Fast fashion refers to the production and sale of inexpensive, trendy clothing that quickly moves from the catwalk to stores to take advantage of current fashion trends . It allows mainstream consumers to purchase the latest looks at affordable prices . Fast fashion brands like H&M, Zara, and Topshop have played a significant role in making designer fashion more accessible to the general public .
How Fast Fashion Works
Fast fashion brands typically take inspiration from the designs and looks presented at Fashion Week runway shows or worn by celebrities . They reproduce these styles quickly and cheaply, allowing consumers to stay on-trend without breaking the bank Some key factors that are common to fast fashion brands include:
Thousands of styles: Fast fashion brands offer a wide range of styles that touch on all the latest trends .
Short turnaround time: There is an extremely short time between when a trend or garment is seen on the catwalk or in celebrity media and when it hits the shelves .
Offshore manufacturing: Fast fashion brands often rely on offshore manufacturing where labor is cheaper, leading to low wages and inadequate rights or safety for workers .
Complex supply chains: Fast fashion brands often have complex supply chains with poor visibility beyond the first tier.
Impact on the Fashion Industry
Fast fashion has disrupted the traditional fashion industry by challenging the established clothing labels’ tradition of introducing new collections and lines on a seasonal basis . Fast-fashion retailers often introduce new products multiple times in one week to stay on trend .
While fast fashion has made designer fashion more accessible to a wider audience, it has also raised concerns about its negative impact on the environment and labor rights . The fast fashion industry’s rapid production and consumption contribute to waste, pollution, and exploitation of workers in the supply chain .