Episode 220: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Sushmita of Ethical Fat Fashion

Amanda is joined by Sushmita, the person behind Ethical Fat Fashion , the "coolest fat positive fashion newsletter amplifying ethical size diverse brands.” In this episode--recorded in a karaoke room in Tokyo--Amanda and Sushmita discuss the following: “Sustainable fashion” has an inclusivity problem. Meaning: it still focuses on thin, white, young, wealthier cis-gendered women. Why is that still the case, years into the sustainability movement in fashion? How can we change that? I always feel like I am part of a growing diverse community of primarily working class people, yet I still see many brands and organizations continuing to focus on the same thin/white/young/rich people. Why is it important for slow fashion to be a movement/community for everyone? Conversations about cost are particularly difficult because we know that the prices of ultra fast fashion are only possible because the clothes are low quality and someone suffered to make them. Fast fashion has warped our sense of value and how much clothing should cost. How do we untangle that? And how is skipping fast fashion an issue of class solidarity? The societal expectation around how much clothing we should have has changed drastically over the years, especially during the fast fashion era. And so we think we need a lot of clothes that are inexpensive, rather than a lot less clothing at a higher price. Sushimita will share her thoughts on that and how we change our perception of value and the quantity of clothing we own. Also: Why we should shop from small brands, debunking the myth that there are no sustainable brands that make larger sizes, and so much more! This episode gets started with a small business audio episode from Lisa of Top Stitch Mending . And Amanda wraps up the episode discussing how the recent election here in the United States has her thinking about the power of community and communication. Give everyone a follow: Sushmita: @ethicalfatfashion on every platform Ethical Fat Fashion on Substack @topstitchmending Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here! Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/ If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses: The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble ( @thepewterthimble ). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens. Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people

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