5 ways to Shop slow

“Slow Fashion is a movement aimed at making the fashion industry more environmentally responsible by changing the ways clothes are designed, made, transported, used and discarded.” - Ellen Dilligan, Bloomberg

As a sustainable brand, we are aware of the negative actions and habits of fast fashion labels. Over a year ago, we began our Slow Sunday campaign, where we aim to educate our audience about the ways in which they can live “slow”. This week we have complied 5 way that you can support slow fashion - especially in the festive season.

1. Quality over Quantity 

Investing in better quality, and more sustainable pieces may cost you more in the short term, but their lifespan will outlast that of their cheaper counterparts - making it a most cost efficient purchase in the long run. Buying small quantities of high-quality items, rather than lots of cheaper items throughout the year, will drastically reduce your carbon footprint. This Christmas, instead of buying lots of small “stocking fillers”, consider buying the ones you love something small - but of value.

2. Avoid Sales

As tempting as they may be… Don’t get sucked into sales! Black Friday and Boxing Day Sales have all been engineered to make us buy more and more - often at the cost of those who made the products. According to retailer trade body IMRG, £5.6 billion was spent over Black Friday in 2019, in the UK alone. These sales depend on a model of overconsumption that our climate cannot sustain. Our tip to you during the upcoming sales - is to consider what you’re spending, rather than what you’re saving - because more often than not, you spend money you wouldn’t have spent otherwise. 

3. Do your research 

The first step towards a slow fashion future is to know more about brands you a purchasing from. The Good On You app is an excellent tool that can be super helpful while shopping. The app allows you to check thousands of brands’ credentials when it comes to working conditions, environmental impact and animal rights. It’s free and very easy to use, plus there are some great articles to help you discover more ethical brands. 

4. Pre-loved

It’s no secret that buying vintage is something that we are very passionate about at KIND. Buying Pre-loved and vintage items is a fantastic way to find high-quality items at a lower price point. Vintage pieces are often unique and one of a kind, as they are not in current circulation with big labels. When you buy a vintage item you are wearing a rare piece that very well might be the only one of its kind left anywhere. The way you dispose of your clothes is also important to consider. Fashion is not disposable, so instead of throwing things away, donate them to charity or arrange a cloth swap with your friends. You will be helping the planet - and as Macklemore once said “One man's trash, that's another man's come up”.

You can browse our KIND vintage collection online, and discover some incredible pieces that have their own story to tell.

5. Reuse

The fashion industry has grown so much that 4 seasons have turned into 52 micro seasons. New trends arrive faster than people can buy them. Not only is this costly to our pockets but it’s also costly to our planet! Reusing old materials is another great way to support slow fashion - as you are using materials that are already in circulation, rather than leaving them for landfill. At KIND, we offer our customers a Recycle + Rework service, which encourages them to re-purpose all those unworn & forgotten pieces hiding away at the bottom of jewellery boxes - and bring them back to life with a bespoke, modern design.

Learn more about KIND Recycle + Rework

At Kind Collection, we truly value putting quality over quantity and believe it is one of the best ways to live a slow lifestyle. Our jewellery is made using solid (and ethically sourced) materials (9ct/18ct Gold, Sterling Silver, Platinum) to ensure the longevity of the item. KIND Collection pieces can become family heirlooms, which are passed down through generations, lasting the test of time.

This Christmas season, we encourage you to start thinking more about how you shop and to consider your purchases. Support small businesses instead of large corporations, buy less and choose well.