The Healing Power of Slow Fashion

Written by: Keziah Sommers

Living with Mental Health Challenges: A Woman’s Journey

Mental health struggles touch many of us at some point in life, yet they remain deeply misunderstood—especially for women. We’re often expected to be everything to everyone: strong, composed, nurturing, and resilient. But beneath the surface, countless women quietly endure waves of anxiety, the fog of depression, the chaos of undiagnosed ADHD, or the intense emotional swings of bipolar disorder. These challenges can make even the smallest tasks—getting out of bed, answering a message, making a decision—feel like climbing a mountain. 

As someone who has navigated anxiety and depression myself, I’ve come to understand how isolating these experiences can be. And still, we carry on, often in silence. The world rarely pauses to acknowledge these invisible weights. But here’s what matters: these struggles do not define us. They are not weaknesses, nor are they something to hide. They are a part of our lived experience—a chapter in a much bigger story filled with strength, vulnerability, and growth.

They are a part of our lived experience—a chapter in a much bigger story filled with strength strength, vulnerability, and growth. Healing is never linear, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Healing is never linear, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. It may come through therapy, community—or even the quiet comfort of daily rituals, like getting dressed with intention.

Healing begins when we see ourselves fully—tears, strength, and all.

This visually expressive image captures the emotional complexity so many of us carry. The crown speaks to the quiet resilience we wear each day, even when we feel anything but strong. The tear honours the weight we bear and the truth we live with. Together, they symbolise a powerful duality: that pain and power can—and often do—exist in the same breath.

The Unique Mental Load Women Carry 

Women often bear invisible burdens—mental, emotional, and physical. The World Health Organisation reports that women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety. Societal pressures, hormonal shifts, and life experiences all play a role. Conditions like ADHD in women often go unrecognised. Disorders such as bipolar disorder affect women deeply, with intense emotional swings. Tragically, 1 in 3 women worldwide face physical or sexual violence—trauma that profoundly shapes mental health and identity.

That’s why it’s essential for women to support one another. Sharing stories, offering encouragement, and building creative community spaces fosters resilience and healing. 

A Personal Ritual: Dressing as a Form of Self-Compassion

In the midst of emotional overwhelm, we search for ways to feel whole again—even if just for a moment. For me, one unexpected yet powerful form of therapy came through the simple act of getting dressed. What I wear doesn’t just dress me—it helps me reclaim parts of myself that mental health challenges try to dim.

Rather than chasing trends, choosing timeless, well-made pieces helps me dress with intention and find deeper fulfilment. Shopping from independent designers who create mindfully brings joy and supports ethical values.

One morning, during a particularly heavy week, I slipped into a soft, hand-dyed linen dress that flowed gently as I walked. That simple act helped me feel grounded and comforted. It reminded me I could still feel beautiful—even when my mind felt foggy.

Fashion as a Healing Practice: Mindful, Slow, and Empowering

Wearing thoughtfully crafted garments—especially those made from eco-friendly, vegan fabrics or recycled materials—feels like wrapping myself in intention and care. These clothes don’t just respect the planet—they nurture the soul. They are kind to the skin, grounding to the spirit, and help reconnect us to ourselves.

Mindful dressing becomes a small but powerful ritual. A flowing dress brings ease and freedom. A structured blazer reminds me of my resilience. A bold colourful outfit can lift my energy when the world feels heavy. These aren’t just clothes—they’re wearable affirmations of healing. Mindful fashion also encourages self-compassion and gently counters negative self-talk.Taking time to choose pieces that feel good on the body and soul helps us develop a more nurturing relationship with ourselves.

Of course, fashion is just one part of a holistic approach to healing. Professional mental health support is essential, and seeking it is a sign of strength. When paired with creative, intentional practices like slow fashion, it becomes part of a more complete path toward wellness.

Slowing Down: How Conscious Dressing Calms the Mind

Slipping into something mindfully made is a small rebellion against mental chaos. Choosing slow, conscious fashion invites us to pause, breathe, and reconnect—not just with what we wear, but with who we are. This deliberate slowing down nurtures clarity, eases overwhelm, and helps restore emotional balance.

It’s a gentle reminder that despite life’s challenges, every woman deserves to feel radiant, strong, and joyful. Sustainable fashion makes this possible not just through aesthetics, but through values. When we choose garments made ethically and responsibly, we’re choosing care over consumption, quality over quantity. These pieces often tell a story—of artisanship, environmental respect, and mindful creation—that mirrors the inner work of healing and self-worth. In honouring the planet and the people behind our clothes, we learn to honour ourselves.

Mindful Style on Any Budget: Sustainability Starts with Intention

Mindful fashion isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how much thought and heart you bring into what you wear. Sustainability begins with intention, not price. It lives in how we choose our clothes, how we care for them, and how we cherish the stories they carry.

Pieces made with care and integrity may sometimes come with a higher price tag, but they offer something fast fashion never can—longevity, ethical production, and a connection to the people and process behind them. These garments are crafted with love, designed to last, and meant to be treasured—not just consumed.

It helps to shift our mindset: instead of asking why something costs more, we might ask what it truly takes to create clothing with soul—who made it, how long it took, and under what conditions. Time, skill, and dignity are worth honouring, and they should never be rushed or devalued.

Still, dressing mindfully doesn’t require a big budget. Thrift shops, clothing swaps, tailoring what you already own, or simply choosing fewer, more meaningful pieces are all part of the journey. Style is never about quantity—it’s about intention.

We all deserve clothes that reflect who we are—clothes made with purpose, not pressure. When we wear what aligns with our values and brings us ease, confidence, or joy, we turn fashion into a quiet form of self-respect and healing.