<p>The ecological and ethical harms of fast fashion call for a transformative shift. Slow fashion, an eco-friendly alternative, has been linked to consumer well-being. However, it remains unclear whether this applies to young consumers, a major demographic in fast fashion, and the underlying mechanisms are also not well understood. This research examines the relationship between slow fashion and well-being and explores whether hands-on engagement, such as learning related crafts, is associated with higher well-being and an increased preference for slow fashion. An online survey of young Chinese fashion consumers (aged 18–30; <i>N</i> = 416) using structural equation modelling revealed that preference for slow fashion significantly predicted well-being, explaining over 20% of its variance. In a second study, participants who engaged in hands-on slow fashion crafts (<i>n</i> = 34) reported a higher willingness to pay a price premium and a greater reduction in negative emotions than a control group (<i>n</i> = 29) who received lectures on slow fashion design principles. This research is the first to examine how slow fashion may be related to consumers’ well-being. The findings highlight how slow fashion brands can foster positive attitudes and well-being by providing hands-on engagement opportunities such as DIY workshops and upcycling services.</p>