Top 10 Reasons Why Fast Fashion Is So Cheap (and Why You Deserve Better)

Women's Eco-Friendly Over Fast Fashion Organic Cotton T-Shirt by Anke Wonder

Do you still have fast fashion garments in your closet? I know it can be very hard to escape the temptation because it’s convenient, fun, and cheap. Yes, the price is one of the most important factors that influence our buying decisions. But maybe understanding why fast fashion is so cheap will help you make better choices - like opting for more ethical, sustainable alternatives that are better for you and the planet.

Clothing labels give us insights on the fabric, the washing instructions, and where the garment was made—often in places like Turkey, China, or Bangladesh. But they don’t tell us exactly where and how the garment was manufactured, which would provide more insight into why the garment is so cheap.

Since the Rana Plaza Factory in India collapsed in 2013, many realized how bad the conditions in the clothing industry had become. But in 2022, fast fashion is still popular, and it is expected to grow from $68.6 million in 2020 to $211.9 million in 2030.

One reason for the popularity of cheaply produced fashion is the lack of awareness of the daily problems in the fast fashion industry. When we take the time to understand the mechanisms behind the industry, we can see that it comes at a high cost for the planet, animals, and people.

$5 for a shirt and $12 for a dress seems like a dream for many when they look at the price tags of a fast fashion retailer. But how is it possible that clothing equals the price of, for example, a burger? (Well, currently, the world is facing a crisis of inflation, but you get the idea.)

Looking for a better alternative? My collection of ethically-made, handcrafted garments is designed to offer a sustainable and stylish option without compromising on quality. Explore Anke Wonder's Sustainable Fashion here.

1. Fashion production is outsourced to cheap labor

Fast fashion companies outsource production to countries like Bangladesh, India, China, and Indonesia because of the cheaper workforce. For example, Bangladesh’s legal minimum wage for garment workers is around $94 a month -far below a living wage that would provide necessities like food, shelter, and education.

2. Fast fashion follows the volume-based business model

Fast fashion brands place large orders of garments, reducing the price per item. High quantities of fabric and accessories like zippers and buttons are ordered in bulk, further lowering the cost per garment.

If you're tired of mass-produced, low-quality fashion, consider switching to handmade garments crafted with care. My Made-To-Order Garments and Sustainable & Upcycled Fashion Accessories, such as my one-of-a-kind upcycled neckties,are designed with both ethics and style in mind.

3. The fabric is low quality and cheap

Fast fashion brands use synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic because they are cheaper and can be produced efficiently. However, these fabrics come with environmental costs - 63% of textile fibers are derived from petrochemicals, which contribute to pollution.

Looking for garments made from eco-friendly fabrics? I have always put value into eco-awareness since my first collection. The clothes that I design are made from eco-conscious fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or deadstock fabric. Find out more about Anke Wonder's Commitment: Mission, Fabrics, and Creation here.

4. Garment workers get paid per piece, not per hour

Fast fashion production happens not just overseas but also within countries like the USA. In places like Los Angeles, garment workers are paid per piece, earning between 2-6 cents per item, often working 60-70 hour weeks. 

5. Garments are kept simple

Fast fashion keeps garment designs simple to minimize production costs. If a garment is complex with details like special stitching, pleats, or unique fabric combinations, it requires more time and money to produce.

In contrast, my designs are thoughtfully crafted to balance complexity with sustainability - each piece is unique, ethically made, and designed to last. Shop sustainable, timeless fashion, original artwork, notebooks, kitchen & dining accessories and more from an independent artist & designer. 

6. Fabric for garments is cut in large numbers

Fabric cutting for fast fashion happens in bulk, which can result in inaccuracies in garment sizes. The fabric in lower layers isn't cut as precisely, causing fit issues. 

7. Consumers demand cheap and trendy clothes

The demand for fast, cheap fashion creates a cycle of addiction. Many people feel instant satisfaction when purchasing inexpensive clothing. But we know the true cost isn’t the one on the price tag.

Instead of indulging in temporary trends, why not invest in timeless, high-quality garments that reflect your values? 

8. There are no contracts between fast fashion retailers and manufacturers

Fashion retailers choose the cheapest manufacturers without long-term contracts. This allows them to cut ties quickly if scandals arise, but it also means there’s little control or improvement of working conditions. 

9. Bad working conditions for garment and textile workers

Garment workers in sweatshops endure poor working conditions and unsafe environments. In addition, textile production often exposes workers to harmful chemicals. 

10. Designs are copied

Fast fashion retailers frequently copy designs from luxury brands or independent fashion designers, which is cheaper than creating original designs.

Since we know that fast fashion is a dead end, why not support independent designers instead? At Anke Wonder, every product features my original artwork. From hand-sketched ideas to acrylic paintings, my designs are digitized and refined, creating unique pieces used for fabric production and on-demand products like mugs and notebooks. Each item carries a personal, artistic touch, blending traditional art with modern design. Learn more about me as a designer Anke Wonder here.