Two thirds of youngsters are ‘desperate’ to ditch fast fashion – but don’t know where to start, according to a study
FASHION trends change constantly and now youngsters want to ditch fast fashion for good, but many don’t know where to begin.
A OnePoll study that surveyed 1,500 18 to 34-year-olds found that a total of 59 million clothing items go unworn in Gen Z wardrobes.
That’s an average of four items per person.
40 per cent of those surveyed admitted that they only tend to wear a small selection of clothes.
These were items they had bought to keep up with the current and new ‘must-have’ trends.
But the study also found that of those polled, there seemed to be a dilemma for youngsters who wanted to keep up with the latest styles and trends.
Say goodbye to fast fashion and hello to sustainable clothes.
But despite Gen Z being eager to shop more ethically, 30 per cent of them don’t know what the alternatives of fast fashion are.
A slow fashion catwalk took place at Samsung King’s Cross in partnership with sustainable fashion expert, Patrick McDowell, at Graduate Fashion Week, with hopes of providing inspiration to turn toward sustainable clothing.
The catwalk boasted 11 looks by up-and-coming designers - Cerys Jones, Beth Cadbury, Farhad Ali, Karolina Karpavicicute, Max Telford, Menna Angharad Evans, Akiiho Ka, Maria Enrica Affinita, Sara Carney, Sing Ying Lim.
The designers came from institutions all over the country, from The University for the Creative Arts to Northumbria University.
Patrick said: “It was incredible to host GFW’s slow catwalk at Samsung KX.
"Creative education is the most important tool that we can arm young people with for the future.
“I am so proud to be celebrating the class of 2021’s creative vision for a more considered and sustainable industry.”
The study also found more than a quarter have made their own clothes in a bid to be more eco-friendly.
While 39 per cent would rather be ‘sustainable’ than ‘fashionable’ if they had to choose one.
Patrick McDowell's top tips on sustainable and slow fashion
If you're struggling with trying to stay on top of trends but want to be ethical and sustainable with your clothes, check out Patrick's top tips on achieving the chicest
REGENERATIVE TWISTS: Explore buying Monofibre garments, where the whole garment - including the thread and labels - are made from the same fibre. Post use, it makes it much easier to recycle or biodegrade.
FASHION THAT’S FOUND: Explore the back of your own cupboards for something that can be reused or transformed. As Orsola De Castro says, ‘the most sustainable clothing is already in your wardrobe’.
STORYTELLING STYLING: Don’t be afraid to seek or create garments which express your personal stories. This is what fashion is all about and your stories set you apart from the crowd.
GEN Z REIGNS SUPREME: Support brands that are genuinely making a difference and share the benefits of their success.
DIALLING UP CONCRETE DETOXING: Sustainable habits don’t stop with your wardrobe. Explore growing your own plants at home where only you can decide what goes on them and into your soil.
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