Why Slow Fashion is the Future: Embracing Quality Over Quantity

In a world overwhelmed by fast fashion and mass production, I see more and more brands interested in embracing slow fashion—focusing on creating high-quality, timeless garments rather than chasing brief trends (yayy!). Whether you’re designing a knit sweater or a tailored jacket, investing in slow fashion practices benefits both your brand and the planet.

What is Slow Fashion?

Slow fashion is all about taking the time to create pieces that are sustainable, durable, and crafted with care. Instead of mass-producing hundreds of garments in questionable conditions, slow fashion emphasizes ethical production, fair wages, and environmental consciousness.

It’s not about rushing to market with the latest trend or over-designing just for the sake of sticking to the traditional fashion calendar, but creating pieces that can be worn for years to come. This means using better materials, collaborating with small-batch producers, embracing artisanal craft, and focusing on designs that won’t feel outdated in a few months.

The Environmental Benefits

I can’t stress enough how much waste I have seen in this industry. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, accounting for about 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater . Fast fashion plays a huge role in this, with massive amounts of waste from unsold products, excessive water usage, and harmful chemicals used in production.

Small-batch and ethical production cuts down on waste by reducing the number of unsold items that sit in inventory. Brands don’t have to produce large quantities upfront, meaning there’s less risk of overproduction and unsold stock piling up—a huge waste of both resources and money.

And when it comes to my specialty of knitwear? Knitting itself is naturally more sustainable. The low-waste shaping process of knitting allows designers to create garments with minimal waste, compared to cut-and-sew methods that leave behind piles of scraps. This means that no matter what garment your making, the yarn is being used purposefully.

Ethical Production & Workers' Rights

Slow fashion doesn’t just focus on the environment—it’s also about human rights. Workers in the fast fashion industry often face poor working conditions, long hours, and low wages. In fact, 80% of garment workers are women, and many of them experience gender-based discrimination and exploitation. By investing in small-batch, ethical production, brands can help ensure that these workers are treated fairly and compensated adequately for their craft. This creates a more equitable system for everyone involved, from designers to consumers.

Ethical production practices can empower women in the fashion industry. By supporting brands that prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions, we contribute to a movement that uplifts women and ensures they have a voice in the industry. When brands commit to ethical practices, they not only protect the environment but also champion women's rights in a field where they often face significant challenges.

Let’s not forget that all clothing is handmade in some way. While we have knitting and sewing machines, laser cutters, and technology that speeds things up, every piece of clothing—whether fast or slow fashion—passes through skilled HUMAN hands. It’s people who bring your garments to life.

Quality Over Quantity

In a fast-paced fashion world, slow fashion emphasizes the value of investing in quality garments. High-quality pieces not only last longer, saving you money, but they also help reduce the need for constant replacements. A crazy fact I just learned is that extending the life of garments by just nine months can cut their environmental impact by up to 30% according to research by WRAP.

Let’s not forget that well-crafted items offer a special charm that mass-produced pieces lack. By prioritizing quality, we help create a fashion landscape where craftsmanship is valued, and each piece tells a story.

Shoutout to Those Doing It Right

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out The Butterfly Club, a collective supporting slow fashion brands that focus on small-batch production, upcycling, and ethical practices. Located in my home borough of Brooklyn, NY, it’s a must-visit if you’re in the area. Another fantastic organization is Remake, which champions sustainability and fair wages in the fashion industry. Through their Fashion Accountability Report and advocacy, they hold brands accountable for their environmental and ethical practices, pushing for a more just fashion industry. Kristy Drutman, also known as @BrownGirl_Green, is doing incredible work at the intersection of diversity and environmentalism and co-founded the Green Jobs Board, which is bridging the gap in the green economy. Follow her for informative climate content! All of these amazing humans and organizations are making change toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.

How Thomé Studio Can Help

At Thomé Studio, I’m passionate about helping independent designers and brands incorporate ethical knitwear into their collections. I specialize in the design process, from concept development to technical design, and I’ll connect you with trusted, ethical manufacturers for small batch production. My expertise in knitwear ensures that your collection is not only sustainable but also high-quality and aligned with the slow fashion movement.

If you’re looking to introduce ethical knitwear into your brand or want to design more thoughtfully, let’s chat. Together, we can bring your vision to life while keeping sustainability, ethics, and quality at the forefront.

Check out our services and start your journey toward a more thoughtful, sustainable future.

Much love,

Amanda