Why Fast Fashion Lingerie Is a Problem

Why fast fashion lingerie is a problem

Lingerie is one of the most frequently replaced categories in fashion — and one of the least talked about when it comes to sustainability. Fast fashion has made underwear cheaper and more disposable than ever, but the environmental and human cost is significant. Here’s why it matters, and what you can do differently.

The scale of the problem

The global lingerie market produces billions of garments every year. Most of them are made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and elastane — derived from fossil fuels, non-biodegradable, and responsible for microplastic pollution every time they’re washed. When these garments wear out — often within months — they go to landfill, where they can take hundreds of years to break down.

The human cost

Low prices in fast fashion come at a cost to the people who make the garments. Lingerie production is often concentrated in countries with weak labour protections, where workers — predominantly women — face long hours, low wages, and unsafe conditions. Choosing fast fashion lingerie often means supporting these conditions, whether knowingly or not.

The environmental impact

• Microplastic pollution: Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics with every wash, which enter waterways and the food chain.
• Overproduction: Fast fashion produces far more than is ever sold or worn. Unsold stock is often destroyed or sent to landfill.
• Chemical use: Dyeing and finishing synthetic fabrics involves toxic chemicals that pollute water supplies in producing countries.
• Carbon footprint: Global shipping of fast fashion garments contributes significantly to carbon emissions.

What you can do differently

You don’t have to give up beautiful lingerie to make more sustainable choices. A few principles:

• Buy less and choose better quality — pieces that last years, not months
• Choose natural fibres: organic cotton, silk, linen, bamboo
• Support small, local makers who produce ethically and transparently
• Repair lingerie rather than replacing it when possible
• Choose made-to-order or bespoke — no overproduction, no waste

The alternative

At Pastel Artwear, every piece is made to order in Oslo — meaning nothing is produced until it’s needed. We use sustainable, natural materials and work with ethical suppliers. Read more about our sustainability approach and materials, explore our custommade collection, or learn about our brand story and philosophy.