Fashion on a Budget: The College Students Guide to Sustainable Fashion

In today’s fast-paced world of fashion, the allure of trendy, inexpensive clothing has captured the attention of college students across the world. With online retailers, like Temu and Shein, offering endless options at the click of a button, it’s no surprise that fast fashion has become a staple in many students’ wardrobes. However, as the popularity of fast fashion continues to rise, so does concern about its environmental and ethical impact.

70% of college students experience financial difficulty, according to a 2021 survey from Ohio State University. This stress often leads students to opt for cheap, poor-quality apparel, instead of investing in items with lasting value.

Moreover, A survey conducted in 2022 by ThreadUP, an online consignment and thrift store, revealed that 72% of college students admitted to shopping fast fashion retailers in the past year alone. Even more concerning, 40% of students find themselves scrolling fast fashion sites once or more a day. Overall, 1 in 3 Gen Z students confessed to feeling addicted to shopping fast fashion.

However, ThreadUP also found that 51% of college students wish to cut back on or stop buying fast fashion despite these statistics. Opting for second-hand clothing or supporting eco-conscious brands, not only reduces increased waste and pollution but also advocates for ethical fashion practices.

Concerns regarding fast fashion’s labor practices and environmental impact are becoming increasingly prevalent as its demand spreads across campuses. Cheaply made clothing is produced quickly, which increases waste and pollution, and garment factory workers frequently endure harsh working conditions.

President of the University of Cincinnati’s Thrift Club, Sophia Ferries-Rowe, understands not having the money to go out and buy your staple items. The goal of UC Thrift is to be able to make it affordable for everyone.

“I would like for our generation to get more sustainable clothing,” Ferries-Rowe said. “UC Thrift, as a club, helps diminish the influence of fast fashion on campus by proving you can buy things that can fit you nicely, that can fit your style, that can be second-hand.”

For those looking to join the movement towards sustainable fashion, outside of second-hand fashion, there are plenty of affordable alternatives. Brands like Pact, Tentree, and Boody offer stylish, eco-friendly options at accessible price points. Thrift stores and online consignment shops, like ThreadUP, MAW SUPPLY, and Persephone Vintage, provide a treasure-trove of pre-loved apparel waiting to be rediscovered.

Recognizing the impact of fast fashion is crucial. While fast fashion offers instant gratification at a low cost, its lasting environmental and ethical impacts cannot be ignored. Making informed decisions and advocating sustainable fashion practices empowers individuals to drive positive change in the industry.