Katelyn Wilburn, Campus Carrier opinions editor

Trends are a slippery slope where, failing to open our eyes to the repercussions. Expression is an important part of our lives, as customizing our appearances can improve self-confidence and authenticity, along with social connection. But what is the cost for succumbing to trends? 

“Fast Fashion” is considered a rapid form of inespensive production for consumers, disregarding ethical labor practices, environmental sustainability and overall quality. Companies such as Shein, Forever 21 and Zara are popular names in the clothing industry, yet they also lead most of our unethical fashion battles. The truth is that behind the large corporations and seemingly dream-come-true clothing websites lies a darker reality: environmental harm, inherent promotion of overconsumption culture and poor labor practices. Is this really what we want the future of fashion to feature? 

Let’s put this into perspective. Consider the amount of water it takes to irrigate cotton, create textile, then dye and sew it into pieces of clothing. It takes around 700 gallons of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt and 2,000 gallons to produce a pair of jeans. A large amount of energy is required to create the plastic fibers for textiles such as polyester, with both cotton and synthetic fabric releasing harmful chemicals into the environment, such as hydrogen chloride or other chemicals from used pesticides. In 2024, textile waste was said to be $150 billion, 80% of waste went straight to the landfill or incineration, while only 12% was reused. 

Even though fast fashion companies recognize these environmental issues, there is still a need to take further action. Looking at Shein’s vision statement, the company says they seek “A world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, where the natural world is respected and protected, and where the fashion industry is inclusive, sustainable and accessible to all.” 

Even with this statement, has there really been real reform? This seemingly hopeful and satisfying explanations lack full transparency, masking their true goal, which is to clothe their malpractice with a good image. 

In Shein’s ‘Sustainability and Social Impact Report’ of 2024, they explained that every worker would be getting paid at the least the minimum wage of their local area. But, when looking at Guangdong, a Chinese province in which Shein uses many manufacturers, the monthly minimum wage is 2,500 Chinese Yuan translating to US $320.23, while just the monthly rent of a 900 sqft living quarters in the same area can be 5314.98 to 8073.02 Chinese Yuan translating to US $740 to $1124. Is this really a livable wage? 

Along with the issues before consumer purchase, there are complications afterwards. Overconsumption is a disease that infects our modern society, causing individuals who truly want to show expression through fashion to forget the value behind each piece of clothing they wear. Fast fashion allows people to buy with a startling amount of speed and a lack of effort. Along with the never-ending shopping spree, the clothes often aren’t good quality and leave consumers tossing them early or ultimately unsatisfied with their purchases. 

So, how can consumers get rid of these feelings of buyer’s remorse but still feel fashionable for the first day of college? There are simple solutions, for starters, buy from small businesses. Although prices might be more expensive, the smaller businesses are putting the money towards real, livable wages that make a difference. 

Another good way to reduce clothing waste is to thrift. Take a trip to your local Goodwill and find something seemingly one of a kind. Don’t get rid of a shirt because of one hole; if the clothes are repairable, fix them. 

These small acts can not only change up your wardrobe into something better for the environment, but there will be a story behind each piece you keep in your closet, adding real meaning to the expression we all enjoy showing one another.