Sustainable fashion can be defined as clothing that is designed, manufactured, distributed and used in ways that are environmentally clean. Ethical fashion refers to clothing made in ways that value social welfare and and worker rights.
Fast fashion, on the other hand, can be defined as a sector of the fashion industry that mass-produces clothing at a relatively low price, which in turn means cheap products for consumers. Many mainstream brands that we buy from every day are considered be be fast fashion, such as Shein, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Victoria's Secret and American Eagle. But is inexpensive clothing worth the price of the impacts that the fast fashion industry has on our Earth and people's human rights?
According to the World Economic Forum, the fast fashion industry produces 10% of humanity's carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of the world's water supply. Additionally, 85% of all textiles end up in landfills every year, and 500,000 tons of microfibers are released into the ocean by simply washing clothes. Many fashion companies also use slave and child labor. According to a survey conducted by Fashion Checker, 93% of clothing brands do not pay their garment workers a living wage.
Although it is difficult to always consume fashion that is totally ethical and sustainable, it is important to be aware of the disconcerting impact that fast fashion has on our world and how we can do our part in reducing its effects. Instead of spending a lot of money on tons of cheap clothing that may not last very long, take a look at these sustainable and ethical clothing brands!
Pact Apparel is certified Organic by the Global Organic Textiles Standard and is Fair Trade Certified.
Price range: $20-$120 - Basics for women, men and children
Hoodies, sweatshirts, tops, leggings, underwear, socks and bed & bath
More info - https://wearpact.com
Mata Traders is a Fair Trade clothing company that employs female artisans from India and Nepal to design and hand-make clothing. Employees are given fair wages, benefits and access to educational and social welfare resources
Price range: $10-$130 - Women's Apparel
Dresses, tops, bottoms, jewelry and masks
More info - https://www.matatraders.com
Makes clothing out of organic cotton, wood, used clothes and wool. Works to educate and promote clean climate policies and human rights issues.
Price range: $15-$120 - Women & men's clothing
Denim, tops, bottoms, underwear, socks and accessories
More info - https://www.armedangels.com
Ethical and sustainable clothing production - hand-made products (no mass-production)
Price range: $30-$75 - Unisex clothing
Graphic tees, pants, leggings, dresses, hats, tote bags and socks
More info - https://lonelykidsclub.com