The late 1800s changed the trajectory of an ethical future due to Industrialization. It was a century of discovery, invention, and industry, but also, though the following occurred much later than it should of, challenged our preconceptions of child labor, environmentalism, and labor rights violations. During this period of mass industry, everyday household items were being manufactured at rapid and impressive rates. As consumers had the buying power, their input became increasingly instrumental to businesses and companies. As manufacturing advanced with technology, so did the demand for more accessible and affordable clothing options.
Past
Quality came before quantity. The highest fabrics were used because clothing was made to last. People didn’t have the luxury to own dozens of staples in their wardrobes, but instead a few pieces and typically one fancier outfit for special events and church for the general population. People constantly modified their clothes so it was necessary for there to be excess fabric to allow for generous or minute alterations. Fashion depicted in dramas and television shows set during eras like the Regency period and Victorian England is inaccurate as wardrobes weren’t that vast. Instead, most individuals owned clothing that was generously cut. People constantly modified their clothes so it was necessary for there to be excess fabric to allow for generous or minute alterations. This restricted wardrobe was also custom-tailored to individuals whether commissioned or custom-made at home. Time and effort went into not only the sewing and making of outfits in the past but also the sheer collection and development of materials that went into the design and creation of pieces.
Present
The now is all about quantity over quality, a stark contrast with previous ideology and practice of fashion pre-dating industrialization. Some modern-day outfits might not make it past a cycle in the washing machine, let alone possibly three wears (cough cough SHIEN). There is no need to make our own clothing due to convenience shopping with malls and online stores, but as a result, we end up sacrificing a piece’s lifespan which creates a deadly cycle of wastefulness. With all this said, some clothing brands, such as Reformation with the catchy slogan “Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. Reformation is #2), are catching on to this issue. The combined effort of stylish fashion, yet anti-waste has contributed to the rise of more earth-friendly options becoming more apparent and accessible to everyday consumers!
Ultimately, the concept of demand and supply has always driven producers to understand the viewpoint of the consumer but had they considered the actual ethics in their industries it’s fair to wonder where we would be socially and environmentally. Child labor practices continue still and there is a tremendous lack of fair pay regardless of age restrictions. Consumers want cheap and fast. There is no way to accommodate such a thing without sacrificing profit and thus the environment and workers become victimized. Greed and careless overproduction is a feeder into one of the largest environmental crises we’ve experienced today: fast fashion and overconsumption.
Citations
Hill, Madeleine. “What Is Slow Fashion?” Good On You, 28 May 2021, https://goodonyou.eco/what-is-slow-fashion/.
Idacavage, Sara. “Fashion History Lesson: The Origins of Fast Fashion.” Fashionista, Fashionista, 8 June 2016, https://fashionista.com/2016/06/what-is-fast-fashion.
Zarroli, Jim. “In Trendy World of Fast Fashion, Styles Aren't Made to Last.” NPR, NPR, 11 Mar. 2013, https://www.npr.org/2013/03/11/174013774/in-trendy-world-of-fast-fashion-styles-arent-made-to-last.
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