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sweaters on clothing rack, sheaf of wheat next to it
sweaters on clothing rack, sheaf of wheat next to it
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Cincinnati | Style > Fashion

Fashion on a Budget: The College Students Guide to Sustainable Fashion

Jaiden Barger Student Contributor, University of Cincinnati
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cincinnati chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

In today’s fast-paced world of fashion, the allure of trendy, inexpensive clothing has captured the attention of college students across the world. With online retailers, like Temu and Shein, offering endless options at the click of a button, it’s no surprise that fast fashion has become a staple in many students’ wardrobes. However, as the popularity of fast fashion continues to rise, so does the concern about its environmental and ethical impact.

70% of college students experience financial difficulty, according to a 2021 survey from Ohio State University. This stress often leads students to opt for cheap, poor-quality clothing, instead of investing in items with lasting value.

Moreover, A survey conducted in 2022 by ThreadUP, an online consignment and thrift store, revealed that 72% of college students admitted to shopping at fast-fashion retailers in the past year alone. Even more concerning, 40% of students find themselves scrolling through fast fashion sites more than once a day. 1 in 3 Gen Z students confessed to feeling addicted to shopping fast fashion.

ThreadUP also found that 51% of college students wish to cut back and stop buying fast fashion. Opting for secondhand clothing or supporting eco-conscious brands reduces increased waste pollution and advocates for ethical fashion practices.

Concerns regarding fast fashion’s labor practices and environmental impact are becoming increasingly prevalent as its demand spreads across campuses. “Buying from fast fashion companies, like Shein, has consequences,” shared Megan Nevels, a Junior at the University of Cincinnati. “It’s true that fast fashion practices are bad for the environment, but these companies also tend to partake in immoral activities. From using toxic dyes to violating labor laws.” Cheaply made clothing is produced quickly, which increases waste pollution, and garment factory workers frequently endure harsh working conditions.

President of the University of Cincinnati’s Thrift Club, Sophia Ferries-Rowe, understands the difficulty of not having the money to go out and buy your staple items.

I would like for our generation to get more sustainable clothing.

UC Thrift, as a club, helps diminish the influence of fast fashion on campus by proving

you can buy things that can fit you nicely, that can fit your style, that can be second-hand.

– Ferries-Rowe

For those looking to join the movement towards sustainable fashion, there are plenty of affordable alternatives. Brands like Pact, Tentree, and Boody offer stylish, eco-friendly options at affordable prices. Thrift stores and online consignment shops, like ThreadUP, MAW SUPPLY, and Persephone Vintage, provide a treasure trove of pre-loved apparel waiting to be rediscovered.

Recognizing the impact of fast fashion is crucial. While fast fashion offers instant gratification at a low cost, its lasting environmental and ethical impacts cannot be ignored. Making an informed decision and advocating for sustainable fashion practices empowers others to strive for a positive change in the fashion industry.

Jaiden Barger

Cincinnati '28

Jaiden Barger is the Campus Correspondent and Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus at the University of Cincinnati, where she also serves on the chapter’s social media team. She oversees content planning, edits and publishes weekly articles, manages a team of writers and editors, and helps coordinate partnerships and events on campus. Jaiden writes across a wide range of topics, but she especially loves covering style, pop culture, entertainment, and identity. Whether she’s breaking down fashion trends, curating book recommendations, or reflecting on modern girlhood, she brings creativity, intention, and a distinct voice to every piece.

Outside of Her Campus, Jaiden was honored with the Changemaker Award from the University of Cincinnati’s Women’s Center, recognizing her leadership and impact on campus. She is also a contributing writer for Dreamgirlworld Zine and is part of both the Her Campus InfluenceHER Collective and Campus Trendsetters. Her writing has been published across several digital platforms, and she holds certifications as a Certified Content Creator, Search Engine Optimization I & II, and Social Media Marketing I & II. Jaiden is currently a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati, triple-majoring in Marketing, Public Relations, and Journalism with a minor in Communications.

When she’s not writing articles or editing for her chapter, Jaiden is working on her debut novel. She enjoys rewatching early 2000s rom-coms or diving into her latest hockey romance novel obsession. She’s passionate about magazine media, digital storytelling, and building community through content. Her dream job? Working behind the scenes for a magazine.