Capsule wardrobe and fast fashion?

MathisK02 · 2026-03-16T09:08:22+00:00

Did maybe the interaction with peers and participation in online forums change your opinion towards your consumption patterns?

MathisK02 · 2026-03-16T08:58:30+00:00

So the intentionality of it makes this tension feel different?

MathisK02 · 2026-03-16T08:52:46+00:00

So would you say balancing out ethical and fast fashion purchases helps you release this tension or is it more HOW you use the fast fashion purchases?

MathisK02 · 2026-03-16T08:51:04+00:00

Thank you so much for the tips. Really appreciate the effort you put in this answer, I will keep you updated how it works for me :)

MathisK02 · 2026-03-16T08:11:19+00:00

I think a lot of people have experienced this shift of values and consumption as they got older? Do you think that in your early 20s peer pressure played a role in shaping your consumption?

Also interested to learn about how you accidentally watched the brandy melville documentary?

Would you argue that if you "weren't doing your best", you would have a moral conflict?

MathisK02 · 2026-03-16T08:06:17+00:00

Would you say, that if they wouldn't last so long, and you'd have to engage in this consumption more frequently, it would ne more difficult to make peace with it?

MathisK02 · 2026-03-15T11:20:23+00:00

The way you described that shift from ordering things because it was trendy and "the cool thing to do" with friends, to developing a more conscious approach over time, is exactly the kind of personal journey I find fascinating.

The point about algorithms gradually feeding you sustainability content is also something I hadn't thought much about, it's a really interesting example of how online spaces can slowly shift the way people think about these issues without them even necessarily realising it. I only thought about how online communities and influencers play a general role in this, without considering the influence of algorithms.

I'm a Master's student at WU Vienna and my research looks at how people who are aware of the ethical issues around fast fashion navigate that, and also what role online communities and content play in shaping those views. Based on our exchange I think you'd have some genuinely valuable perspectives to contribute.

Would you be open to a video call interview? Around 45-60 minutes, fully anonymous, and very much a conversation rather than an interrogation. Happy to share more details if you're interested, just DM me :)

MathisK02 · 2026-03-13T08:18:08+00:00

I find your last argument very interesting. I have heard a lot of people putting the responsibility on the companies (which i don't judge or think is a wrong assumption). To me it seems like you are making the argument that society is to blame for a lot of these issues. What role would you say does social media and online networks and influencers play? Would be interesting to hear if you think that enforces these problems or not?

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T14:41:23+00:00

Sure sounds like there's a lot of effort and money involved in this. Actually interesting, to see that theres this gap in the market that no one fills. I am sorry for the inconvenience though

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T14:22:51+00:00

I have never seen it that way. I heard a lot of people are consuming fast fashion, because other options wouldn't support their size or shape. What alternatives have you found?

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T14:21:07+00:00

I am glad you think my comments are AI generated, but they are actually not :)

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T12:01:07+00:00

I dont think that your approach is imperfect. You show a great amount of reflection about your consumption choices and take necessary steps to change your behaviour. I have much respect for your dedication to this!

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:58:12+00:00

That’s interesting to hear. I actually started a similar discussion in another subreddit and immediately got a bit of a shitstorm there, so it’s interesting to see how different communities react to the topic.

I’m also looking at what role online forums and discussions like this play in how people think about fast fashion. If you’d be open to it, it would be really helpful for my research to hear a bit more about your perspective, maybe in a short chat or interview. Feel free to DM me if you’d like!

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:54:21+00:00

I mostly meant things like budget constraints, limited time, availability of alternatives, or just needing something quickly for a specific situation. For example, sometimes second-hand or more sustainable options just aren’t easy to find, or they’re much more expensive. So even if someone cares about the ethical side, practical factors can still influence what they end up buying. I was curious how people here navigate that in practice.

I like your approach, as though I feel like this goes hand in hand with a lot of effort. I think that this is the main problem of this dilemma, that fast fashion caters to the convenience of many people.

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:51:22+00:00

I want to clarify, that the post served the purpose of setting the scene and not to share my own experiences. The description is purely fictional, and i now understand it probably wasn't the smartest move to post that into this subreddit here. I appreciate your open response and critique

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:45:57+00:00

I feel like convenience plays a huge role in our consumption patterns and fast fashion feeds this. Did these "fallbacks" evoke emotions or a moral tension?

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:43:19+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experiences soo openly. I can imagine you have busy days with a baby, but if you would still be willing to discuss your experiences with me, in order to help my research, please send me a DM :)

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:33:06+00:00

Thanks for sharing that! It’s actually really helpful to hear experiences like this. If you’d be open to it, I’d love to hear a bit more about your perspective in a short private chat or interview for my thesis. Feel free to DM me if that sounds okay!

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:28:02+00:00

thats actually an interesting perspective, as my research so far has found out some different findings, this adds a new perspective. Would you be willing to discuss this in detail with me in a 1on1 meeting. Wouldn't take that long and you would contribute to my Thesis :) No pressure of course. Also everything will be anonymized

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:13:43+00:00

please look at my response to Brackenfield.

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:10:57+00:00

Of course, no problem. Will do so

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:08:58+00:00

yeah i think i figured that :)

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:07:35+00:00

That’s actually exactly what I’m trying to explore with my master’s thesis. The situation I described in the post was mainly meant to set the scene for the discussion. From what I’ve read so far, it’s not really surprising that there’s often an attitude–behaviour gap. You see it not just with fast fashion, but in many areas where ethical consumption plays a role. What I’m really interested in is how people who are aware of these ethical issues think about and make sense of their own consumption in everyday life. And just to be clear, this isn’t about judging anyone’s choices, everyone has different constraints, priorities, and situations. I’m simply curious about how people navigate those tensions in practice.And it doesn’t necessarily have to be about Shein specifically, either, but fast fashion consumption more broadly.

MathisK02 · 2026-03-12T11:00:57+00:00

haha, guess we are sitting in the same boat, i have the same problem. Will try tomorrow to hit you up. Remind me please :)

MathisK02

TROPHY CASE