Fast Fashion vs. Sustainable Fashion: An Economic Textual Analysis

This paper explores the economic implications of fast fashion versus sustainable fashion by examining secondary data sources, including academic studies, industry reports, and news articles. Fast fashion is characterized by rapid production cycles, low costs, and affordability, appealing particularly to younger consumers. However, this model contributes to significant environmental degradation and labor exploitation. Sustainable fashion, by contrast, emphasizes environmental preservation, ethical labor practices, and long-term economic sustainability, yet faces challenges in scaling due to higher production costs. Through comparative analysis, this paper aims to identify the economic trade-offs and societal impacts associated with both fast and sustainable fashion. Findings suggest that while fast fashion offers immediate economic benefits, sustainable fashion provides a viable long-term alternative with potential environmental and social advantages. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility in the fashion industry.