As an ethical shopper, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to fashion. What brands are truly committed to providing fair wages and better working conditions? How do you know if a product is actually sustainable or just green-washed?
Fortunately, there are many trusted Fair Trade fashion brands that make shopping for ethical and sustainable clothing easier. Here’s a look at some of the best Fair Trade fashion brands you can support and how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Definition of “Fair Trade”
Before we dive into the different Fair Trade brands available, let’s quickly take a look at what “Fair Trade” actually means. The World Fair Trade Organization outlines three defining features of Fair Trade:
-
- A fair price for producers — which means paying producers a price that covers the cost of production plus provides them with enough money to support their families and invest in their communities.
-
- Secure employment — this includes providing safe working environments and fair labor standards, as well as giving producers access to additional training and resources they need to create quality products.
-
- Direct relationships — this involves connecting consumers directly with producers via transparent supply chains, enabling individuals to have more control over where their purchases come from.
In essence, Fair Trade ensures people around the world receive a fair deal for their work while also protecting environmentally responsible farming practices. It’s an important step towards creating a more equitable society by ensuring everyone from farmers and factory workers to craftspeople get paid fairly for their labor.
Best Fair Trade Fashion Brands
Now that you have an understanding of what “Fair Trade” actually means, let’s explore some of the top-rated fashion brands you can support:
This brand produces stylish knitwear made by cooperatives of craftswomen in Peru using only ethically sourced fibers like Alpaca wool which is both comfortable and warm. They use carefully selected dyes that are free from heavy chemicals in order to reduce harm on local waterways and ecosystems as much as possible; plus they pay all their employees living wages overseen by international standards organizations such as WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certifications*.
All clothing is designed locally in Los Angeles but crafted with traditional techniques passed down through generations in India before being shipped back home for finishing touches—ensuring each piece has its own unique story behind it! Plus this brand works closely with local non-profits such as Ayesha Women’s Sewing Cooperative in order to create jobs for low-income women while also preserving traditional craftsmanship techniques.*
This brand makes everything from beautiful scarves made out of reclaimed fabrics found at flea markets around Pakistan all the way up to sporty polo shirts created using organic jersey cotton—offering something for every taste! But even better than that, this company offers materials savings co-ops which allow consumers across the globe join forces in buying large quantities of fabric so they receive bulk pricing discounts while helping small businesses save on shipping costs.*
Shopping Sustainably With Fairtrade Brands
Making conscious choices about our clothes isn’t always easy—especially when trying to keep up with ever-changing trends without breaking the bank! However there are several simple steps you can take today towards building an eco-friendly wardrobe:
-
- Do your research before buying– learn about where your clothes came from and how they were produced by reading customer reviews or visiting individual brand websites whenever possible! Doing this will help ensure each item was crafted responsibly and also give you peace of mind knowing no animal or human rights were violated during production.*
-
- Shop second hand– try hitting up vintage stores or thrift shops instead of fast fashion retailers whenever possible; not only will it save money but also reduce waste since these items already existed instead of having been created specifically for sale! Plus secondhand items usually come with stories attached so they become conversation starters instead lifeless items hanging inside closets.*
-
- Buy quality, buy less–sometimes it’s worth investing in costlier (but higher quality) pieces so they last longer – meaning fewer clothes need replacing over time; when done right this provides a double benefit since these items will also likely retain resale value should one decide part ways with them down years later.*
-
- Look into renting– There are many websites offering a variety of designer clothing, accessories and formal wear to rent at a fraction of the cost. After use, clothes can be reused again rather than filling up landfills or sitting unused in your wardrobe. Renting lets you save money while reducing waste and putting sustainability in your hands.
-
- Opt for slow fashion– this term describes intentionally taking the time to design, produce and purchase clothing with a focus on quality over quantity; be it through revamping existing items thanks to embroidery patches or buying pieces made with natural fibers that are meant to last longer (such as organic cotton).
Conclusion
At the end of the day, making informed decisions around fashion is important if we’re looking to support a more equitable future. By investing in Fair Trade fashion brands, we can all make a difference one purchase at a time by supporting safer working conditions and better wages for those producing our clothes. Plus it’s easier than ever with many ethical manufacturers now selling their wares online—enabling us to make informed choices without having to leave our homes!
Doing your bit towards creating a more sustainable world doesn’t have to be hard or expensive—there are plenty of easy ways each individual can do their part starting today. So why wait? Get shopping!