Slow Fashion: What It Means To Me

Last week I spoke about how the fast fashion machine lures us into buying without much thought. Whether it's convenience, the low price point, or the relentless advertising, we are encouraged to purchase clothes for the moment, not the long term.

So today, I want to explore the opposite approach, Slow Fashion, and share what it means to me. There are so many different ways to look at this, and I can’t possibly cover them all. But I hope one or two of the ideas I share here will resonate with you. 

For me, slow fashion starts with being intentional. When I buy or plan to knit a garment, I ask myself:

Is it versatile?

Can I wear it to work? What about date night? Will it carry me through more than one season, especially with the right layers?

Taking the time to answer those questions helps me build a wardrobe that’s functional and flexible. Pieces earn their place in my closet.

Then I consider how the item will fit into my capsule wardrobe. Does it coordinate or complement with what I already own? It is difficult to mix and match if a garment stands apart from your general color palette or everyday personal style. This is especially true when I’m knitting a garment. I want it to either anchor my wardrobe, layer easily, or serve as a fun accent I will actually reach for.  

Of course, we can’t talk about slow fashion without touching on materials. Thoughtfully produced natural fibers like wool, linen, silk, or responsibly grown cotton, have a much smaller environmental footprint than synthetics. Yes, some conventional cotton farming involves heavy chemical use, which is why I focus on thoughtfully produced fabrics. Supporting eco conscious or regenerative fiber producers helps ensure your dollars go toward sustainable practices. 

And let’s not forget: linen and wool are tough! With proper care, these durable fibers can last a lifetime; unlike thin, cheaply made fast fashion pieces that barely survive a season.

Worker welfare also factors into my shopping habits. I ask myself: Do I really want to support a company that sets unrealistic production quotas for little pay and poor conditions for its workers? The answer for me is a clear no.

The ‘slow’ in slow fashion is spot on. It takes time to grow and process natural fibers. And it takes time to make a thoughtful purchase. That’s the whole point - slowing down and really considering the impact of what we wear. 

Do I get it right every time? Nope. Am I going to start sewing my own underwear? Also no. But where I can, I try to be mindful about how I’m curating my closet. Choosing or making pieces that are versatile, durable, and aligned with my values.

It’s not about perfection. It's about progress.

Want to build your own slow fashion wardrobe?

✨ Get my quick start guide: “5 Steps to Curate a Mindful Closet”

A practical checklist for building a capsule wardrobe rooted in sustainability, versatility, and your personal style. You can get it here.