By: Taylor Trotta...

Let’s face it: we are witnessing what political scientists are calling the most “high-stakes” election of our time. The polarized political landscape in America has brought starkly different priorities to the forefront—on the world system, human rights, education—you name it.  For many of us, there’s a lingering apprehension about what the next four years will bring. It’s exhausting to think about the “what ifs,” and just as draining to push them out of our minds entirely. But amidst all the uncertainty, one question looms large for our community: how will the Trump administration affect the world of fashion—especially our community of vintage and sustainable fashion?

As the dust begins to settle, here’s a maybe hopeful and realistic look at the key ways this new political era might shape the fashion industry:  

Tariffs Targeting Fast Fashion Giants

One thing the Trump administration has been vocal about is imposing tariffs on imports. They have promised a 60% tariff for imports from China, and 20-200% tariff on imports from everywhere else. For global fast-fashion juggernauts like Shein and Temu, this could mean the end of their ability to flood the market with ultra-cheap, disposable clothing. Shein and Temu have been able to quickly rise to be the pinnacle of fast and cheap American consumption by avoiding tariffs due to their high rates of imports. These newly imposed tariffs may help curb the dominance of throwaway fashion, giving our community and our message a fighting chance. Even if Shein and Temu are able to find loopholes through these tariffs, consumers might find themselves thinking twice before purchasing that $2 t-shirt—a win for quality over quantity and for our planet. 

 A Push for “Made in America”

The push to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. is a double-edged sword when it comes to fashion sustainability. On the one hand, it’s great to see efforts to create local jobs and reduce dependence on overseas production. But on the other hand, we can’t ignore the environmental impact of ramping up domestic manufacturing. If we’re not careful, trying to meet America’s insatiable demand for new goods could speed up climate change rather than slow it down.  There’s talk of new ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards that could bring stricter oversight to American factories, enforcing better labor laws and environmental protections. That sounds great in theory, but here’s the catch: climate change wasn’t exactly front and center in either party’s campaign promises. And let’s be real—institutions enforcing ESG standards haven’t exactly been known for cracking down on violators. Big companies that sidestep these rules usually face nothing more than a slap on the wrist, and fines for major polluters often feel more symbolic than serious.  

If this push for “Made in America” is going to work, we must put a good part of this movements focus on the environment. The goal has to be striking a balance between holding companies accountable, reducing their environmental impact, and keeping goods affordable for consumers.

The Ultimate Vintage Comeback

Here’s the silver lining we’ve all been waiting for: vintage fashion is primed for a jaw-dropping resurgence. With fast fashion facing mounting scrutiny and consumers waking up to the environmental toll of their shopping habits, secondhand and vintage clothing is no longer just a niche—it’s becoming the movement. This has paved the way for adjacent movements such as the upcycle or mending communities to lock arms with us in resistance to dominant consumer culture!

Picture this: thrift stores buzzing with new life, vintage boutiques transforming into hotspots of style, and online resellers gaining the mainstream spotlight they’ve long deserved. It’s more than a trend; it’s a revolution. Vintage offers a sense of uniqueness and charm that mass-produced fast fashion simply can’t replicate. Plus, every preloved piece purchased is one less item destined for a landfill.  

For those of us who are lovers of vintage and thrive when championing sustainability, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a cultural shift. It’s a chance to show that the future of fashion isn’t about constant consumption but about rediscovering the beauty of what’s already here. Vintage is no longer just a love for the past; it’s the key to building a greener, more stylish future. Let’s embrace it.

Sources: 

Trump favors huge new tariffs. How do they work? By Paul Wiseman (PBS) https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/trump-favors-huge-new-tariffs-how-do-they-work 

The Trump Administration Platform

https://www.donaldjtrump.com/platform

Internation Chamber of Shipping: ESG Reporting Frameworks and Standards

https://www.ics-shipping.org/esg-reporting-frameworks-and-standards/