Fast fashion has built an empire on cheap prices, mass production, and endless discount cycles. They can sell dresses for less than a cup of coffee because their entire business model is based on cutting corners, underpaying workers, and producing low-quality garments at an unsustainable scale.
And if you’re a slow fashion founder, you feel the weight of it every day.
Customers ask why your ethically made pieces cost more while fast fashion churns out $5 polyester tops. Potential buyers hesitate, compare, and then go with the ‘cheaper’ option. And you’ve probably wondered—how am I supposed to compete with that?
The truth? You don’t. You will never beat fast fashion on price. And you shouldn’t try.
Because price is not what makes customers loyal. Price is not what makes a brand iconic. Price is not what makes people remember you.
Value does.
So instead of lowering your prices, diluting your brand, or feeling like you have to justify every dollar—here’s how you actually compete...
1. Make your brand unforgettable.
Fast fashion sells trends. Slow fashion sells stories.
When customers buy from slow fashion brands, they’re not just buying a product—they’re buying a story, an experience, and a deeper connection. Give them something to believe in.
Instead of selling clothes, sell craftsmanship. Instead of selling sustainability, sell timelessness. Instead of selling ethics, sell a movement they want to be part of.
2. Educate, don’t justify.
People hesitate on price when they don’t understand value. Instead of apologising for your pricing, make sure customers understand what goes into your product.
Show them the difference between fast fashion fabrics and the high-quality, sustainable materials you use. Teach them the impact of ethical wages and why supporting artisans matters. Help them understand the craftsmanship behind each piece, from design to finishing touches.
Fast fashion never has to justify their prices—so why should you?
3. Create demand the slow fashion way.
Fast fashion creates urgency through flash sales, discount codes, and fake ‘limited time only’ offers. Slow fashion can create real demand with strategies that feel good and align with your values.
Test pre-orders and waitlists—make your products feel exclusive by offering them in limited batches. Try community-first launches—give your audience VIP access to new collections before anyone else. Experiment with story-driven selling—instead of 'Shop now,' tell the story behind your pieces and why they’re special.
The brands that thrive don’t chase the lowest price—they build the strongest connection.
And if you’re ready to compete in a way that actually grows your business—without discounting, without burning out, and without sacrificing your values—I can help.
Join me for my LIVE online workshop on February 27th, F*ck Fast Fashion: The 7 Secrets of Successful Slow Fashion Brands to learn how to position your brand, build demand, and increase sales—without selling your soul.
Claire x
