Ethical Fashion Choices
The last few years, the fashion industry has been under a lot of heat granted to its history on environmental and ethical grounds. Fast fashion has an ugly truth, and whether it be the environmental footprint or the use of these sweatshops, consumers are starting to think more about fast fashion issues than ever. And this is where the concept of ethical fashion comes into play – fashion that works on sustainability, fair trade and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. How can we consumers forge a more sustainable future, and how to even describe ethical fashion. We’ll discuss what ethical fashion is, summarize the more sustainable brands, and some tips for making the best decision.
Understanding Ethical Fashion
As the name implies, ethical fashion has some principles to reduce the environmental and social impact of garment manufacture. Here are the primary pillars:
Sustainable Materials
With respect to garments, ethical fashion concentrates on commonly developed, practical and biodegradable textures like natural cotton, hemp, bamboo, and so forth. They are grown and reaped in an environmentally friendly way, using non-toxic pesticides or fertilizers in general.
Fair Labor Practices
Most ethical fashion brands employ workers with fair wages in a proper environment. They’re often businesses that are transparent about their supply chains, meaning consumers are able to follow their purchases back to a source.
Eco-Friendly Production
Sustainable fashion production process reduces waste and pollution. This consists of utilizing non-poisonous colors, decreasing water usage, and also recycling materials wherever possible.
Animal Welfare
Taking into account animal welfare, ethical fashion includes cruelty-free and vegan options to traditional animal-based materials.
Top Ethical Fashion Brands to Consider
Here is a brief overview of a few of the high-end ethical fashion choices brands leading the way.
Patagonia
Patagonia Patagonia is a green company who makes some of their products from recycled materials and practices fair labor practices. The group also donates a portion of their profits from sales to environmental charities.
Ever lane
Ever lane is right up there when it comes to transparency, as they share everything from where their factories are located to how much in-line item they pay to have each garment made. They focus on timeless designs and a sustainable approach that emphasizes less waste and longer-lasting quality.
People Tree
People Tree A trailblazer in sustainable and fair trade fashion, People Tree sources and produces their clothing from natural fibers among artisans and farmers in developing countries. Their collection is produced in organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics.
Reformation
Reformation marries hip, cool vibes with an eco-friendly mission. They feature sustainable fabrics and provide as much transparency as possible for you to shop better on each climate impact of the garment.
How To Make Ethical Fashion Choices
You do not need to overhaul your closet in one go to have an ethical fashion choices mindset. If you are considering getting started, here are some practical suggestions to help you get started:
Research Brands Thoroughly
And when it comes time to purchase, see if the brand has any ethical policies that they follow! Look for Fair Trade, organic, and B Corp certifications which mean that this company is doing something that fits your values.
Opt for Quality Over Quantity
Buy better quality, classic things that you will replace staple items for less often. It saves some money from fast ethical fashion choices and even reduces pollution of fast fashion.
Shop Small + Shop Local
You typically come across hard-to-find, artisanal goods with decreased carbon footprints which are sourced from local artists and businesses with your funds sustaining local communities. Best of all, these companies usually act ethically.
Buy Second-Hand
As you are shopping, you do two things at once: search for one piece that is your own and help cut down on waste. However, purchasing second hand is a chance to give clothes a second life and to minimize new production.
Care for Your Clothes
To extend the life of a garment, wash less, follow care instructions, and repair not throw away clothing Joss Green Welcome to Common Threads
How Fashion Influencers can make an Ethical Fashion Statement
An immediate way to change this is by switching to only buying ethical fashion choices, so not only for the environment but also for fair labor practices and animal cruelty prevention. As consumer demand for transparency and sustainability grows, the fashion industry is gradually moving toward ethical practices. If you are making purchasing decisions based on this information, then you are part of the solution you are making big brands become more ethical and sustainable.
Conclusion
Ethical fashion concept a trend, no, this is a movement towards a fairer world where sustainable fashion plays an important role in the well-being of the human world. Educate yourself on the ethical fashion choices, and support brands that embody those values. In us lies the power to choose, let us choose wisely and take baby-steps but let us TAKE these baby-steps and pull the others with us in this slow and steady approach towards mindful consumption and production. Sign up to our newsletter to receive updates on ethical fashion choices trends and practices and information!
FAQs
What is ethical fashion?
Ethical fashion choices is about designing, producing and consuming clothing in a way that minimizes harm to people, animals and the planet. It means using sustainable materials, fair labor practices, green production, and a consideration of animal welfare.
How can I identify an ethical fashion label?
If you want to feel less guilty about your purchase, find out more about the brands you buy for the sake of your wardrobe and high ethical fashion choices, and see if they have certifications such as Fair Trade, Organic, and B Corp, and be more careful about the supply chain, materials, and labor practices if they show what they are doing, it will be easier for you to trust.
Are ethical fashion items pricier than regular ones?
Because ethical fashion choices involves sustainably minded materials and fair wages, it can typically be a little more expensive. Sourcing high quality, durable pieces may seem expensive at the outset, but in the long term these investments often save money.
So is it possible for fast fashion brands to be ethical?
Fast ethical fashion choices focuses on speed and price rather than sustainable practices, although a few brands are beginning to make some changes for the better. It will vary brand by brand, and for this reason, we have to analyze each.
What can I do to wear more ethically?
Research brands, choose quality over quantity, support local craftsmen, buy second hand, and take care of the garments you do own to make them last longer these are just a few things you can do. Incremental and informed changes to your lifestyle will make a big difference in the long run.
