What is ethical fashion?

We often hear the term ‘ethical fashion’, but I wonder if we know exactly what it is referring to? 

Here is a simple guide to explain the basics.

Ethical Fashion

Generally, ethical fashion is used to describe clothing and accessories that are designed and produced without exploiting workers or animals. The people involved in creating the garments are paid a living wage, have workers rights and can work in a safe environment. Usually, the brand will be transparent and able to answer questions about the factories involved with producing their product.

Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion is used to describe clothing and accessories that are produced with a low environmental impact. However, there can be many components involved. For instance, a sustainable brand might use organic materials, recycled or upcycled fabrics, natural fibres, vegetable or low impact dyes. They could be zero waste, use less water, smaller carbon footprint, minimal packaging etc.

Slow Fashion

Encompasses both of the above; slow fashion is the opposite of fast fashion. Moreover, brands who work to this concept tend to take longer to produce garments. They want to create something that will last a long time and not go out of fashion quickly. However, fast fashion brands wish us to consume a lot of clothes, its how they make their money.

Fair Trade Fashion

Fair Trade companies who use the World Fair Trade Organisations logo, must adhere to the ten principles of fair trade. This includes transparency, respect for the environment, ensuring proper working conditions, appropriate payment. Read more about it here.

Conscious Consumerism

A conscious consumer is actively taking a stance and only buying something they truly love or need.  Remember there is usually a long supply chain in fashion, so the more information you have, the better.

Often there is no clear definition; ethical fashion can often be a generic term. However, it helps to try and have a general understanding before deciding to buy better from more ethical brands.

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