Breaking Up with Fast Fashion: A Personal Detox Journey

Over the past few months, I’ve been on a mission to clean up my life literally and figuratively. It all started when I realized how many unnecessary toxins I was exposing myself to daily. I swapped out my laundry detergent for a clean, homemade option (check out the laundry soap and dryer balls I use), overhauled my skincare routine to include my own handcrafted Tallow Whips from Lineage Natural Cosmetics, and said goodbye to artificial fragrances that were doing nothing but giving me headaches. It felt empowering to take control of what I was putting on and into my body.

But just when I thought I had it all figured out, I stumbled onto a surprising source of hidden toxins: my closet.

What Exactly is Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion is a business model that prioritizes speed and low cost above all else. Brands like SHEIN, Temu, Forever 21, and Zara pump out hundreds (sometimes thousands) of new styles every week, all at dirt-cheap prices. The idea is simple: keep up with the latest trends, sell as much as possible, and make it so affordable that you can’t say no.

It sounds great on the surface who doesn’t want affordable fashion? But behind those low prices is a long chain of issues: unethical labor practices, environmental destruction, and, yes, exposure to harmful chemicals.

And let’s not pretend I’m above it. I’ve been that person who orders a cart full of cute and cheap outfits for the price of one nice dinner. I used to think I was being smart with my money, but now I see I was just falling into the trap.

The Hidden Chemicals in Your Clothes

Here’s where it gets personal for me. Part of my journey has been learning about the impact of what I put on my skin whether it’s skincare, makeup, or even laundry soap. But it never crossed my mind that the clothes I wear could be just as toxic. Fast fashion pieces are often treated with chemicals to make them wrinkle-free, waterproof, or resistant to stains. These can include things like:

• Formaldehyde (used to prevent wrinkles)

  
  

• Phthalates (found in prints and coatings)

  
  

• Azo dyes (used for bright, vibrant colors but can release carcinogenic compounds)

And because many fast fashion items are made from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, you’re essentially wearing plastic, which can leach microplastics and other harmful substances into your skin.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ripped open a package of new clothes and been hit with that weird chemical smell. I used to think it was just new clothes smell. Now I know it’s a sign of the toxic cocktail those fabrics have been marinated in.

Why Fast Fashion Isn’t Just a Bargain

The more I learned, the more it clicked: fast fashion isn’t just bad for your health it’s bad for everything. The people who make these clothes often work in unsafe conditions and are exposed to the same chemicals we are, but at much higher levels. The production process pollutes rivers and air, leaving local communities to deal with the fallout. And because these clothes are so poorly made, they often fall apart after a few wears, contributing to mountains of textile waste.

Places like SHEIN, Temu, and H&M make it so easy to justify buying more. Their websites are designed to make you feel like you’re scoring the deal of the century. But what we don’t see is the real cost.

How I’m Ditching Fast Fashion

Let me be honest: breaking up with fast fashion hasn’t been easy. It’s convenient, cheap, and everywhere. But I’m finding ways to make the transition feel less overwhelming:

1. Thrifting is my new obsession: I’ve started spending my Saturday mornings at thrift shops, and it’s been so fun! Not only do I find unique pieces, but I also love the thrill of the hunt.

2. Investing in quality over quantity: This has been a mindset shift for me. Instead of buying five $10 tops that will fall apart, I’m saving up for one $50 piece that I’ll love for years.

3. Doing my research: I’ve started looking into brands that are transparent about their practices, like Everlane and Reformation. They’re a little pricier, but the quality and peace of mind are worth it.

4. Capsule wardrobe vibes: I’m learning to focus on timeless, versatile pieces that I can mix and match, rather than chasing trends.

The Takeaway

Breaking up with fast fashion isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being mindful. For me, this journey has been about slowing down and aligning my choices with my values. I want a life that feels healthier, cleaner, and more intentional fast fashion just doesn’t fit into that picture anymore.

If you’re on your own detox journey, take a moment to rethink what’s in your closet. The next time you’re tempted by a flash sale, pause and ask: do I really need this? Progress, not perfection, is the goal and even small steps make a difference.

Love,

Lia