Ethical clothing refers to clothing produced and sourced in ways that reduce harm to both the environment and those responsible for its production. It also involves paying fair wages and guaranteeing workers have safe, healthy, and equal working conditions.
It can be overwhelming to navigate the world of ethical fashion, so we’ve put together some tips and resources that will assist you in finding the best brands that offer great value, are sustainable, and have a significant social and environmental effect. These brands provide great quality at an accessible price point.
Polo Ralph Lauren shirts, for instance, go beyond just being a piece of clothing – they plant trees and save 170 million plastic bottles from landfills by 2025. On the other hand, Alternative Apparel uses organic cotton and recycled materials to craft timeless designs.
Many ethical clothing brands are Certified B Corporations, meaning they meet stringent criteria for both sustainability and social responsibility. Furthermore, many of these companies pledge to use organic materials while traceably managing their supply chains.
To guarantee a brand is ethical, read its website and inquire about where its clothing was made and any changes they have implemented. Ideally, the website should provide details such as the origin of cotton used for the production of each shirt as well as how they treat workers who make these clothes. This way, you can be certain of what kind of treatment each worker receives.
You can also email companies that you admire and request that they make changes for the better. This is an effective and simple way to make a difference, even if you don’t have much money to spare!
When shopping for ethical clothing, always consider the following criteria:
Are they using organic, recycled, or reclaimed materials? Do they use low-impact dyes and fair-trade factories? Do they pay fair wages? Are they supporting women and their families? Do they care about the environment and animals? These questions should be taken into consideration when making a purchasing decision.
Once you do, you’re well on your way to creating a sustainable wardrobe. The most important step is being aware of where your clothes come from, how they’re produced, and where you purchase them.
Shopping from factories that adhere to fair trade policies is the best way to guarantee your clothing is ethical. These establishments pay their workers a living wage and do not abuse employees or exploit the environment.
Shopping in slow-fashion stores that adhere to ethical and sustainable principles is essential. Instead of stocking new merchandise every three weeks, these shops tend to carry older items that remain fashionable.
There are various methods to guarantee your clothing is ethical, but here are a few things to take into account:
You’re going to be wearing your clothes for a while, so it’s worth making an effort to maintain them properly. This means washing less frequently (e.g., once every wear) and handwashing instead of machine washing; the former saves energy and won’t cause too much agitation, while the latter causes extensive wear and tear on your garments.
