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.

@Andsoforth
Boring as they might appear, M&S cashmere has repeated styles year on year. Very easy to repeat buy. They are also name their Jean styles so it’s easy to repeat these too. Other retailers who repeat are House of Bruar if you like natural fabrics. They are very country based styles but great for wool! Most slow fashion will be classic because that is the definition of slow! Fast fashion is fast moving design to follow trends so it’s highly unlikely to hang around. Brora is also slow fashion. Cos - not so much. They are H&M after all! However they have a relaxed style that’s plain and uses good fabrics.

Agree with the recommendations above, and especially the tip to focus on classic styles.

surprised no-one has directed you to the Monty Don thread from a while ago… it’s a gem with lots of recommendations

It came to my mind, @ShangPie ! But was immediately distracted. Loads of slow fashion on that epic thread.

I buy nearly everything second hand. Local charity shops are excellent, full of tat with the odd gem. Any mistakes get modified or sold or re-donated. I don't really care if it's a pricy brand or a cheap brand if the item works for me.

Community clothing look nice, but they haven't had the jumpers I wanted in stock for months now, and they haven't replied to my emails either. .

Most (if not all) sustainable brands would have more or less the same items/style but add different colours/prints and few new styles. Organic basics, Rapanui, Boody, Finisterre etc...

High Street wise, those that focus on "basics" would keep the same styles, like Uniqlo and M&S.

@Valkirie i got a gorgeous Navygrey jumper on eBay in the autumn which I’ve worn loads - it’s my so soft and cosy. I still had to pay about £90 but the quality is worth it IMO.

OP, this is kind of what I’m trying to do myself. I’d second a PP’s suggestion of looking out for small independent brands on instagram - also often has the added benefit of supporting British manufacturing.

I really like (some already mentioned):
Finisterre
Beyond Nine
Stalf
Hiut (jeans)
Natal Active (if you happen to be pregnant or breastfeeding)

Only to be bought in sales/ secondhand:
Brora
Navygrey

I remember that Monty Don thread….I think I posted on it. There are a number of slow fashion influencers who can give some interesting recommendations. Donna Tweedale is one ( a stylist) and I also like Style in the Stix. Two brands which might be worth a look are Walker & Walker and Roake Studio but of course it depends on your style. There is also a site called Buy Me Once which features other quality brands in fashion and homeware. They seem to be less trend led than a lot of brands.

Etsy has a lot of small makers who can work to your measurements if that appeals.

Rapanui is another 👍

Try Uniqlo for basics.

They have lots of similar items and often the same item is repeated with updated colours.

Also Howies. About 10 years ago, they had done really nice brown cords, but to get the sustainability standards they wanted they had to buy acres of the fabric, They did those trousers for years!!

@Reluctantadult good shout

Community Clothing definitely. They specialise in classic cuts that won't date. My husband loves their jeans and socks.

Otherwise buy second hand, and care for / repair clothes to extend their life.