If you’ve had your eyes on social media lately, you’re bound to have seen the term ‘fast-fashion.’ Fast-fashion is a phrase used to describe the inexpensive and quick production of clothing by mass-market retailers to keep up with global trends (Think: Fashion Nova).
This trend leads to massive amounts of clothing waste, and utilizes cheap labour and materials harmful to the environment throughout the manufacturing process.
See also:
- 10 unique ways to reduce your plastic consumption in Victoria
- Canadian government to ban all single-use plastics by 2021
Fashion is currently one of the top industries sullying our climate. To produce one cotton shirt, it takes more than 2,700 litres of water.
In many countries, more than 70% of their rivers and water sources are polluted by fashion waste, making the water unsafe for consumption. The fast-fashion industry is also one of the biggest offenders for using children for cheap labour.
Slow things down
On the flip side, Slow Fashion is an approach in which one considers the processes and resources required to make clothing, particularly focusing on sustainability. It involves buying better-quality garments that will last for longer and values fair treatment of people, animals and the planet.
There are many companies currently out there working to create sustainable, and ethical clothing. These companies do tend to lean to the more expensive side of the spectrum, so if you are keen to shop ethically, another great option is to begin to thrift your clothing!
Here’s a list of 10 places to buy ethical and sustainable clothing in Victoria:
The Patch
https://www.instagram.com/p/B12INDuhoCV/
A quintessential Victoria shopping-stop. The Patch has been operating on the island since 1995 and has quickly become one of the hottest thrift shops in town.
Vintage After Death
Located on lower Pandora, Vintage After Death is a carefully curated thrifting experience. In addition to clothing, there are also accessories, footwear, and curio to be found!
Vintage Funk Emporium
Another gem of a thrift store, Victoria Funk Emporium can be found on Yates St. If you’re looking for retro goods, look no further.
Local Assembly
Tucked into Fantan Alley, Local Assembly is a brick and mortar store specializing in locally crafted goods and carefully curated vintage products. The owner, (insta: @lizard.breath) also created her own line of clothing, which she sells out of the shop!
Rumour Has It Vintage
This thrift store exists entirely online and is operated on Instagram. Rumour Has It Vintage is a one-woman thrifting extravaganza. If you you struggle to search through thrift stores to find the perfect steal Rumour Has It Vintage is here to do that for you, and feature all the best pieces on their Instagram story!
Miel Loungewear
Miel Loungewear is a Canadian linen-clothing company that specializes in ethically made pieces. The brand focuses on women’s loungewear, but also features pieces for men and children.
SHELTER
https://www.instagram.com/p/B09K-kNFcbL/
Although not technically location in Victoria (Shelter’s only store is currently in Courteney), we decided to stretch our radius to include the entirety of the Island for this one. Shelter is a slow-fashion collective inspired by beauty, quality, and sustainability.
Beat on Linen
Manufactured in Vancouver, Beat On linen is an online store that uses eco-friendly dyes to produce a beautiful array of linen options for your new, ethically-minded closet.
Today Denim
We all know shopping for jeans can be an ordeal. Why not make it easy and sustainable? Today Denim takes old pairs of jeans and tailors them to your body for the perfect fit.
Honeysuckle Gathering
Started by Campbell River local, Hannah Rohan, Honeysuckle Gathering makes handmade clothing using recycled and deadstock fabrics.
So where will you be going for your fall fashion needs?
