Fast fashion refers to cheap, trendy clothing mass produced at high speeds to meet constantly changing consumer demand. It became popular in the late 1990s and 2000s due to advances in manufacturing technology. However, fast fashion has significant negative environmental and social impacts. It pollutes the planet through the use of toxic dyes and materials like polyester that take thousands of years to decompose. It also harms animals through water pollution and unsafe practices in the production of materials like leather. Fast fashion exploits workers through dangerous conditions, low wages, and human rights violations. It encourages a wasteful consumer mindset as many only wear purchases once or twice before disposing of them.