The dirty secret many big-name fashion companies don’t want to let you know is that they use underhanded and disgusting methods to produce their clothing. For example, H&M has come under much scrutiny in past years for their usage of sweatshops in Asia.
Thus, finding a company that produces its wares with ethics intact can prove somewhat difficult. How do you find the solution for yourself so you can vote with your wallet and hold these greedy sleazebags accountable?
Well, that’s where we come in. We’re here to take a look at the new future-conscious ethical fashion trends sweeping the scene! So without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Ethical Fashion and the Environment
The first kind of big step fashion companies are taking to achieve ethical responsibility is working to make their operations easier on the environment. After all, producing lots of clothes creates lots of waste. Plus, clothes are a product designed to replace a pre-existing product that will get thrown away and end up in a landfill.
One way companies do this is by focusing on producing vegan clothing, or clothes made without the use of any animal parts (like leather). Another way companies do this is by altering the processes or materials through which they make clothes.
For example, cotton requires a lot of pesticides and fertilizers to grow. This can result in the earth underneath getting saturated with said chemicals and becoming unable to grow plant life.
Swapping over to linen will help reduce a company’s carbon footprint. This is because linen is also sourced from plants without as much consumption of materials required.
Brands following these trends include Reformation, Ninety Percent, Warp + Weft, and Organic Basics. For a more well-known brand, Gucci started being more transparent with where they source their raw material from, letting in more accountability.
Ethical Fashion and Workers
The other front of ethical fashion deals with how companies treat their employees as well as all other people involved in their business process. One way companies do this is by appropriating clothing styles from other cultures and selling cheap imitations for a quick cash grab. So next time you want a Native American t-shirt, search for a vendor who’s run by the native people of the culture whose fashion and imagery you want to wear.
Another way companies try to exploit the system is by using sweatshops. Here, they force workers overseas (where labor laws are less intensive) to work grueling hours. The workers also get little pay and work in terrible conditions.
That said, companies like Brother Vellies are committed to preserving human rights and using humane labor practices in their work.
Look Your Best Without Compromising
And there you have it! You know all about the latest ethical fashion trends and who’s practicing them. So, you’re ready to look your best without worrying about what happens behind closed doors.
And for more news on the latest trends in fashion, make sure to check out all the other articles on our blog!
