the fast fashion industry is something we all consume, whether we like it or not. many people who are part of subcultures, or who are just starting to get into them, feel guilty because they think they need certain clothes while being told that fast fashion goes against their values. but reality is more complex than that.
not everyone has the resources or access to alternatives that allow them to completely avoid it. there is also the argument of “making your own clothes,” but that often ends up being more expensive: fabric, buttons, thread, and time. in many cases, it costs more than buying a basic garment from places like shein or temu, and not everyone can afford that.
fast fashion is not inherently bad. the problem is not buying affordable clothing, but buying without thinking. impulse purchases, chasing short-lived trends, and accumulating clothes that will not be worn. consuming consciously means knowing when you actually need something, choosing pieces you will truly use, and not buying just for the sake of buying.
not everyone can be judged in the same way, especially those who are just beginning to explore a subculture and build their identity. fast fashion is not the enemy if it is used with awareness. what matters is not being “perfect,” but learning how to consume responsibly and avoiding empty consumption.
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xxRebellious_Emmaxx
Even if it is true that we all technically consume fast fashion in some way or another, that does NOT justify supporting these companies any more than you really need to and furthermore, there are budget friendly alternatives such as thrift stores, flea markets, and hand me downs from your folks that are accessible even to some of the poorest of people out there.
Fast fashion IS inherently bad because it relies on the labor of underpaid workers in sweatshops in countries where there's very little to no regulations against such unethical practices and exploitation.
I'm sorry, but being broke in and of itself does NOT justify buying low quality, ultra fast fashion crap from Shein and the like.