this Google spreadsheet doubles as a sustainability resource, but it’s generally a good starting point if you’re looking to put money where your mouth is in trying to improve your clothing consumptive habits. it also has some basic, useful words defining what slow fashion is and its principles. i’ve transcribed these (and the major spreadsheet notes) below, for ease.

Slow fashion

Truly “slow” fashion should (ideally) consist of buying only a few pieces a year.

Slow Fashion Order of Operations:

1. Be happy with what you have. – Do you really need XYZ? What is it that makes you happy about what you currently have?
2. Shop your own closet. – There have been countless times I have thought “I need a new sweater” when the weather changes only to open my closet, dig in the back, and find heaps of sweaters.
3. Clothing swap with friends. – You can have a clothing swap party, or just ask friends one on one. “Do you have tons of sweaters? I do too. Can I come over and look through what you have, and you can look through mine?”
4. Buy secondhand locally (e.g. local thrift store). – Once you have identified a hole in your closet, check out local places to shop before heading online. (Ideally! If you have the time!) I love finding clothes secondhand. It’s like treasure hunting.
5. Buy secondhand online (BST, Poshmark, Depop, etc). – Once you’ve window-shopped enough of these slow fashion brands (and adjacent), keep an eye out for your faves on secondhand apps. You can set notifications for searches and everything :)
6. Buy directly from a company with transparent labor practices. – This is where this spreadsheet comes in handy… when you really need something new.
7. Live in the clothes you buy for a while before buying anything else new – Simmer in that joy for as long as you can; don’t get distracted by shiny objects
8. Reject consumerism! – Whenever you start feeling like you “have” to buy something, question it! Who does this feeling benefit?

On Bags

When it comes to sustainability for bags, there are a few different factors to keep in mind, and you usually have to sacrifice one factor in favor of another. Some might say the most important factor is durability – like, buy one bag, have it for life. but the durability of a bag will depend on how often you use it, how you treat the bag, where you take it, etc. like, even a very “durable” bag will still fall apart eventually if you’re rough on it for X amount of time. However, generally speaking, durability tends to have a push/pull relationship with the materials involved. like, plastics and poly fabrics are often more durable than “natural fibers” like untreated cotton or linen.

The “most ideal compromise” here would be to look for recycled fabrics + secondhand bags which are rated highly for durability. Bag and backpack manufacturers tend to be more opaque about their supply chain and factories compared to “slow fashion” clothes-makers. and I think this comes back to that first factor – durability – which is what most people are looking for in a good solid bag. also things like, “what kind of pockets does this have,” “how does this sit on my frame,” etc.

[…]after all this research, I was really really close to buying a topo design, baggu, or cotopaxi bag, but my partner convinced me that the best, most sustainable bag is the one that you already have, until it falls apart. and they’re right ;_;

Notes for the spreadsheet itself

This spreadsheet is best viewed from a desktop computer (not mobile); the Google sheets app can work to view it in a pinch. Check out the secondhand sources all the way to the right & at the bottom.

Prices are in USD and sizes are listed in US-equivalents. All of these brands definitely ship to USA and to their country of origin (if outside of USA). Almost all of them ship internationally. Please check websites to confirm.

I picked these brands for:

• their timeless and/or completely original looks;
• the care that goes into each garment;
• the prices and availability;
• commitment to low-waste packaging;
• size-inclusivity;
• having at least a few unisex/androgynous/masculine styles;
• and a commitment to diversity in their models.

More info about fabrics and certain high-profile slow fashion brands can be found here, as a starting point:

• https://directory.goodonyou.eco/
• https://goodonyou.eco/ultimate-clothing-material-guide/
• https://www.clotheshorsepodcast.com/