Fast Fashion: Concepts, Environmental Impact, and Sustainable Solutions

Vocabulary flashcards defining the key concepts, environmental consequences, industry shifts, consumer behaviors, and sustainable alternatives associated with fast fashion.

Fast Fashion

The rapid production of trendy, low-cost clothing designed to keep up with constantly changing fashion trends.

Speed (Fast Fashion Concept)

The operational standard where fashion designs move from the runway to stores in just weeks, not months.

Low Cost (Fast Fashion Concept)

The strategy of using cheap materials and low-paid labor to keep retail prices down.

High Volume (Fast Fashion Concept)

The use of mass production that encourages consumers to buy frequently.

Short Life Cycle

A pattern in which clothes are quickly discarded by consumers after only a few wears.

Carbon Emissions (Fashion Impact)

Emissions generated by factories and global transport during clothing production that contribute to climate change.

Textile Waste

Discarded apparel and material that accumulates in landfills as clothes are quickly thrown away.

Water Pollution (Fashion Impact)

The contamination of rivers caused by toxic dyes and chemicals used in garment manufacturing.

Microplastic Pollution

Tiny plastic particles released into waterways when synthetic fabrics are washed.

Poor Worker Conditions

Labor exploitation and substandard working environments resulting from efforts to achieve lower production costs.

Trend-Following

Consumer behavior that drives rapid clothing turnover, leading directly to short-term garment use and quick disposal.

Slow Fashion

A sustainable approach promoting the purchase of fewer, higher-quality clothes that last longer, alongside ethical production and garment care.

Upcycling

The practice of altering, reusing, or repairing clothing to extend its life and reduce waste.

Ethical Brands

Apparel companies that commit to sustainable production practices and support fair labor conditions.