why is sustainable fashion so expensive?

[@ak-no2wo]

I agree about the hauls on KZbin! All these youtubers are quite rich, and they are spending $500 on fast fashion, when with that money they could actually get A LOT of ethical pieces! And why not inspire your audience in the meantime?

[@inspiroue]

Righttt lol everything I see it I'm like why!!

[@blessedwithcolour]

To be honest I find it hard to talk about this with my friends because it requires so much unlearning, the title is the question I always get, as a student I think alot of people have the 'broke' mindset, but mind you, we can probably afford ethical/sustainable fashion, I think it just takes a little longer to save up for or purchase. Patience and undoing instant gratification too!

[@inspiroue]

Exactly! So much unlearning to do but I do believe it starts with that, and better education around all of this. The patience part is so key - we expect so much convenience now! x

[@mathidangamsiripol1570]

Have you ever thought about making a podcast? Your voice is so calming and captivating, and I think the topics you would talk about are so important, educational, and could inspire all of us!

[@inspiroue]

I have! Maybe one day when I have more bandwidth haha - I've been doing youtube as my sidehustle (evenings and weekends) for a few years and I'm still figuring out how to support the time/energy I put into it 🙈

[@TheReverenceProject]

In the words of the great Li Edelkoort: ”How can a product that needs to be sown, grown, harvested, combed, spun, knitted, cut and stitched, finished, printed, labelled, packaged and transported cost a couple of euros?” It seems people assume that machines make everything these days but no, humans were involved in every step and that’s modern day slavery for ya.

[@inspiroue]

Couldn't have said it better - it's shocking how far removed we've become with the clothes we wear everyday. I think consumers just want to stay oblivious 🙃

[@kaylee-jayne]

i wish i learned this sooner, i can’t look at my closet without gagging. on top of that everything i own is trendy and i don’t like it anymore. i hope to start selling on depop so nothing goes to landfills.

[@inspiroue]

I think we've all been there haha that feeling when you're just like "I have so much clothes but nothing to wear!!!"

[@christinaschultz6835]

I needed this video. For 5 years I’ve made so many lifestyle changes towards sustainability (veganism, cutting out single use items, etc) but fast fashion is something I’ve always struggled with. I’m getting better and better every year, but I still get sucked in by ads every so often. Thank you for spreading this message, it really doesn’t make any sense to keep supporting fast fashion. Unfortunately consumerism is so engrained in society that this doesn’t seem obvious at first but we need to keep pushing against it!

[@inspiroue]

Don't be too hard on yourself though - I totally get that guilty feeling/the pressure of having to do it all 'sustainably'. The important thing is you're educating yourself and trying! x

[@mathidangamsiripol1570]

YES! Especially since we are heading into fall, I have been seeing COUNTLESS fast fashion halls from youtubers that are showing their audience new trends... I wish more fashion youtubers thought more like you, or even sought to incorporate Ethical & Sustainable Fashion into their lives!

[@inspiroue]

RIGHTTT lol and then they say 'oh I can't afford ethical/sustainable brands they're too expensive' 🙃

[@Magdalene777]

The other side of the coin is not everyone is buying fast fashion to wear once or twice. The same argument could be applied to housing, food, or anything, that we should be paying more. We can't pay more for every single thing. Some people have to cut corners in some areas. Of course vintage is an option, but sometimes it's not cheaper than new clothes.

[@inspiroue]

100%! I mention it in the video -- fast fashion's role in the climate crisis was not caused by those who buy intentionally (buy fast fashion but wear pieces for a long time). But most fast fashion shoppers are the ones that do buy this way, and then say they can't afford sustainable fashion, so I hope this video can change that narrative.

[@valenalowe2982]

since i’ve found your channel i have used so much of your advice and kept your words in mind when i think about fashion. i have a list of ethically made and sustainable pieces that i am saving up to buy! i think saving up and finally getting something helps you to appreciate those pieces even more too! thanks for your videos :)

[@inspiroue]

aw that makes me so happy to hear! love that you have a list - excited for when you add those yummy pieces and know you'll love em for a long time x

[@lenguyendieulinh5902]

I love the point that you made about what we should do if right now we can't afford or access to sustainable and ethical clothing. It' just a relief for me to know that I can still buy clothes from the brands I usually buy as long as I love and cherish and make the most of those clothes 'cause honestly it's so hard for me to find a store that sells sustainable clothes here where I live.

[@rachelmartinez9627]

I just want to say I love your videos!! I'm currently in school getting my A.A. in product development and want to eventually have my own sustainable brand and your videos have really helped me a lot with research on my structed business that will eventually be a reality. Keep doing these videos I love

[@inspiroue]

Appreciate you so much! Love that I can help educate 💛 And yes I'm just like whyyyyy lol

[@Claudia-eq3jk]

Just found your channel and it's something I needed. I've been buying fast fashion for so long that it difficult to make the change. I believe you are based in Montreal, so it helps me relate to you more and understand how to stop supporting the fast fashion companies. Thank you for your videos!

[@inspiroue]

I'm so happy to hear this - appreciate your support and so glad I can help! I'm based in Kitchener but love Montreal and visit when I can! x

[@jobless_mar]

Such a full, in-depth, well-educated and well-rounded argument, so eloquently and clearly communicated...I never fail to be impressed at your videos!! You're incredible, thank you so much!

[@inspiroue]

Thank you so much! Appreciate you x

[@alexiarondeau]

Didn't see it when it came out, but I'm here because of your new video and oh this is perfect! Thank you for making us unlearn the fast fashion industry and grow through all your videos!

[@inspiroue]

Aw this makes me so happy to hear!! Thank you x

[@thetamekanicole]

this needs to be drilled into my brain. this mindset change and lifestyle change is hopefully going to be in full effect in my life moving forward.

[@inspiroue]

yes!! it's all about awareness and being informed, and then trying the best you can! x

[@heydahye]

Your videos are so well researched and informative. Keep them coming!!!

[@inspiroue]

Thank you! I put so much energy/effort and still trying to figure out how to make it worthwhile without gating it on patreon etc 🙃🥰

[@3ssential]

love that you're uncovering the truth. I think it is also our societal culture of instant gratification. The idea of wanting to be 'on trend' now... to want things instantly also shapes consumer culture. People don't want wait to purchase better quality/ethically made items. I agree with you that general public has learned to associate 'better quality = cheap;', but if you ever look at the material of a product, many items are made with man-made fibers or material that harm the environment. At the same time, there arn't many stores that have 'trendy' clothes that are ethically made. Currently, many ethically made clothes are closet staples/minimalistic items that younger and adult demographics may not be into. Thank you for continuously sharing knowledging and educating everyone the best that you can! -xoxo subbie from Toronto, Ontario

[@inspiroue]

Yes so true - that convenience and instant gratification part! Plus, the 'trendiness' and not wanting to be seen in the same thing twice... so much to unlearn and shift x

[@janle3204]

thank you for this!! It's difficult to see new trends and influencers promoting fast fashion yet not being able to follow them, but I'm slowly starting my journey to be more sustainable because of you and your videos! 💖

[@inspiroue]

Aw yay this makes me so happy to hear! x

[@emilylucitt]

I love this! I ‘quit’ fast fashion a while ago once they no longer seemed to fit me well (and I’m a ‘standard’ size; so I’m glad that you mentioned size privilege!!). I think a related issue is how fast fashion encourages impulse shopping, which I struggle with. I recently decided to consciously buy clothes and accessories that are expensive for me-that way I won’t be tempted to impulse buy and make myself really think about whether I want to make a purchase. I can also take time to research a new brand’s sustainability!

[@inspiroue]

Yes I love this!! Investing in pieces you know you'll love and cherish for a long time x

[@AlexandriaCapri]

Thanks for breaking this down. I studied Environmental Science for my undergrad but didn't know some of these facts!

[@jessandmarkvlogs]

Your videos are always so informative. I wish more people would see and watch your content. This is the stuff that people need to watch; not the mindless haul videos that perpetuate fast fashion and constant consumption/need for things we don't need.

[@inspiroue]

Thank you so much!! I wish so too haha x

[@isagrnr]

I recently stumbled across your Channel and I am in love!! You are so sweet and your video are educational, calming yet entertaining. Definitely subscribed :)

[@inspiroue]

Aw appreciate your support so much!! I’m so glad you find my content educational, that’s my goal and I’m so happy to hear this 🤎

[@shanstertanaka]

i absolutely love your talking vids lately!! It makes this information so easy to digest

[@inspiroue]

thank you 💛

[@LunaEscobar18]

first comment :D thanks for sharing. I love your channel it gets me inspired every time, I do follow a very minimalist lifestyle and of course that goes in hand with sustainability in many ways, but I love learning about the behind the scenes of fashion even if I don't support fast fashion for a while now

[@inspiroue]

thank you for your support 💛 it always makes me so happy to hear I can help inspire & engage people in this conversation!! x

[@hopefullytruee]

thank you for making this information so easily accessible :) 💓 it’s really inspiring to see that you’re putting out work that will really help our world and our future once people start to learn about this stuff.. keep on teaching and inspiring!

[@gianni6986]

I wish I could share this with everyone and have them not only hear it but genuinely Listen and take the time to understand & learn. Just gotta keep working to make this the norm ❤️

[@inspiroue]

Oh me too 🙃 I do feel like a major shift is happening though and that gets me excited! x

[@muiawat]

The most sustainable fashion in shopping your own closet and second hand for me I am that person who wears 10% of my closet so need to actually wear what I already own or donate it

[@inspiroue]

Yes yes yes

[@yaapeasah4443]

I've been wearing the same things since 6th Grade.

[@brittanymcmcmc9730]

Who's the one person who thumbed down?! I'm happy I found your channel! You do a lot of research that's hard to take the time to do, but sharing it helps me make my choices. I love the title of your channel btw, I think it's genius

[@inspiroue]

That's what I want to know! And thank you, I know this journey was super overwhelming when I started it years ago and I so strongly believe better education is key so here I am! x

[@interpretrebekah]

such an educational video that i want to send to everyone i know 🙏🏼

[@inspiroue]

aw thank you x

[@sosaverde4014]

100% this. unless you work heavy manual labor or like, at a fish market, you can totally get away with wearing the same thing day after day. Also many sustainable brands make convertible clothes which can make different looks from the same garment, for those who are worried about feeling 'bored'.

[@inspiroue]

Yes! So many creative ways to style and mix and match clothing - plus, most consumers only wear 20% of their wardobes (that's a lot of clothing you can "shop")! x

[@medinadiment442]

So glad I found your channel I love your videos and you inspire me to be better and also think a bit more about what I’m purchasing ☺️

[@inspiroue]

Yay so happy to hear x

[@andydutton455]

great info

[@luanaabecassis7061]

My biggest issue was gaining weight. I used to have a pretty small and even childish body, and 1 year ago I gained a lot of weight, all my clothing were extremely small and just would not fit me, so I really needed to buy pieces all over again. And I'm talking about pants, shorts, jackets, shirts, underwear. I started buying vintage pieces but something I struggled with was finding pieces that would fit me. I always had the feeling that there were such small pieces and the biggest ones would always sell faster because having a petite body isn't something that usual for grown ass woman. Anyway, I don't get enough money to buy all my items from brands that costs too high because I need clothing for my daily life, and all sorts of clothing. I feel really bad for being part of the group of people that actually buy from fast fashion, but I really dont see how I could ever have bought my daily life clothing without it. Knowing that what I needed was basically a new wardrobe...I know this video is kinda of old, but I would love to see your POV on it. Awesome video! Thank you, lots of love from Brazil.

[@diamondcentury21]

Honestly a subject like Environmental Science should be something they start teaching in high school it would go a long way

[@inspiroue]

Zuza Mal agreed - I think sustainability/circularity and how we can transform our impact should be taught from middle school lol

[@neiya8862]

Don't forget thrifting. I buy from brands I can somewhat afford like Wearpact and Everlane but most of the clothes I buy are from thrift stores. I don't know about Everlane anymore. There is an app called Good on you that is helpful when it comes to finding ethical brands.

[@ruffies99]

So much this! I can only find ethical brands online and it's frustrating to try to find clothes that fit when ordering from a website. Also, because of the price tag of these brands, I would only be able to buy 1-2 pieces every few months. At a thrift store, you can always try clothes on to make sure the fit is right and the cost is a lot more comfortable for someone working on re-structuring my wardrobe!

[@inspiroue]

Yes to thrifting! Most of my wardrobe is thrifted and I love it - it's unique and affordable! I have a whole video on Everlane and I don't think they're the best until we see some accountable change, but agreed that the app is a great way to get a general idea of how ethical/sustainable a brand is quickly! x

[@HarmonysLatestDesign]

My current way to shop more sustainably is buying clothing secondhand (that's NOT from GoodWill since there are still people who still genuinely depend on Good Will for clothes). A lot of truly ethical/sustainable clothing brands I've found are definitely in the $100+ range. I'm in the process of rebuilding my wardobe from scratch and it's been hard to not want to splurge at every sale I see.

[@inspiroue]

Yes!! There are so many clothes on this earth already and secondhand (esp from consignment shops etc) are always the best first option before buying new. It is tough but so worth it not to give in to those sales - i believe in you x

[@rucha5919]

THANK YOU FOR THIS CONTENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@inspiroue]

💛 appreciate ya

[@ak-no2wo]

Thank you for this🖤

[@inspiroue]

Of course 💛

[@VickieEB]

Thanks for this video. It was enlightening. Please recommend sustainable brands in Europe and brands that ship worldwide without high duty.

[@inspiroue]

So happy you think so! Building a list out and will share prob in the new year!!

[@maitian5893]

Just discovered your videos and your content is so inspiring! Do you have any tips on finding resources to learn more in depth about sustainable fashion because i would love to read more about the topic and educate myself to be a better consumer!

[@inspiroue]

Yes! Would highly recommend starting with Fashion Takes Actions' sustainable tool kit (they're a toronto based NGO) and it's been a huge resource I lean on to learn x

[@digitalmimi]

Yes I wish people with think about these things more

[@inspiroue]

Me too haha

[@sunlight8299]

Thank you for creating this video! So many well thought approaches to life and being responsible. May I request a video on sustainably created footwear that has been created to be healthy for our feet. I'm really into barefoot shoes, sandals and boots but I also love heels. So far Carets is the only brand that I feel takes aesthetics fully into account while creating a healthy barefoot shoe. Not many non animal products though and no line created for feminine aesthetic either although I love Oxfords. Anyway I'd love your take on the fashion show world and am very open to looking at this differently. Also what do you think of thrifting shoes? Right now I'm craving a Chelsea boot I can wear for Spring and Autumn. I oscillate between wanting a low, medium or high heel. Help! Lol 😅

[@inspiroue]

Aw thank you - so glad you think so! I'll add this to the list and think of some options. Honestly, footwear is an area I struggle with finding brands too. I've thrifted a few amazing shoes (mostly from consignment shops) but it's all luck and very hit or miss. I do love thousand fell for their sneakers and materials, and I've been trying out Alohas (on demand production etc) but I don't have any go-to brands at the moment for boots. Hopefully I'll find more soon x

[@blessedwithcolour]

I clicked so fast!

[@inspiroue]

Ahhh love ya 💛

[@annazhao211]

Hey this might be a weird question and two days late but here goes... I'm an indecisive teenager someone who is trying to figure out what their style is. I come from a well off family, so it's not like I can't afford to buy pieces- but since I'm still so unsure of anything, I don't want to splurge on something I may not love. That being said, I buy things pretty infrequently, but I'm still wondering: is there a way I can build a wardrobe sustainably if I can't trust myself to love a piece?

[@inspiroue]

Not weird at all! I was super indecisive when I was figuring out my style too - I would recommend pinning/making boards of specific styles you like and revisiting them every few days (if you still love it after the third/fourth visit, chances are it's prob your style)! I also love just going to a bunch of stores (sustainable or not) and trying on different outfits to see how I love stuff in person - and if I regret not leaving with it after a week or two I know it's something I want to add to my wardrobe (and then I'll find a sustainable alternative)! Hope this helps x

[@annazhao211]

@@inspiroue yeah it seems like I can never tell if I'll look good on something lol so I probably need to go in stores. Honestly the main issue is probably COVID-19 because otherwise, I'd just be trying on like 5 different aesthetics :) That being said, thanks for getting back to me

[@bridget.esther]

thank you for this video. i watched it when it first came out, but i really needed this reminder right now 🤍