Think Sustainable Fashion Is Expensive? Here’s How to Ditch Fast Fashion on a Budget

I have always had a personal relationship with fashion. Experimenting with clothes started as something fun and playful, but over the years, it has become a form of self-expression.

I’ve done countless shopping hauls: whether it is searching for the perfect skirt, that gown that cinches and curves at just the right places, or that scarf that looks absolutely gorgeous against my skin. If you get it, you get it!

Unfortunately, shopping is expensive, and it’s no wonder that fast fashion brands have exploded in popularity due to their low prices. Why spend 30,000 naira (~ $25) on a dress when I can get an almost identical one from Shein or PrettyLittleThing for half the price? At the end of the day, it seems like how an outfit looks on the body often takes precedence over how it’s made. Right?

I used to think this way, too, until I started learning about sustainable fashion and the impact of fashion waste. The more I researched, the clearer it became that shopping fast fashion is one of the biggest environmental threats in the industry.

(link to the true cost of fast fashion).

According to the Global Fashion Agenda, the fashion industry produces 92 million tons of textile waste each year. International brands like Zara and H&M produce thousands of new styles every week, fueling a culture of overconsumption.

I wanted to do better, so I turned to sustainable brands. But I quickly realised that shopping sustainably wasn’t nearly as cheap as I was used to.

If you’re just starting your sustainable fashion journey, this can feel like a tough choice. Fast fashion feels affordable and accessible, while sustainable options seem out of reach.

It took me a while, but I soon realised that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to break the bank. There are smarter ways to shop sustainably without spending a fortune.

Let’s break them down.

Thrifting is Your Best Friend

Thrifting or secondhand shopping is the easiest and most affordable way to embrace sustainable fashion. Whether you're browsing local thrift markets (Yaba in Lagos, Kantamanto in Accra, or your neighbourhood thrift stall) or using online platforms, thrifting gives clothes a second life and keeps them out of landfills.

Kantamanto market in Gahna. Image source: fashion revolution

Some of my favourite outfits came from thrift stores, and I spend a fraction of what I’d pay for new items. Plus, there’s nothing like the thrill of discovering one-of-a-kind gems.

Pro Tip: Want high-quality thrift finds? Look for natural fabrics (cotton, linen, silk) and check stitching for durability.

Buy Less, Choose Better

Sustainable fashion isn’t just about where you shop — it’s also about how you shop. Instead of impulse-buying trendy pieces that won’t last past the season, invest in timeless staples that work year-round.

Pro Tip: Before buying, ask yourself, would I wear this at least 30 times? If the answer is no, skip it.

Mend & Upcycle Your Clothes

Fast fashion teaches us that clothes are disposable, but they’re not. You don’t always need to buy something new to stay stylish. Mending and upcycling let you revamp old clothes into something fresh.

Got an old pair of jeans? Cut them into shorts or add patches for a retro look. Have a plain T-shirt? Try tie-dyeing or embroidering it. These little changes can completely transform your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Pro Tip: YouTube has endless tutorials on DIY upcycling and repairs.

Invest in Quality Over Quantity

Sometimes, spending more upfront saves you money in the long run. A well-made pair of shoes or a classic jacket can last for years. Compare that to replacing cheap items every season.

Quality over quantity isn’t just practical, it’s also more sustainable. Fewer purchases mean less waste and a smarter, more thoughtful wardrobe.

Start Small and Stay Mindful

Sustainable fashion doesn’t mean revamping your entire closet overnight. Start small. Experiment with DIY projects. Save up for one high-quality piece instead of several fast fashion buys.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. Every small step makes a difference — for your wallet, your wardrobe, and the environment.