Where to find slow fashion?

[Andsoforth]

Since lockdown I’ve found myself wearing less of my clothes, and reaching for the same things over and over. I’m much more aware of comfort and sensory factors.

The problem with trying to buy new clothes is that I need to wear them a while before I recognise that something is a keeper, by which time it’s sold out.

So I’m wondering if there are shops or businesses that don’t move at that pace, or who keep repeating basic pieces.

That's such a good question! I also find it hard to judge when I buy something.

My main suggestion is Community Clothing who tend to stick to a limited range of basics which they repeat.
Toast and Cos (although they may not be to your taste and Toast is much pricier) used to be known for doing this but I'm not sure if they still do.

Two ethical brands with their roots in outdoor pursuits, but both with casual wear - Howies and Finisterre.

Ebay is your friend if you want to 're buy' something

I replaces or double up with stuff from Vinted. Once I know I wear it all the time. I managed to find a replacement for a Next cami top I've had for about a decade with the label still on not too long ago, I was so happy as mine was really faded.

Woolovers and Kettlewell Colours maintain the same basic styles for years and years.

Instagram. Lots of lovely little brands there who make by hand in the UK.

Isolated Heroes
Donald Stanley
Aesthetics Laundry
Fumbalinas (more for posh events or festivals though!)

Sunspel are good for this, they do the same basics year on year - their t shirts are amazing - but the colours vary a bit.

I’d also say that a lot of small businesses that just sell a limited range, or specialise in something (eg knitwear, or jeans) don’t have a high changeover of styles/stock. So for me I like Genevieve Sweeney knitwear, and have one item in two colours. She sometimes has new stuff, but a lot of it doesn’t change year to year. Similar brands are Hiut, Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, Nudie (denim specialists) and Babaa, L’Envers (knitwear). Basically if you look for small brands that just focus on doing on doing a small number of items really well. But these tend to be costly.

Organic Basics, or Falke might be worth a shout too for underwear and basics.

This is me. My only solution so far has been to keep a weather eye out on eBay and Vinted to buy duplicates or replace well worn items.

Phase Eight. I buy the same jumper every year but in a different colour.

I was also going to say:

Community Clothing. Essentially selling the same basic shapes across seasons and years. New colours and items evolve gradually. Sourced and made in the UK. Excellent ethos.

More up-market:

Old Town: Garments are selected from an evolving range offered in various sizes, fabrics and colours. Items are individually cut, sewn and finished before despatch by post. The process takes 6-8 weeks.

Luxury:

La Fêtiche. Really beautiful, colourful, ‘handmade’ knitwear and tailoring. Prices range from “I need it; I deserve it,” to “They’ve already transferred the prize money! What shall I wear to the awards?” Items stay on the site until they’re sold out - which may take several seasons.

Lucy and Yak

In your wardrobe. Wear stuff till it falls apart. Repair, alter, repurpose. Doesn't matter if you repeat outfits.

Saint and Sofia.

Doesn't matter if you repeat outfits.

Come, now - you’re not talking to Freshers. I imagine people opening this thread possess garments that are older than the average UCAS applicant.

@CountryCousin, I was referring to the opening post.

"...I’ve found myself wearing less of my clothes, and reaching for the same things over and over. "

And I think my oldest garment which I bought myself from new is 34 years old.

Get knitting+ brings a whole new meaning to "slow". Offers ultimate customisation too.

Finisterre repeat old favourites, as do (to some extent but not as a rule ),Toast.

Many outdoor brands, including Fjallraven & Patagonia do too.

I am expecting another colossal drop in quality across the high street due to the cost of living crisis: I suspect that with each recession brands begin to cut corners and source cheaper materials/manufacturing in an effort to give the illusion they haven't been hit by inflation. This also happens with food.

I spotted a raggy old Dorothy Perkins jumper in a charity shop yesterday for £14. You can buy cheaper in New Look, Matalan, Tesco, etc. I don't think this is because these stores are doing us a favour, it's because they are reducing the quality and cost of materials all the time, so I predict it will get even worse with many more stores going under.

These days I rely on outdoor brands, yoga stuff and lightly used items via Ebay. I found an unused tweed wool coat (formerly Brora) for £40 when it would have been over £300 new. Also find a good deal of hand knitted stuff on Ebay, too, although I have never tried Vinted.

And no, before anyone suggests it, not all of us have time or patience to learn to knit, and some of us are naturally very crap at it! It is similar to telling someone to paint their own landscape because they'd love an original Turner.

I really like Asket.

They add a handful of new lines every year, and keep the previous ones. There isn’t much, but it’s all high quality basics.

Some really great suggestions - thank you.
Sadly, I might have to leave the knitting to someone who won’t get tangled up in the wool.

Arket seem to repeat T-shirts and cardigans a lot.

I got a preloved Community Clothing sweater off Vinted recently and the quality is fabulous, good quality material, made to last.

I used to think L&Y as well but recently I've had repeated quality issues and have returned 3 faulty items. They have also been releasing 'new limited edition' designs every few weeks in smaller batches encouraging people to buy, buy, buy before it sells out, while not restocking staple favourites. I would class them as fast fashion in disguise!

You don’t mention budget so I will forewarn you that NavyGrey is not cheap, but they do make the same styles over and over: navygrey.co

Perhaps stating the obvious but for real comfort clothing, sportswear brands like Sweaty Betty also tend to make their core range over and over again in different colours. This also makes it easy to pick up a style that you know you’ll like from eBay or similar

WNU is another brand that had a limited number of styles (shirts mostly) which it has focused on designing well and then reproduces year on year: www.withnothingunderneath.com/pages/theshirt-lab