The internet is overflowing with fast fashion — and with critiques of it. Brands churn out trendy, cheap clothes at lightning speed, while influencers warn of the industry’s impact on workers, small designers, and the environment. Some even call it “modern slavery.”
But what does Christianity have to say about fashion itself? In her article Christians and Fast Fashion: More Than Ethics (Ad Fontes Journal, Apr. 2023), writer Harma-Mae Smit argues that fashion isn’t just about ethics or modesty — it’s about identity and meaning.
Fashion as Communication
Every outfit communicates something. Clothes don’t just cover us; they point to the person wearing them, reflecting personality, values, and even what we believe about God. Fast fashion, however, thrives on speed and constant change — “newness” for its own sake. That churn can strip fashion of joy, turning it into anxiety-driven consumption rather than creative self-expression.
The Christian Alternative
Christianity challenges fast fashion’s endless cycle by rooting identity not in trends but in Christ. Instead of chasing novelty, believers are free to enjoy beauty, respect craftsmanship, and express individuality without being enslaved to what’s “in” or “out.”
As Smit puts it, knowing ourselves in Christ allows us to dress with confidence and gratitude — not in pursuit of becoming someone new, but as those already made new in Him.
Why It Matters
Fashion will always send a message. The question is: will ours reflect insecurity and futility, or will it point to the freedom and hope we have in God?
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Source: Harma-Mae Smit, Ad Fontes Journal