Whilst most of the fashion and retail sectors around the world are frantically getting ready for Black Friday, we are going about our business as usual. You see, here at Digital Fabrics we are reminded daily of the resources that go into textile and garment production and sadly a lot of it goes to waste not long after it has been purchased. 

Black Friday, a once purely American notion for post-Thanksgiving sales has now become an international sensation with shoppers going mad for savings of up to 75%. Last year, Australians spent $8 billion snapping up bargains and 2022 is shaping up to be even bigger. Where for many families participation in sales is a necessity, most of the Black Friday buyers buy out of frenzy and without knowledge of the environmental harm it causes. 

Now, we know what you may think. With cost-of-living rising across the board, what’s the harm in saving some of your hard-earned dollars on a new wardrobe or some Christmas shopping? The eco-damage caused by Black Friday is growing year-on-year, but there is also a growing number of people who are working to put a stop to this.  

The Slow Fashion Movement 

We believe in the Slow Fashion Movement – an international community challenging apparel companies to do better when it comes to their production and marketing of their products. 

Put simply, ‘fast-fashion’ is the use of unsustainable practices when it comes to apparel production. We’ve all snapped up a cheap pair of jeans, a sundress or pair of sheets. The reality is – we are unintentionally contributing to the destruction of the planet and the exploitation of vulnerable women and children in third-world countries. 

Fast-fashion is actively contributing to climate change, the wastage of water and the pollution of rivers and oceans. And that’s before the clothes have even left the factory for distribution. 

The Slow Fashion Movement estimates that only 10% of clothes are recycled. That means only one-tenth of every piece of apparel bought in markets like Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada or Europe is either handed-down or sold in second hand stores. Leaving 90% of clothing being thrown out, contributing to carbon emissions and landfills all over the world.  

Then there’s the human side of the issue. The World Bank Group has estimated the $3.5 trillion fast-fashion industry employs over 60 million workers internationally. Whilst over 97% of fashion and retail brands have codes of conduct and corporate social responsibility policies, the reality is they often don’t prevent forced labor or horrendous working conditions. 

The good news is, together we can change things and make a difference. We love sharing our passion for Slow Fashion, so here are some small actions you, your friends and family can take instead of shopping online this Black Friday. 

‘Thanks, It’s Vintage’  
With vintage and thrifting always in fashion, our city and suburban second-hand shops are jam packed full of amazing, affordable apparel just ready to be snapped up. This ensures perfectly good items have a second or a third life. 

Design your own fabrics! 
An amazing way to express yourself both creatively and sustainably. At Digital Fabrics we can bring your vision to life using water-based inks which are more environmentally friendly than oil-based or solvent-based alternatives. 

Needle and thread.  
Consider yourself a beginner sewer? Don’t be afraid to try making your own clothes! No sewing experience? Read our blog post with our best projects for sewing beginners!  

No-Buy Friday.  
You can make a difference this Black Friday by making a conscious decision to ditch the shopping spree.  

Do it for the ‘Gram.  
Share the love and your creativity on social media via the #slowfashion tag which has over 14.5 million posts. Created something with us? You can show off your new Digital Fabrics creation via our handle @digitalfabrics 

Fashion is all about expressing yourself and your values. Together, we can challenge the status-quo and wear our clothes with pride, knowing we are making a difference.