Sustainability is rapidly becoming a word that companies across all sectors want to use to market their brand. It’s been talked about within fashion for decades, but maybe 2021 will be the year we really demand it from the fashion retailers we know and love?
If you’d like to add sustainability to your style must haves, here are some great places to look:
The Independent: 13 best sustainable clothing brands for women that are ethical and stylish
Happy sustainable fashion shopping!
The reason people don’t buy ethical fashion is usually for one of two reasons;
They think it’s too expensive
or
They don’t know what to buy
So many of us aspire to be conscious consumers and value both the products we buy and, in principle at least, the people who make them. Fashion should be fun and creative, a source of pleasure as well as practicality, shouldn’t it?
At some point you’ve decided you would like to use your consumer power to encourage fashion retailers to provide safe working conditions and pay a living wage all along the supply chain…
Great! Here’s how:
Personally, I don’t want clothing brands to take their manufacturing away from China or the many third world countries that rely on our trade. I would just like those companies to pay their workers a living wage. Bear in mind that a living wage in Bangladesh is not the same as a living wage in the UK, so this wouldn’t necessarily hike up the prices of mass produced clothing in a dramatic way… what it would mean is that the largely female workforce could afford to eat, have somewhere safe to live, provide adequate childcare or education for their children (so they don’t become the next generation of slaves) and have a small amount of disposable income. However, in terms of avoiding sweatshops, some ethical shoppers choose to buy garments which are made in Europe, USA, Australia or any other country where workers’ rights are protected. Don’t kid yourself that these countries don’t have sweatshops too though! If the garment you’re buying is super cheap, it was probably made in a sweatshop. Use social media to ask the question, “Who made my clothes”. If you get a quick, clear answer, great! Kerching! If you get a lengthy ethical policy full of good intentions but no actual commitment to a living wage and safe working environment… it’s buyer beware. Most likely you will hear nothing. Come to your own conclusion.
I always love to hear from readers about their ethical fashion journey… what brands do you love? How did you manage the change from fast fashion to slow fashion? What made you make your own pledge to shop sweatshop free? Let me know… Email: kate@strippedbarefashion.com Twitter: @manytimesmummy Insta: @stripped.bare.fashion
Featured image credits: “Who made my/your clothes?” dazedimg.dazedgroup.netdna-cdn.com, makeandbelievemagazine.com, ravishly.com
There’s ethical fashion which isn’t as bad as fast fashion, and then there’s ethical fashion which is beautiful, inspiring and thoroughly lovable. PICO is the latter.
Before we even start talking pants, you have to pop over to their website and have a look at the story of how their product is made… It strikes me that the first image is of organic cotton seeds, but they are not seeds alone, they are in the hands of the farmer who sows then. He/ She is the very first person in so many garment supply chains, whose life is undoubtedly improved by not being exposed to chemical farming. And on the story goes, through each process, detailing how PICO choose to minimise environmental impact and maximise social responsibility.
After their pants are constructed in a Fairtrade factory in India, they are shipped to the UK and appear online, ready for us to buy. When they arrive you’ll even find the packaging thoughtful, stylish and simple!
Men’s trunksI was lucky enough to stumble across the PICO team at Fare Healthy, in 2016. I bought a pair of trunks for my boyfriend, who loved them so much he bought another three, and then another three and then another! He’s such a fan. Their “dark-navy grey” (which I have until researching this post thought was black) Trunk Shorts are really soft, comfortable and well fitting with a front pocket opening, and their New Trunks are slightly slimmer and fly-free.
I can’t say generally that I’m a fan of Big Knickers… or at least I wasn’t until my dear friend and Pilates teacher, Suzi, told me how confronting it is at times when her Pilates students bend and stretch in almost any kind of legging. Are you with me on the visual? (ie even if you prefer scanty panties for general wear, spare a thought for exercise instructors and consider investing in some of these…)
So I bought myself a couple of pairs for decency, and have to say, whether it’s the beautiful cut or the super soft organic fabric they’re made from, PICO pants can’t be beaten for comfort.
Naturally, I bought Suzi a couple of pairs of PICO pants for her birthday and she is now a convert too.
PICO pants looks to be the first project run by two fashion and ethics inspired women. On their website, it’s really interesting to read about their careers and business development to date, and to see the whole supply and production chain illustrated so clearly. Here’s hoping for more exciting projects from these two in the near future!
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Do you know an underwear retailer with great ethics at the heart of their business? We’re always looking for interesting brands to feature… check out our media page for more information and get in touch.
For Spring/ Summer 2018, the fashion world is offering up all manner of pretty pieces in the softest, most flattering gelato inspired colours.
But if you’re committed to buying ethical fashion the thought of shopping cheap, throwaway trends is counter-intuitive. If you’re wanting to add some on-trend colour, you don’t have to go head-to-toe pastels! Mint, fuzzy peach, dusty pink and baby blue all look great with your existing black, white or tan basics.
To add a touch of pastel, pair a top in your favourite faded shade with a pair of white linen trousers or skirt. Olive green and navy work well too as a good base for adding pastels.
Keep the look fresh and light with delicate styles – such as strappy sandals and a small clutch or shoulder bag – if you want to wear dark or bright accessories from your existing wardrobe. Personally, I love the contrast of white or tan with pastels and would steer clear of beiges, greys and more earthy shades.
A combination of different pastel shades works too. Layer up a shabby chic rainbow by pulling together all your old and new pastel items. Don’t forget faded blue denim jeans and jackets which look brilliant contrasted with yellows and pinks and finished with your shiniest white eco-trainers.
Luxe fabrics work brilliantly to emphasize delicate colours. Consider sueded silks for their muted, peach-skin softness; chiffon for the addition of translucent colour (think a draped scarf or floaty overskirt): or crushed, coloured linen. Embroidery is still strong as a trend and can add some depth and texture.
Colour advisers suggest you choose shades which contrast with your natural skin tone to compliment your complexion: Try blushed pink or apricot near the face if you have olive skin, yellows and melon for pale, cooler tones, and icy blues or soft sage for those with a rosier complexion.
Before you dash out the door, give your makeup a moment’s thought. Pearlescent glosses or dewy matt lips in cashmere colours can accentuate the prettiness of pastels. But alternatively, don’t hesitate to go bold with your lipstick. Bright red lips create impact against an otherwise understated palette and look to be a top SS18 makeup trend when worn with otherwise minimal makeup.
Last but not least, if you want to avoid sweatshop fashion:
