Was Slow Fashion Just a Trend?

Social media changed. But what about our values?

I’m scouring the Mara Hoffman website for the third time today, feeling kind of desperate and panicked. Almost all of the extended sizes are sold out and most of the pieces in the biggest size Mara Hoffman makes (3X) would not fit me anyways. But their Spring 2024 collection will be their last, so this may be my only chance to snag one of their classic sloan dresses.

Some people shop online to soothe anxiety, but today my online shopping is being fueled by online shopping-related anxiety, like a snake eating its own tail.  

And Mara Hoffman is just one casualty of The Slow Fashion Recession. Sotela, Beaton Linen, Brass Clothing, The Sleep Shirt, and Arq have all also closed this year. Esby’s website is on an indefinite pause. Many brands have been posting about just how hard they are struggling: Shelter Clothing, Period Aisle, Connally Goods, Oge Ajibe, Franc, Altar Houseline. Hackwith Design House has scaled back their offerings. Free Label has been posting about it. 

Why is slow fashion falling apart? And what does this mean for the future of ethically made clothing?

Plus: a list of slow fashion brands you can still shop.