Back in 2008 when the pull to create a sustainably made line of quality sleepwear for babies and toddlers first took a hold of me, the average consumer was just starting to get into the swing of buying organically grown fruits and vegetables but clothing for the family – it largely remained conventionally grown cotton and petroleum based, mass produced garments.
Thankfully, since CastleWare Baby was formed, the concept of sustainable clothing has gained traction with the American public as the negative implications associated with fast fashion becomes more widely understood.
Aside from the massive amount of pollutants that are generated in the production of cheap, easily accessible, on-trend garments that are sourced through global supply networks and sold in large chain stores, there is also the growing issue of waste and how to deal with the never ending stream of non-biodegradable microfibers reaching our oceans every year. 
Slow fashion is based on the same principles as the slow food movement. That is to say that sustainably made garments match the same philosophies of ethical and ecological qualities being favored over mass produced, bland convenience. Slow fashion challenges the very infrastructure of the business-as-usual fashion industry by taking into account the human and biological costs, while honoring cultural diversity to create unique, more personalized garments that the owner will value higher and use longer.
For the end-user, slow fashion shopping means the buyer will have the satisfaction of owning goods that are thoughtfully designed and well made with higher quality materials. From an environmental standpoint, it means there is less clothing and industrial waste to deal with.
We can all do our part to promote the growth of a sustainable garment industry by slowing down and planning ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to shop for the upcoming winter or baby shower. Plan ahead so you have time to find the right product that will truly fulfill your needs. Try to avoid trendy gifts and give instead a gift that will be practical and well used. Look to durability and brands that embrace and support ethical trade as well as local producers and craftspeople. The old adage of “less is more” couldn’t be more timely.