The Future of Fashion Is Ethical, Circular, and Local
- tHERAPY Recycle & Exorcise
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
To say it even better, in the near future, Fashion will be Ethical, Circular, and Local, or it will be out of fashion.
The fashion industry is undergoing a major transformation. As awareness grows around the environmental and human impact of clothing production, consumers are shifting their behavior.
More people are questioning fast fashion, supporting transparent brands, and exploring secondhand and upcycled options. This shift is reshaping not just what we wear—but how we shop, what we value, and who we trust.
Understanding Ethical Choices in Fashion
Ethical fashion emphasizes fairness—for people, the planet, and future generations. It includes fair labor practices, the use of sustainable, reused or recycled materials, and circular systems that keep clothing in use longer.
Each garment tells a story, and conscious consumers are becoming more interested in the journey—from raw material extraction to worker conditions to the afterlife of a piece of clothing.
Brands are responding by offering greater transparency and reevaluating their supply chains. With increasing pressure to reduce waste and adopt circular practices, sustainability is becoming not just an option but a necessity.
The Shift Toward Sustainability (With Data to Back It Up)
The evolution from fast to slow fashion is more than a trend—it's measurable. According to ThredUp’s 2025 Resale Report:
58% of U.S. consumers bought secondhand clothing in 2024, with nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials looking secondhand first.
The global secondhand market is growing 15% year-over-year and is expanding eight times faster than traditional retail in the U.S.
The report also reveals that resale value is now a major factor when buying new—especially for younger shoppers, with 41% saying they avoid clothing that won’t resell well.
Meanwhile, social commerce is driving this shift: 40% of Gen Z shopped secondhand through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook Marketplace in 2024. Brands that integrate resale or upcycling directly into their online presence are connecting more effectively with younger audiences.
This is why platforms like Therapy Recycle & Exorcise are more relevant than ever.
From April 2025, our Berlin store RARE now offers collection rentals, giving our community even more sustainable ways to engage with fashion. And this week, we’re opening our first permanent space in Córdoba, Argentina: a creative hub with dedicated areas for buying and renting upcycling fashion with local designers, community consignment for vintage and secondhand, and events, workshops, and swaps. The space was entirely designed and crafted by local talent—from the architectural design from studio @estudio_Montevideo, custom light and furniture design by Gustavo Vidal @gusvidalcba and realisation by Herrero y constructor Mauricio Alvarez @mauricio_pelado_alvarez, to murals by two Córdoba-based street artists Rodrigo Mathot @rodograff and Mateo Barrionuevo @barnvom
The Rise of Thrifting and Upcycling
The cultural status of secondhand and upcycled clothing has shifted. What was once niche is now fashion-forward—and practical.
Upcycling, in particular, is about transformation: reworking discarded garments into new pieces that reflect individuality and creativity. It diverts waste, reduces the need for new textile production, and highlights the value of craftsmanship.
Independent and small brands have been at the forefront of this movement, offering one-of-a-kind items that challenge conventional trends. And now, with rising global tensions and tariffs disrupting traditional supply chains, these practices are more than just stylish—they’re strategic.
Why U.S. Tariffs Could be an opportunity to Accelerate Ethical Fashion
In April 2025, US President Trump introduced a sweeping tariff package targeting also global fashion imports. Countries like Vietnam (46%), Bangladesh (37%), and China (54%) are now facing massive surcharges.
Shein and Temu—leaders in the ultra-fast fashion space—will be particularly affected as a key loophole that once allowed them to avoid import duties has now closed.
This means one thing: cheap fashion is getting more expensive.
ThredUp sees this as an opportunity for sustainable fashion to thrive, as consumers look for alternatives to disposable clothing. The increased cost of fast fashion might finally push consumers to explore secondhand, rental, and locally produced options.
For independent brands and stores like ours, this is a critical moment. Consumers are questioning not just what they wear—but how it’s made, who made it, and what happens after they’re done with it. As systems shift and costs rise, sustainable, local and circular fashion models offer both an ethical and economic solution.
Recommendations for Making Ethical Choices
Making ethical fashion choices can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start with these practical steps:
Research Brands: Look for supply chain transparency and sustainable practices.
Invest in Quality: Buy less, but better. Timeless pieces are more sustainable and save you money in the long run.
Explore Second-Hand Options: Thrifting is sustainable and gives you unique pieces.
Participate in Clothing Swaps: Refresh your wardrobe without spending.
Support Local Designers: Shop and rent from small, ethical brands in your area.
Rent, share, wear more!
A Brighter Future for Fashion
While the industry faces uncertainty—from climate crisis to global tariffs—there’s also growing momentum for positive change. The rise of resale, the mainstreaming of upcycling, and the surge of locally focused fashion spaces are shaping a new narrative.
At Therapy Recycle & Exorcise, we’re proud to be part of this shift. Whether through our unique upcycled creations sold online and at concept stores, our rentals or our new circular hub in Córdoba, we’re proving that fashion can be bold, experimental, and sustainable.
The future of fashion isn’t just about looking good—it’s about doing good, together.