reduce your fashion footprint for straight and plus-size consumers. Thrift stores, vintage boutiques, and online resale platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and ThredUp offer unique, affordable finds. I like to think of it as hunting for vintage gold—you’ll often discover high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces no longer sold in stores. Bonus: many vintage garments are better made than today’s fast fashion items, thanks to superior fabrics and construction. If you use my code to signup for Poshmark, you’ll get a $10 credit! I’ve been a seller on the site since it first began (way back in 2011)!

3. Invest in Quality Over Quantity

Fast fashion thrives on cheap materials and ever-changing trends, which often results in clothing that wears out quickly. Instead, focus on building a wardrobe of timeless, high-quality basics that you can style in multiple ways. Choose timeless, high-quality pieces and natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool whenever possible. These fabrics last for years instead of trendy items that fall apart after a few washes. This brings me back to vintage shopping. Fabrics and construction has dramatically declined in quality in recent years due to the rise in fast fashion. I love shopping second-hand because the pieces have had such a long lifespan, which means they’re made well. The longevity of vintage clothing is proof that well-made garments can last decades.

4. Support Small, Local, and Slower Fashion Brands

When you do buy new, consider supporting brands that prioritize ethical labor practices, environmental responsibility, and long-lasting design. Many independent designers prioritize sustainability and ethical production, offering stylish alternatives to fast fashion. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or OEKO-TEX. While no clothing brand that sells newly manufactured fashion is truly sustainable, some brands manufacture clothing at a slower pace and with better practices overall. Here is a directory of other ethical fashion brands.

5. Learn Basic Sewing Skills

You don’t have to be a fashion designer to make your clothes last longer. Simple skills like sewing a button, hemming pants, or mending small holes can significantly extend a garment’s life. You can also tailor secondhand finds to fit your style or size. Learning how to properly wash and store your clothes will help preserve them too. Repairing or altering clothes helps you extend their lifespan and customize your wardrobe. Here’s a beginner’s guide to sewing and clothing repair. If I can turn a pair of jeans into a denim maxi skirt with 0 sewing skills, so can you!