The Myth of "Affordable" Fashion
How can fast fashion brands produce a dress for $10? What corners are they cutting to be able to make a profit selling these garments?
“Fast fashion is cheap.” That’s the story we’ve been sold. $15 for a dress? $5 tops? Why not try a few? But let’s look closer.
That dress might only last one or two washes before the seams twist, the colour fades, or the fabric stretches out. So you buy another one. And another.
When you factor in time spent hunting for something new, money spent replacing what doesn’t last, and clothes that never really fit quite right, the cost adds up. Not to mention the 1 in 5 items that get returned (and often don’t make it back into circulation).
Add the environmental cost:
🌏 Cheap fabrics = higher emissions, microplastic shedding, landfill waste
🌏 Fast production = poor working conditions and zero transparency
🌏 Fast turnover = trends that leave you feeling behind, over and over again
So, is it really affordable? Or just… easy to justify in the moment?
At Know My Fit, we believe fashion should still feel good, just without the waste, the overwhelm, or the throwaway culture. We connect you with slow fashion brands across Australia and New Zealand, and only show you pieces that are likely to fit.
Because the real luxury? Clothes that fit your body, last more than a season, and align with your values.
Do you ever feel like fast fashion ends up costing more than you expected, in time, energy, or money? We’d love to hear your experience.