What's Faster than Fashion?

The current clothing production system is linear and wastes materials at all stages of the value chain. In my research, I studied the wasteful and impractical flaws of the fashion industry’s linear production process and designed a circular system of production that calls for not only sustainable manufacturing methods, but also consumption methods. I found that a circular clothing production system must start with the use of zero waste production patterns and recycled fabric to construct garments. At the end of the process, the recovery and recycling of items after consumer considers the product to be done becomes a crucial part to remain sustainable and makes this a closed loop system. My research also led me to find that the most efficient and sustainable clothing must be made to order in order to prevent surplus of inventory and waste. Finally, using zero waste pattern designs, I physically created a full outfit using my circular production process method and designed them to be the only clothes you would ever need. Overall, I have created the steps required for a future without “fast fashion” and textile waste that makes recovery of the item an essential part of the production process after the consumer looks to dispose of item. My research shows that a key approach to sustainable clothing production starts with zero waste sewing patterns and develops a system where all products are recycled forever and collected back after they are done with use.