How to Keep Fast Fashion from Making Your Closet an Overstuffed Mess

Breaking the cycle of fast fashion overconsumption is hard because brands use psychology to lure us in and get us to swipe our credit cards. If you’re tired of having a full closet, an empty wallet, and nothing to wear, these tips are for you. 

Key takeaways 

• Fast fashion’s constant stream of new styles can encourage impulse purchases and leave you with more clothing than you actually wear. 
• Reduce shopping temptation by unsubscribing from brand emails and texts, blocking brand accounts, and limiting other fashion advertising. 
• Try a 30-day clothing no-buy and shop your closet instead of buying something new. 
• Consider cost per wear rather than the price tag alone when deciding whether clothing is a good value. 
• Clean out your closet so you know what you own and can identify genuine gaps in your wardrobe. 
• Before shopping, try creating new outfits with your existing clothes and look for styling inspiration for pieces you rarely wear. 
• Keep a shopping list and buy clothing to fill specific wardrobe needs rather than browsing for something new. 
• Consider secondhand shopping when you need to add pieces to your wardrobe. 

Why does fast fashion make closets cluttered? 

Fast fashion has convinced many of us that we need to buy new clothes every week to keep up with the trends. It used to be that brands put out new collections four times a year. That gave you time to consider if you really wanted a piece or time to save up to buy it.  

Fast fashion stores like Zara, H&M, and Forever 21 bring in new stock every 10 to 15 days, so if you don’t shop often, you feel like you’ll miss out on a piece you love because it will be gone in a few days. That can lead to a closet full of clothes that you’ll probably only wear a couple of times.  

How do you stop being influenced by fast fashion? 

The fast fashion industry thrives on impulse buying. It constantly bombards you with messages in every form of media to get you to buy. The first step to stop impulse buying is to stop the noise: 

• Unsubscribe from brand emails. 
• Text STOP to any brands that send you SMS ads. 
• Block brands on your social media platforms. 
• Stop reading fashion magazines that have headlines like, “This is what the cool girls are wearing” or “(Celebrity name) just co-signed on this new trend.” 

Next, put yourself on a buying diet. Don’t buy any clothing for 30 days and shop your closet. Wear clothing you haven’t worn in a while.  

That outfit probably isn’t as inexpensive as you think it is 

You’ve probably been tricked into thinking that you’re saving money by buying fast fashion because the prices are so low and they are always having a sale. It happens to the best of us.  

But when you really think about it, you aren’t getting a deal at all. First, fast fashion items often go out of style in just a few months. Secondly, they are usually very poor quality and fall apart before you get many wears out of them. Both mean that you won’t be able to wear that garment for very long, and you’ll need to replace it. 

Let’s do the math. A better-quality $100 item worn 50 times costs only $2 per wear, while a $20 trendy item worn twice costs $10 per wear. So are you really getting a deal by going the cheaper route? Probably not. 

Granted, a lot of more expensive brands are making their garments much more cheaply than they used to, so they won’t necessarily last as long as they should. The key is to be super intentional when you shop. 

How to shop with intention 

The first step to shopping intentionally is to know what you already have and what you actually need to curb impulse buying. Do a full closet cleanout. Get rid of clothes you’ll never wear because they are uncomfortable or worn out.  

Then take a good look at what’s left. When you need a new outfit, shop your closet first. Try to make new combinations out of what you have, and go on Pinterest for inspiration if you’re stuck for an idea on how to style a certain item. 

When you find gaps in your wardrobe, like you realize you don’t have a warm winter coat or none of your jeans fit anymore, then it’s time to go shopping. Write a list of what you need and only wander sections of the store that have that item.  

For good-quality clothing at lower price points, thrifting is a good option. Clothes that are decades old are constructed better. And if you’re looking for basics, like tees, jeans, button-ups, and slacks, you’ll probably be able to find plenty of options that don’t look outdated. 

Be sure to look for natural fibers like wool, silk, bamboo, cotton, and leather. These age a lot better than synthetics and feel better against the skin, plus they are much more Earth-friendly than synthetics made from plastics. 

Fast fashion FAQ 

What should you do with fast-fashion clothes you don’t want?  

You can get rid of unwanted clothes by selling, donating, giving them directly to someone, upcycling items or sending them to a textile recycling facility. 

Should you donate fast fashion clothing?  

Clothing that’s clean, wearable, and in good condition can be donated. Don’t donate clothing that’s badly stained, torn, or worn out. 

How do you make inexpensive clothes last longer?  

Wash clothes less frequently when possible, follow care labels, use gentler wash cycles when called for, treat stains promptly, repair minor damage, and store clothes correctly. 

What is the difference between fast fashion and overconsumption?  

Fast fashion describes a retail model, while overconsumption is about purchasing and owning more than you need. Someone can avoid fast fashion retailers and still overbuy clothing. 

Can you enjoy fashion without constantly buying clothes?  

Sure you can. Try restyling pieces you already have, altering clothing, swapping with friends, thrifting selectively, changing accessories, and creating outfit challenges for yourself.