From fast fashion to thoughtful choices: Insights from The Good Clothes Show

The future of fashion is evolving, and The Good Clothes Show held in Birmingham from September 20-22, 2024, showcased this shift toward sustainability, mindful consumption, and genuine inclusivity. This event wasn’t just about highlighting new trends; it was a bold call to rethink the way we buy, wear, and even value our clothes.

At the heart of the event was a crucial message: we need to escape the cycle of fast fashion. Instead of being caught up in buying more, we were encouraged to embrace the philosophy of ‘buying less, but buying better’. It’s a mindset shift that asks us to consider the real value of each piece we purchase—how long it will last, how well it will serve us, and whether it’s truly needed.

The Urgency of Change: Addressing Fashion Waste

A panel of sustainability experts shared a startling statistic: every second, a lorry full of discarded clothes is either sent to landfills or burned. This isn’t just a crisis of consumption; it’s a crisis of waste. Hearing this made it impossible to ignore the need for urgent change—not just in how we produce clothes, but in how we engage with fashion as consumers.

Owning Fewer, Better Things

Patrick Grant, founder of Community Clothing, ever popular judge on The Great British Sewing Bee, and a well-known advocate for sustainable fashion, spoke passionately about the idea of owning fewer but higher-quality clothes. His book Less emphasizes that well-made, durable clothing doesn’t just reduce waste—it can also improve our lives by creating a more thoughtful and intentional wardrobe. By shifting our focus from trends to timelessness, we not only minimize our environmental impact but also experience more satisfaction from the items we choose to wear.

Fashion for Everyone: Redefining Inclusivity

Sustainability in fashion isn’t only about environmental consciousness—it’s also about creating clothing that’s accessible to all. For fashion to truly be sustainable, it must meet the needs of every person, regardless of their physical abilities or unique body requirements. At StyleAbility we’re committed to ensuring that everyone, no matter their needs, can find clothing that’s both stylish and functional. 

 This isn’t about creating a separate category of clothing; it’s about empowering everyone to find the fashion they love and the functionality they need. We believe that fashion should be accessible, enjoyable, and functional for all, so we ensure that every person can make informed choices and discover clothes that not only fit their style but also meet their unique needs.

A Shared Vision of Fashion’s Future

Our co-founder Jo had the opportunity to meet with Patrick Grant at the event, and they quickly connected over their shared vision for fashion’s future. Patrick’s belief in thoughtful consumption aligns perfectly with our mission at StyleAbility—to ensure that fashion serves everyone while fostering a culture of mindful, responsible choices.

The Future: Conscious, Inclusive and Sustainable

The takeaway from The Good Clothes Showwas clear—the future of fashion is about more than looking good. It’s about creating clothes that are made to last, that work for every body, and that are produced with care for the environment. We’re moving toward a new era, one where fast fashion becomes a relic of the past, and inclusive, sustainable practices lead the way.

 By embracing this vision, we can ensure that fashion not only looks good but does good—both for people and the planet.