The Overconsumption in Fashion

“In the United States, the average person throws away 37 kilograms (81 pounds) of clothing per year.”

The overconsumption in fashion refers to the excessive buying of clothing and accessories beyond what is needed or sustainable. This phenomenon has become particularly prominent with the rise of fast fashion, a business model that emphasizes rapid production and turnover of inexpensive clothing to cater to ever-changing trends.

Fast fashion brands capitalize on quick turnaround times for trendy clothing, encouraging frequent purchases.

“Around 30% of clothes in the average wardrobe haven’t been worn in at least a year.”

What are the environmental, social, and economic implications of overconsumption?

Fast fashion and overconsumption result in massive amounts of textile waste, much of which ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation. The fashion industry is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions due to manufacturing, transportation, and waste.

Moreover, overconsumption often encourages the production of cheap clothing, which can lead to labor exploitation in factories where workers are paid low wages and work in unsafe conditions.

It can also lead to a focus on quantity over quality, promoting fast fashion and cheap production methods that prioritize profit over ethical and sustainable practices. It can lead to a decline in traditional craftsmanship and local artistic practices, as mass production replaces unique, culturally significant designs.

“The fashion industry’s carbon emissions are projected to increase by more than 60% by 2030 if no significant changes are made.”

The advantages of young brands like CIPANGO: how to avoid overconsumption.

Slow fashion:  this movement encourages thoughtful purchasing decisions by advocating for fewer, but higher-quality, clothing items. It promotes a deeper connection with the garments and the stories behind them.

Short circuit: CIPANGO design, buy and produce in Paris. The whole process takes place in the same city. From sketch to production, the creation of a garment takes place in the shortest possible time, in the most responsible way. Beyond the economic and common-sense aspects of “local production”, short circuits help to limit carbon footprints and raise consumer awareness of the key challenge of the 21st century: to consume fashion in an ecologically responsible way.

In a Nielsen survey, 73% of millennials stated that they are willing to pay more for sustainable products. These statistics highlight the need for a more sustainable and responsible approach to fashion consumption and production.