As you may have read in a previous post, I am not a fan of disposable clothing. You know what I mean: the inexpensive, low-quality, high-volume items sold at big box and mall stores. Their popularity is growing because retailers have devised a way to get even the most finicky fashionista to buy their wares through the now-popular designer collaborations.

Well, I feel vindicated. Journalist Elizabeth Cline has written Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion. And who is paying the cost? We all are.

• Our environment – Chemicals are used to dye the fabric, energy is used to produce and ship, and landfills are quickly filling.
• Our personal space – Closets around the country are overflowing with skinny jeans and sequined tank tops.
• Our bank accounts – Because the items are low quality, the clothing only lasts a few wearings, then you have to buy more.
• Our self-esteem – Because new styles come out every eight seconds (not really, but close), we feel the need (or pressure) to keep up with what’s in the stores.

I am seeing this first hand as I volunteer at a local thrift shop. We are drowning in used XXI and H&M labels. I often feel that people buy more because the items are so inexpensive (we regularly get clothing with the tags still attached). But, at least I know the clothing we get is going to a second owner and the proceeds are going to charity.

It appears our society is in need of some retail therapy, and Cline might be just what the doctor ordered.

Take a look at your closet. Is it stuffed with twenty white Target T-shirts? You only need that many if you only do laundry once a month.

Tags: disposable clothing, Elizabeth Cline, environment, Forever 21, H & M, overdressed, Target