Are you finding it difficult to quit fast fashion? We can totally relate. Shopping fast fashion is easy, but being a more conscious and ethical consumer can be easy, too. There are simple steps you can take today to help you kiss fast fashion goodbye! Follow these 7 tips to help you quit fast fashion.

1. Watch Documentaries About Fast Fashion

Get an even fuller picture of the fashion industry by watching the documentaries RiverBlue and The True Cost. These docs reveal how the most recognizable names in the fashion industry contribute hugely to 1) the pollution of our planet and 2) the honestly horrible and unbelievable mistreatment of garment workers who create the clothes we all buy and wear every day.

2. Unsubscribe From Fast Fashion Email Lists

Companies like Forever 21 and H&M email you multiple times a week promoting their 1000 new items, suggesting new items to you based on your previous purchase(s), and *kindly* reminding you that you forgot to buy that item you left in cart. Scroll down to the bottom of that email and follow the unsub instructions! When these companies are no longer in your inbox, they are out of sight and out of mind. Unroll.me is an amazing free resource that allows you to instantly unsubscribe from emails.

3. Explore New Just-For-Fun Activities

We live in a culture that prioritizes shopping as a leisure activity when really, shopping should be mostly functional. Switch out shopping with other activities that are fulfilling to you. Research walking paths near you and go for a hike, join or start a book club, try baking something new to you, go to an amusement park, declutter your closet. Prioritize experiences over items. You can even introduce these alternatives to your friends and family.

4. Find New Places To Hang Out

When your friend asks you to hang out, suggest a place that isn’t a clothing retailer, mall, or plaza! While this can also be tempting, don’t suggest window shopping either. This can totally result in unintended purchases. Instead, eat at your friend group’s favorite restaurant. Go on a walk together in an architecturally interesting neighborhood. Visit a beautiful and fascinating museum. Simply hang out at home with them and watch WaterBear, Kanopy, or Netflix.

5. Thrift Shop Instead

If you truly want or need it, shopping at a thrift store is a wonderful way to quit shopping fast fashion at fast fashion retailers. Thrift stores are brimming with clothing very similar to what you’re looking for. You can see this in action by watching our Mannequin Matchup series, where Tyler takes a photo of a mannequin at the mall and recreates the look with clothes from a thrift store. It’s honestly mind-blowing how many dupes and similar pieces you can find at a thrift store. And at a better price, too!

6. Buy Clothes From Ethical Companies

If you don’t feel comfortable thrift shopping or you are looking for a very specific style, shop for clothing from an ethical clothing company instead. This option does require you to do genuine research. Many companies greenwash to appear more ethical than they are, so it’s important to make sure. Look for an ethics page or something similar. Here you can find out more about the fair wages they pay, good working conditions they provide, and the quality materials they produce and incorporate into their clothes and accessories. 

7. Follow Ethical Influencers

Follow ethical influencers on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. There’s honestly an inconceivable number of influencers with amazing style who only shop clothing and accessories from second-hand stores and ethical companies. Not only will you stay inspired to shop used and ethically produced new pieces, but you will get a bevy of educational content that shows the harm the fashion industry has perpetrated as well as direct action you can take to make this industry and the world a better place. Some of our favorite ethical influencers are That Curly Top, Sustainably Chic, and Jhanneu!

Do you have tips for quitting fast fashion?