Clothes mean many things to many people, but do you know how your wardrobe impacts the environment and workers?

Join Penn State University Libraries and the Informed Consumer Committee from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Pattee Library’s Dewey Room at the University Park campus for the Check Your ‘fit: Slow Fashion Resource Fair to explore the world of slow sustainable fashion.

Fast fashion is everywhere, making buying clothing easy and affordable. But there are many aspects to the fast fashion industry that we should examine as consumers to ensure the purchases we make align with our personal values. At the fair, students will learn about the environmental, human and financial impacts of fast fashion and explore slow sustainable alternatives that may better align with their beliefs as informed consumers.

At the in-person event, where students are encouraged to wear their best thrifted outfits, visitors can browse stations that examine the impact of the fast fashion industry and present ideas for alternatives to fast fashion clothes. They also can try mending clothes with sewing machines and explore books from the University Libraries’ collection on fashion topics. While supplies last, students also will receive a sewing kit to mend clothes at home. A giveaway for a book on fast fashion will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For interested participants who cannot attend in person, a virtual Check Your ‘fit: Exploring Slow Fashion event will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, via Zoom, using the password: 489649. Anyone in the Penn State community is welcome to join this free virtual event here.