Designer's Journal

Ethical brands around the country are staging a fight against fast fashion. Fast fashion is a movement among fashion retailers that prioritizes quick turnaround for inexpensive products that capitalize on current trends. These clothes are cheap—both in price and quality—and result in high levels of pollution and waste. The men, women, and children in developing countries who make these garments are often underpaid and work in unsafe conditions. While ethical brands care about the working conditions, wages, and livelihoods of their workers and the state of our environment, fast fashion ignores all of that.

Why Are Ethical Brands Fighting Fast Fashion?

There are many reasons why ethical brands and shoppers alike have joined the fight against fast fashion.

Lead and Hazardous Chemicals on Clothing

The Center for Environmental Health found that many fast fashion brands, including Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe, are selling purses, shoes, and other accessories that are contaminated by lead. Even low levels of lead can cause major health issues, such as nervous system damage and issues during pregnancy.

Disempowerment of Women

According to the World Fair Trade Organization, Asia (WFTO Asia), as much as 80% of the workers producing fast fashion in Asia in 2016 were women ages 18 to 24. Many of these women are impoverished and underpaid, and they often face sexual harassment. For example, the Asia Floor Wage Alliance found 11 out of 12 factories fired women for becoming pregnant.

Clothing That Falls Apart

Fast fashion is made as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Fast fashion brands make hundreds of millions of garments per year, bringing new looks into stores every single week. It goes so quickly, you feel out of style after only one wear! Unfortunately, those pieces don’t last longer than a week anyway. These companies make low-quality pieces so they can keep up with the high volume demanded and entice customers with low prices. Why keep spending money on pieces that don’t last when you can invest in ethical, high-quality clothing instead?

Harm to the Environment

Given how quickly these fast fashions fall out of favor (or just fall apart), many of these clothes end up in landfills. In the United States, only 10% of donated clothes get resold. The rest get put into landfills, which can become contaminated from the chemicals found in fast fashion clothing. Furthermore, since fast fashion clothing tends to be made of synthetic, petroleum-based fibers, it will sit there for decades before it decomposes.

How Can I Join the Fight Against Fast Fashion?

One of the best ways to fight against fast fashion is by buying your clothes from ethical brands. Ethical brands consider your health as well as the health of our workers and the environment. At Passion Lilie, we provide shoppers with stylish, well-crafted, ethical attire. We avoid any harsh chemicals that would harm you or the environment. Furthermore, Passion Lilie requires safe, healthy working environments for our artisans. We are a member of the Fair Trade Federation, and we ensure our artisans receive fair wages so they can support themselves and their families. Read more about Passion Lilie’s ethical practices here. Consider shopping for some of our fashionable pieces to join the fight against fast fashion!

Peach Flowers Top

This floral peach print has a warm, summery feel. The shirt is cute, comfortable, and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for nearly any outdoor occasion.

Spinnaker Zig Zag Pants

How fun and flowy are these pants? They’re great for the summer and fall seasons, whether you’re headed to work or for a night out with friends.

Shop Passion Lilie Today

Part of the fun of the warm weather months is the fashion! From the latest trends to shorts, dresses, and other summer staples, the options for summer outfits are endless. The perfect summer outfit is a necessity for everything from weddings to backyard parties. Passion Lilie has assembled a few summer outfit ideas for you that are easy to wear and 100% ethical. Take a look!

Summer Outfit Ideas

Here are a few of Passion Lilie’s favorite pieces for these popular summer activities and occasions.

Outdoor Errands: Blue Impressions Organic Jersey Kaftan and Pineapple Tote

On a hot day, errands can be dreadful. Having to run around with all your goods while fighting humidity and heat requires a strategic summer outfit, and there’s none better than a kaftan dress. Try our Blue Impressions Organic Jersey Kaftan paired with one of our Pineapple Totes (pictured below). The blue and yellow will complement each other, and you’ll be comfortable with our loose-fitting yet stylish kaftan dress. And did we mention this ethical dress is made of 100% organic cotton? The tote is also a useful accessory that can help hold all your goodies!

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner: Pink Pomegranate Dress

It’s that time of year again when we hear wedding bells. Our Pink Pomegranate Dress would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner or more casual wedding. With its vibrant pink pattern and tied bow detail in front, there’s a romantic feel to this look. Sleeveless and made of cotton, you’ll stay comfortable in this dress as you dance the night away. Write the bride and groom a congratulatory note you can feel good about on one of our beautiful greeting cards made of recycled paper.

Backyard BBQ: Playful Blue Shorts and Timeless Blouse in Grey

There’s nothing quite like spending time with your family and friends while delicious food cooks on the grill. This casual, trendy summer outfit is a great look for any barbecue or backyard party. The blouse has a subtle print and neutral color that work well with the shorts. The Playful Blue Shorts are sturdy, feel comfortable, and feature pockets for you to keep some of your belongings on hand without a handbag.

Summer Day at the Office: Chambray Wrap Dress and Classic Blue Ikat Scarf

This timeless dress paired with a light scarf is a great way to look trendy yet professional in the office. The Chambray Wrap Dress will flatter your figure and keep you feeling confident all day. Our scarf not only adds a fun accessory to the look, but also can be used to wrap around your shoulders when the office air conditioning leaves you feeling chilly.

Shop Passion Lilie’s Summer Outfits Today

To refresh your wardrobe with ethical summer outfits, shop now at Passion Lilie! If you want to learn more about shopping ethically, check out our ethical shopping guide here. Feel free to contact us with any of your questions or concerns, and share the summer outfits you’re wearing with us on our social media!