Fashion has become a form of self-expression. The rise of inexpensive brands has flooded city streets for years, expanding wardrobes beyond need. A complete outfit today can cost what a single pair of trousers did in 1990. Social networks amplify the trend, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok repeatedly showing unboxings from brands such as Shein, Zara, or Mango. The aim is immediate satisfaction: if a person likes a skirt, a quick click buys it, leaving little time to reflect. The consequence is hard to ignore—clothes accumulate on hangers and in drawers, often barely worn, or even brand-new. Eventually, they end up in landfills. The environmental toll is broad: heavy water usage, toxic substances in fabrics, emissions from transportation, microplastics released during washing, and vast waste linked to production and disposal.
Data speaks plainly about the reach of this phenomenon. The latest United Nations report shows global clothing production doubling between 2000 and 2015. On average, individuals now buy 60 percent more garments than fifteen years ago. In many cases the quality is questionable due to low prices; the UN notes that around 60 percent of what is sold ends up in landfills within a year.
According to Greenpeace, fast fashion launches numerous collections that stay available only briefly. The cycle shifted from two seasonal drops per year to dozens, with such low quality that prices approach disposability.
10,000 liters for jeans
The huge water footprint becomes evident when examining the factories where these garments are produced. Estimates vary, but a cotton T-shirt often requires up to 3,000 liters of water, while jeans can demand as much as 10,000 liters. The textile sector is one of the most water-intensive industries, contributing to about 20 percent of the world’s wastewater and a sizable portion of global water waste.
Tons of microplastics
Analyses like the ChangeMarkets Foundation report on synthetic fibers reveal that these materials still dominate fast fashion. They constitute roughly 69 percent of textiles, with expectations of a sharp rise by 2030. Polyester alone could represent about 85 percent of textiles. Polyester is derived from fossil fuels, primarily oil, which worsens climate change. The fashion sector is responsible for about 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, a share larger than that of all international flights and cruises combined.
Beyond climate impact, microplastics released during washing pose a serious ecological threat. Their tiny size prevents removal by wastewater treatment filters, allowing them to reach seas and oceans. Greenpeace reports that more than 500,000 tons of waste enter ecosystems annually as a result.
Several scientific studies have identified health concerns linked to some inexpensive garments. Common chemicals include formaldehyde to resist wrinkles, antimony compounds, silver nanoparticles for odor control, plasticizers, flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds. Although there is no guaranteed method to eliminate all particles, washing clothes before first use can help reduce exposure.
Child labor and factory conditions
Many low-cost fashion factories are located in parts of Asia, including China, Turkey, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, and Bangladesh. Low production costs make shipping garments across long distances profitable, even as goods travel thousands of kilometers. Transportation adds to the sector’s pollution, a factor amplified by online shopping and frequent returns.
Recent estimates indicate that these companies employ hundreds of millions of workers. Conditions are often harsh, with long hours and limited pay. Some garments feature beadwork or sequins that hint at child labor involvement, according to warnings from ecological authorities.
Is there a path forward?
Leaders in the circular economy advocate a four-pronged approach: remove fabrics containing toxins or microplastics, extend garment durability, use resources more efficiently, and improve textile recycling. Emphasis on single-material designs can simplify the reuse and recycling process, though separating mixed components remains challenging and costly.
Forward motion toward a recycling culture is reflected in national policy efforts. For example, new Waste Law targets in 2025 place a strong emphasis on ending waste disposal and implementing selective textile collection. Industry players are increasingly taking the initiative, with multinational companies forming coalitions at the start of 2023 to promote recycling in the textile sector. These steps mark a foundational shift toward more sustainable practices across the supply chain.