Ethical fashion: how to make the right decisions

Ethical fashion: how to make the right decisions

in the ethical fashion

ethical fashion, also known as slow fashion or sustainable fashion, has attracted more and more attention in recent years. Consumers begin to become aware of the effects of their purchase decisions on the environment and society and are looking for paths to minimize these effects. According to a study by Nielsen from 2015, 66% of global consumers are willing to pay more for products from sustainable production.

In this article you will learn how to proceed in your decision for ethical fashion. Topics such as the importance of ethical fashion, the challenges that arise and how you can change your purchase habits as a consumer are treated.

What is ethical fashion?

Ethical fashion refers to clothing that has been produced fairly and sustainably. It is not just about the materials from which the clothing is made, but also about the working conditions of the employees who produce clothing, as well as the effects of the production process on the environment.

human rights and fair working conditions

A central aspect of ethical fashion is respecting human rights. This means that the workers who manufacture the clothes work under safe and fair conditions and are paid appropriately. For example, they should be protected by labor law, have access to health care and be able to provide their families.

sustainability and environmental protection

Another important aspect is sustainability. This includes a number of factors, from protecting natural resources to reducing emissions during the production process. Sustainable fashion also takes into account the entire lifespan of a garment, from production to disposal, and tries to minimize negative effects.

How do you recognize ethical fashion?

There are various aspects that you should consider if you want to identify ethical fashion. Here are some indicators that you can pay attention to:

Certificates and seals

There are various certifications and seals where you can see whether a product is ethically correct. Some of the best known are the Fairtrade seal, the GOTS label (Global Organic Textile Standards) and the Cradle to Cradle certificate. These signs guarantee that certain criteria are observed in relation to social affairs, ecology and business.

Transparency of the supply chain

Companies that are committed to ethical fashion are usually transparent in terms of their supply chain. You make information publicly where your products are manufactured, under which conditions and how the workers are treated.

The challenges of ethical fashion

Despite the advantages of ethical fashion, there are also challenges on the way there. One of them is the higher price. Ethical fashion is usually more expensive than FASTHION, since fair wages are paid, sustainable materials are used and environmentally friendly production methods are used.

Quality instead of quantity

One way to cope with this challenge is to shift the focus from quantity to quality. Instead of constantly buying new clothes, consumers can invest in durable, versatile pieces that need to be replaced less often.

buy used clothing

Another option is to buy used clothing. Second hand shops, flea markets and online platforms for used clothing offer a variety of options. This not only a good way to save money, but also to protect resources and to extend the lifespan of clothing.

FAZIT

The decision for ethical fashion is not an easy process, but it is an important step to minimize our influence on the environment and society. It requires awareness, commitment and occasionally compromises. But with the right information and a clear vision we can make a difference - not only in our own wardrobe, but also in the world.