People around the world have used fashion for centuries as a way to express themselves, share their beliefs and values, and represent their culture; however, in recent years, fast fashion has been rising in popularity, which has created some controversy within the world of fashion. Many students at Springfield can agree that fashion is something they consider important to themselves and their identity, so they certainly have some feelings on the rising popularity of fast fashion. Debates surrounding the topic include the environmental effects, the ethical nature of the materials used, the methods of production, and even the aesthetic appeal of these clothes.
People’s Choice
Students at Springfield prioritize the style of their clothes when making purchases, with ninth grader Mason Meagher saying he buys most of his clothes from “Stüssy, because [he likes] their style.” Sophomore, Abby Hay shares that she gets a lot of her clothes from “Hollister, because it fits [her] type of style.”
Other students make sure to keep in mind the comfort of their clothes, with junior Sarah Bell saying that she “personally like[s] more comfortable clothing, so if there’s a fashion trend pertaining to comfy clothes… [she will] likely follow it.”
Secondhand Shopping
Another option for clothes, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, is thrifting or buying secondhand clothing. Senior Stella Miller says, “That’s where the heat is at.” When Hay was asked if she believes more second-hand shopping would be beneficial to society, she replied, “Yeah, I think it would be beneficial because sometimes fast fashion isn’t always the best thing. Miller agreed and added that second-hand shopping is “better for the environment too.” Meager emphasizes when thrifting to “make sure [the clothes] look good.”
But What About the Environment?
We wanted to delve deeper into students’ stances on the environmental impact of fast fashion, as some of them had mentioned it in previous answers. When asked how they think fast fashion impacts the environment, Bell believes that “fast fashion can be harmful,” because of its “overproduction and the use of non-biodegradable materials.” Miller adds that the companies ultimately “trash land with their clothes made from these harmful materials.” Others question the morality of fast fashion industries, as Meagher brings to light the use of “child labor” and “unethical materials” when creating their products.
Findings
While students at Springfield care a lot about personal style and expression, they also have certain opinions about the ethics of fast fashion. Students wish to express themselves in a way that makes them feel comfortable and with clothes they like. However, some do admit that fast fashion is an easy way to acquire clothes that meet their needs. Meagher, when asked about his opinion on fast fashion, said, “It’s messed up, but it’s a good way to get clothes, not gonna lie.”
He, along with many others, recognizes that they think fast fashion is problematic in nature, but also admits that it is a very convenient and simple way to get clothes that match your personal style.
