Mary Pintea – Staff Writer

mvp5879@psu.edu

Photo Credit: Tamborasi

Fast fashion is a relatively new phenomenon in the fashion industry. Behind the scenes, the
industry is damaging the planet, exploiting workers, and harming animals. But would this not be
happening regardless of whether people are buying from these companies?
In short, yes. Fast fashion has been around since the 1980s, even before we had access to all the
latest trends at our fingertips. Magazines like “Seventeen” and “Tiger Beat” became the source of
everything fun and fashionable, with lists of the clothes featured on the page often displayed in
the bottom corner of the pages.
Now that those magazines have essentially become digital, consumers can scroll through an
unlimited number of shirts, skirts, dresses, and more. In turn, the fast fashion industry has seen
quite the boom. The cheap prices are attractive to consumers—who are oftentimes still in
college, scrambling for fashion on a budget—who will ultimately continue to purchase their
clothing.
You can find these clothes being made in foreign factories with low pay, cheap materials, and
poor working conditions. Unfortunately, these factories attract young migrant workers, who
otherwise cannot find jobs that suit their educational background. There have been multiple
disasters to occur at these manufacturing plants, ranging from fires to factories collapsing, killing
many workers.
Admit it: it is appealing to receive the hottest fashion at quite the budget. Most of us do it! It is
more convenient to spend a few dollars here and there on a style that is fleeting instead of
hundreds all at once.
What if you could have that dopamine rush without the wait time, all at a reasonable price?
Thrifting is a great alternative. Buying second-hand is cited as the top solution to slowing down
fast fashion, without sacrificing trending styles. The influx in styles from the 80s and 90s can be

attributed to the prevention of fast fashion through thrifted clothing. If you are not the type of
person who wants to go out to a physical thrift store, there are plenty of apps available for
download that resell clothes! Thrifting can lead to unique wardrobe pieces that others will not
have, which is sure to set you apart! Upcycling thrifted clothing is a great way to modernize
pieces you buy and can add a layer of customization you cannot get anywhere else.
Other ways to prevent fast fashion are through shopping for sustainable materials, opting for
ethically made clothes, shopping from local stores, and investing in timeless pieces that will last
you for seasons to come.
Despite the sudden rise we are seeing in the fast fashion industry, it is already declining. Social
media has led to the exposure of these corporations—some even debuting documentaries and
images during fashion weeks—so consumers can see the serious realities behind what they are
buying.