Trump's Tariffs: Slow Fashion might be the unexpected winner in a Fast Fashion shake-up

Recently, TIME reported that proposed tariffs on Chinese imports, pushed by Donald Trump, could have major consequences for the global fashion industry. And while that might sound like politics as usual, it's a red flag for fast fashion.

Rising import costs could mean higher prices, disrupted supply chains, and a whole lot of scrambling behind the scenes.

But here's the good news: for brands already rooted in quality over quantity, this shake-up might just prove what we’ve known all along: slow fashion was never the problem.

Fast Fashion is built on speed and scale 

Fast fashion thrives on two things:
📦 Massive volumes
💸 Ultra-low production costs

Many of the biggest players rely on sourcing from manufacturers in places like China and Bangladesh where labour is cheap, fabrics are low-cost, and the turnaround is lightning fast.

That model doesn’t leave much room for ethical practices. Or quality, for that matter.

If tariffs come into play, that fast-and-cheap model gets a lot more expensive, fast. And suddenly, those £15 dresses and £5 tops might not be quite so “accessible” anymore.

Slow Fashion doesn’t rush. And that’s a good thing. 

Brands that already operate on smaller, more thoughtful supply chains (well, hello there!) won’t be caught in the same storm.

1. We already partner with local manufacturers in Portugal.
2. We don’t chase trends or rely on mass production.
3. And we don’t build margins on the backs of underpaid labour.

In short: we’re not built for disruption. We’re built to last.

A shift in priorities? 

If this tariff proposal goes ahead, it might just force a broader shift in how people shop.

And maybe that’s a good thing!

1. Instead of impulsive purchases, people will start to look for pieces they truly love.
2. Instead of stockpiling cheap basics, they’ll focus on what actually gets worn.
3. Instead of buying into the illusion of affordability, they’ll start to see the value in fewer, better pieces.

It’s the shake-up slow fashion has been waiting for.

What it all means for petite women 

If you’re 5’3” or under, you already know that fast fashion rarely serves you well. The fit is off. The lengths are wrong. And the quality? Often disappointing.

At P’tit Affair, we’ve built everything on a slower, more intentional foundation:

1. Thoughtful proportions
2. Made-to-last materials
3. Honest pricing, no gimmicks
4. Designed in the UK, made in Portugal

We’re not interested in panic sales or chasing tariffs. 

We’re here to give petite women around the world something better: A wardrobe you can trust.

Fast fashion might be feeling the pressure. But slow fashion? We’ve been playing the long game all along. And it’s starting to show.

Because timeless doesn’t panic.

It just keeps doing what it does best: showing up, fitting well, and standing the test of time.