top of page

MORE INFORMATION 

image.png

History

The emergence of fast fashion as a dominant force within the fashion industry can be traced back to the late 20th century, marking a profound departure from traditional fashion production and consumption practices. One of the pivotal moments in its history was the advent of 'just-in-time' manufacturing in the 1980s, championed by Japanese retailers like Uniqlo and subsequently embraced by global brands. This model significantly reduced the time required to bring designs from the drawing board to store shelves, enabling rapid response to ever-changing consumer preferences. Additionally, the late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed the rise of fast fashion giants such as Zara and H&M, which introduced the concept of "fast fashion for the masses." These companies made frequent stock turnovers and the constant introduction of new collections a norm, fueling the race for speed in fashion production.

​

Furthermore, advancements in technology, particularly the growth of e-commerce and digital marketing, further accelerated the spread and influence of fast fashion. The ability to quickly reach a global consumer base online and offer them affordable, trendy clothing has become a hallmark of this industry. It's essential to appreciate the historical trajectory that brought fast fashion to the forefront, as it underscores the evolving relationship between consumer demands, production methods, and the ethical and environmental consequences that the fashion industry faces today

image.png

Statistics

  1. Global Carbon Emissions: The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, making it one of the most polluting industries worldwide.

  2. Textile Waste: The fashion industry generates approximately 92 million tons of textile waste each year, with most of it ending up in landfills.

  3. Water Usage: It takes an estimated 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt, highlighting the substantial water footprint of fast fashion.

  4. Microplastic Pollution: Synthetic materials, such as polyester, are prevalent in fast fashion garments. When these materials shed microfibers during washing, they contribute to microplastic pollution in oceans.

  5. Low Garment Usage: The average number of times a garment is worn before being discarded has decreased by 36% compared to 15 years ago.

  6. Fast Production: Some fast fashion brands can take as little as 15 days from design to store for a new product, promoting a culture of rapid consumption.

  7. Underpaid Workers: Many workers in the fast fashion supply chain, particularly in developing countries, earn wages well below the poverty line and often face poor working conditions.

image.png

Facts

  1. Deadstock Fabrics: Some fashion brands are now repurposing deadstock fabrics (leftover or unsold textiles) to create new, sustainable collections, reducing waste and promoting circular fashion practices.

  2. Recycled Ocean Plastic: A few sustainable fashion brands have partnered with organizations to use recycled ocean plastic in their clothing, actively contributing to cleaning up marine pollution.

  3. Transparent Supply Chains: A growing number of brands are embracing transparency by providing detailed information about their supply chains, allowing consumers to make informed choices and support ethically-produced fashion.

  4. Circular Economy Initiatives: Several companies are exploring the concept of circular fashion, where garments are designed for longevity, repair, and recycling, as part of a broader effort to minimize waste.

  5. Renting and Resale Platforms: The rise of fashion rental and resale platforms is changing the way people consume fashion, offering alternatives to traditional ownership and promoting the idea of a sharing economy.

  6. Localized Production: In an effort to reduce carbon emissions from transportation, some sustainable fashion brands are focusing on local or on-demand production to minimize their environmental footprint.

  7. Upcycling: Creative designers and artisans are taking discarded clothing and fabrics and upcycling them into new, unique pieces, giving new life to old materials and reducing waste.

​

bottom of page