What’s the Difference Between Fast Fashion and Artisan-Made Clothing?

• Posted on 30 July 2025
• 0

What’s the Difference Between Fast Fashion and Artisan-Made Clothing?

You’ve likely heard the term fast fashion tossed around a lot—especially if you’re someone who loves a good outfit and a better price tag. But what’s the actual difference between fast fashion and artisan-made clothing? And more importantly, why should you care?

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the seams of your wardrobe, this one’s for you.

Let’s Start with Fast Fashion: What Is It?

Fast fashion refers to the mass production of inexpensive clothing that copies current trends from the runway or social media. These pieces are made quickly, in bulk, and often overseas with one goal in mind: speed and profit.

Fast fashion is:

• • Produced quickly and cheaply
  • Made from lower-quality materials (often synthetic)
  • Designed to last only a few wears
  • Often linked to unethical labor practices
  • Disposable by nature—trends come in, and they’re out just as fast

You’ll see fast fashion in big box stores and trendy chain brands where everything is on sale and the turnover is lightning-fast. The prices are tempting, sure—but the environmental and human costs? Not so cute.

Now, Let’s Talk Artisan-Made Clothing

Artisan-made clothing is crafted slowly, intentionally, and often by hand. These garments are created by skilled makers who take pride in their process—sometimes using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Artisan-made clothing is:

• • Handcrafted or made in small batches
  • Created with quality materials like linen, European cotton, and vintage fabrics
  • Designed to last (and get better) over time
  • Ethically produced, often supporting fair wages and sustainable practices
  • Full of character, storytelling, and soul

When you wear artisan-made clothing, you’re not just wearing a piece of fabric—you’re wearing someone’s craft, care, and creativity. Brands like Magnolia Pearl, Market of Stars, and Aratta Clothing are perfect examples. Each item carries unique details—like hand-stitching, embroidery, fading, or mending—that can’t be replicated on a factory floor.

So, Why Does It Matter?

We get it—fast fashion is affordable and accessible. But here’s the flip side:

Fast fashion fills landfills. It exploits workers. And those impulse buys? They often don’t last beyond a season.

Artisan clothing is a form of resistance.

It’s how we push back against throwaway culture. It’s how we support real people—not just corporations. And it’s how we start building a closet that reflects our values and individuality.

How to Tell the Difference When You Shop

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for telling fast fashion apart from artisan-made clothing:

Final Thought: Buy Less, Choose Well, Love Longer

The shift doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start with a few pieces that speak to you—ones that feel personal, purposeful, and made with care. You’ll find that artisan-made clothing not only lasts longer but makes you feel more you every time you wear it.

At The Periwinkle Shoppe, we’re proud to carry brands that believe in beauty, craftsmanship, and sustainability—because clothing should tell a story, not just fill a closet. We also have a layaway program, click here to learn more!

Click here to Shop our favorite slow fashion clothing brands here.