Resources

We have compiled the best articles and resources available on the web to offer you more information about Slow Fashion, how to practice it, get involved, and have fun while you are at it!

What is Slow Fashion?
Building a Slow Fashion Wardrobe
How to Care for Your Clothes
Suggested Reading
Infographics, Quizzes & More

WHAT IS SLOW FASHION?

SlowFashion101 Resources Slow Fashion 101

A brief introduction to Slow Fashion from ‘a bit slow‘ a collaborative group exploring Slow design solutions:
“What is Slow Fashion? It is many things and can be interpreted and practiced in many ways. Based on the principles of the Slow Food Movement it is similarly an alternative to the fast, mass-produced, consumed and disposed. We see it as the sustainable future of the fashion industry…”

WhatIsSlowFashion Resources What is Slow Fashion?

An introduction to Slow Fashion that explores the 5 key values of the movement:
“Rather than pigeonhole the entire movement into little sound bites we need start to explore what Slow Fashion CAN be rather than what it CAN’T — Slow Fashion opens up a world of creative possibilities in personal fashion that chasing fast trends at the mall never will..”

SlowFashion Resources Slow Fashion

Article by expert, Kate Fletcher, that introduces us to Slow Fashion:
“Slow fashion is about designing, producing, consuming and living better. Slow fashion is not time-based but quality-based. Slow is not the opposite of fast – there is no dualism – but a different approach in which designers, buyers, retailers and consumers are more aware of the impacts of products on workers, communities and ecosystems…”

SlowItDown Resources Slow it Down: Fast Fashion vs. Slow Fashion

Kristy Powell of One Dress Protest discusses how “new clothes are inevitable” but where it comes from matters:
“Many of us these days find ourselves asking: is there a way to buy clothing more sustainably? More conscientiously? More responsibly? I think we all know that there is. However, its become exceedingly easy to excuse ourselves from the moral issues that encircle how we consume and dress ourselves today…”

ReconnectingProductionAndConsumption Resources Slow Fashion: Reconnecting Production and Consumption

A compelling comparison of the past with the present experience of fast-food and fast-fashion:
“Awareness of the environmental impact of human activities is growing. For food, it means buying more organic, local, & seasonal. For fashion, it should mean more organic, local, and less seasonal. A piece of clothing should last for decades. Like a recipe passed down from generation to generation, we should pass our clothes down to our grandchildren…”

WhatIsSlowFashionThumb Resources What is Slow Fashion

A great article that breaks slow fashion down into sections like: how it started, key concepts, tips and more:
“Slowing down allows us to take some time to make more environmentally conscious decisions that could prevent further environmental damage. The word “slow” therefore describes a brand new perspective on everyday life: slowing down our pace and shifting the focus toward long-term sustainability rather than short-term satisfaction…”

SlowFashionVAntiFashion Resources Slow Fashion ≠ Anti Fashion

This article emphasizes the consumer’s place in the complete product lifecycle:
“Of all the things Slow Fashion can be: handmade, fair trade, luxury, secondhand, sustainable, quality; Slow Fashion is NOT anti-fashion! The term “slow” can be confusing to novices. Slow refers to the lifecycle of the garment as well as the consumer’s lifestyle choices. Both designers/producers and consumers can practice Slow with plenty of style….”

BUILDING A SLOW FASHION WARDROBE

GoodTopstitch Resources How to Spot Quality Details

This article is a pictorial guide to spotting quality details while shopping for new garments. It will help educate you on the details to look for on fabric, stitching, seams, hems, trims & findings to find the most well-made clothing by comparing images of good and bad examples. Armed with the right knowledge, you will be able to spot the differences between poorly-constructed items and higher quality garments.

What is Your Signature Style?

Rather than haphazardly filling a closet with every new ‘must-have’item, the discerning Slow Fashion shopper seeks out only that which truly fits their personality and lifestyle. This article walks you through the steps to realize your signature style so that you can begin to build a conscious, cohesive wardrobe of pieces that you truly love. Finding your signature style is the first step to building a Slow Fashion wardrobe.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CLOTHES

AmericanCleaningInstitute Resources American Cleaning Institute’s Stain Removal Chart

The American Clean Living Institute offers up this great stain removal chart that will help you keep your clothing looking like new longer. This chart includes tips for treating stains from adhesives to tar; many of which utilize age-old tricks and eco-friendly ideas. Be sure to check out all of their Laundry Resources for ways to save money, energy, and time while keeping your clothes clean and looking new.

CareSymbols Resources Laundry Guide to Common Care Symbols

Have you ever wondered what those funny little symbols on your clothing mean? Each one are instructions for: washing, bleaching, ironing, and drycleaning. Textile Industry Affairs has made this handy guide to explain exactly what the care labels mean, because laundering your clothing properly is perhaps the most important step to keeping them looking and fitting like they should.

StainRemoval Resources Stain Removal Basics from Martha Stewart Living

This stain removal chart from Martha Stewart Living provides instructions for treating some of the most common stains like: grass, coffee, wine, ink, grease, lipstick and mud. Most of the instructions utilize common household items such as: detergent, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice saving your money and your clothes. While you are there, check out the other great tips for Keeping Colors Bright, organizing your Laundry room (and home) and much more.