Breaking the Cycle: How Minimalism Is Reshaping Fashion Consumption
By: Chloe Dunne
In a time dominated by fast fashion companies like Shein and TikTok Shop, our closets are filled with fashionable, inexpensive clothing. Since Covid, the prevalence of fast fashion has grown exponentially. Companies churn out thousands of new styles every day, feeding the cycle of overconsumption that encourages consumers to buy way more than they need. While it is difficult not to be tempted by affordable clothing, the consequences are severe- both for the planet and for personal style. As awareness of the environmental and ethical impacts of fast fashion grows, many are inspired to turn to a minimalist approach.
Social media has played a huge role in the uprise of fast fashion. With the rising popularity of social media fashion trends, companies are mass producing low-quality clothing just to meet consumer demand. Instagram and Tiktok feeds, curated specifically for every viewer, intentionally shows advertisements for trending items at low prices. Our algorithm knows our likes, purchasing habits, and pushes content that would be relevant to us. With microtrends coming and going so quickly, it can be easy to fall into the ways of fast fashion. The promise of staying on-trend at a low cost leads to impulse buying and overconsumption, often resulting in closets filled with items that are only ever worn once or twice.
Fast fashion has reshaped the way that people shop. In an industry full of microtrends, personal style falls short. They can get lost in a pursuit to match whatever is currently popular, even if it is only popular for a short amount of time. Something that is trending now could be considered tacky in a matter of weeks. To combat this, it is important to take the time to reflect on what you like and what makes you feel confident. Avoiding short-lived trends is the first step in finding your personal style.
This mass production also contributes to the immense amount of textile waste. According to Business Insider, fashion production makes up about ten percent of total global carbon emissions and eighty-five percent of textiles get sent to dumps every year. Beyond waste, fast fashion’s unethical labor practices and heavy carbon footprint have gained attention in the media. Yet, despite these major problems, the cycle of overconsumption continues, fueled by social media and viral trends.
In response to these issues, people are shying away from excessive purchasing and following microtrends. Instead, they are cleaning out their closets and buying more basics. This new wave of minimalism has led to the reintroduction of capsule wardrobes. A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of versatile, high-quality clothing pieces and accessories you can mix and match. Maximizing the amount of ways you can style your wardrobe minimizes the need for excessive shopping. Rooted in minimalism, this approach not only simplifies daily outfit choices but also promotes more thoughtful purchasing habits. People are investing in staple pieces that can be worn for years instead of buying trendy, low-quality pieces that fall apart after a few washes. Rather than having a constant influx of new clothing to stay in vogue, with a capsule wardrobe, people can find fun, new ways to style the garments they already own.
Although this may seem like an innovative approach, the capsule wardrobe was first introduced in 1975 when Donna Karen launched her ‘Seven Easy Pieces’. According to Karen, to build a sophisticated, timeless capsule wardrobe, you only need seven staples: a bodysuit, a tailored jacket, a cashmere sweater, a dress, something leather, a white shirt, and a skirt. There are also many different approaches to building a capsule wardrobe. Some people focus on selecting staple pieces, while others choose to define a color palette, or incorporate layering pieces. On the other hand, some follow the 3-3-3 rule, which is a method of selecting three tops, three bottoms, and three shoes to create outfits.
Influencers are also joining in on the shift to minimalism. In November 2024, Emma Chamberlain, a social media creator and podcaster, posted a closet clean-out to her Youtube channel. After years of overconsumption, many different aesthetics, and an overwhelming closet, she said she wanted to narrow it down to what she “truly wears”. In building her capsule wardrobe, Chamberlain condensed her closet down to specific color palettes, silhouettes, and accessories she finds herself wearing the most. This sparked inspiration in many viewers, with thousands of people making similar decluttering content.
As people reevaluate their shopping habits, a crucial question also arises: What happens to the clothes we no longer want? Ideally, items are donated to thrift stores or charities, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. However, some places can often be overwhelmed by the volume of discarded fast fashion items, many of which aren’t sellable anymore. In some cases, clothing ends up in landfills or shipped overseas, where it can disrupt local economies. This highlights the importance of making mindful purchases in the first place, and bringing awareness to the damage that comes from fast fashion.
