Actually, U.S.-made products created by unionized labor are considered ethical fashion. But so can international crafts that adhere to Fair Trade policies.,"”Ethical fashion" won't be in your philosophy textbook. It isn't the uniform for a religious service.
Actually, U.S.-made products created by unionized labor are considered ethical fashion, but so are international crafts that adhere to fair trade policies.
Fashion made with organic, recycled and Vegan- friendly materials gets the label "ethical." Clothing companies that give all profits to a cause like breast cancer research are ethical as well.
Good intentions fuel ethical fashion, but practical considerations may limit its success. First of all, it can be expensive.
"Things like cost and shipping are affected in an exchange from a foreign market," said Courtney Konyn, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences and member of Ubuntu, a student organization opposing sweat shop labor . "So you need to do a cost analysis. Ask yourself: 'Will I wear it longer? Will it last longer?'"
Not only is ethical fashion pricey, it's hard to find. Online shopping can deter some ethical fashion-seekers.
"I don't like buying things online," said Drake Dettman, a junior in the College of Business and Ubuntu member. "But there isn't a big Gap of a fair trade store."
Additionally, almost every ethical fashion merchant offers more for women than men. Dettman said it makes sense economically.
"Men shop less, buy less often," he said. "I know this is true for me and most guys I know: I am still wearing T-shirts I got in high school. "
Konyn said it was up to consumers to change fashion patterns if they're unhappy.
"Because fashion is so disposable, when women asked for ethical fashion, the industry produced it," she said. "Fashion is a consumer-driven market, more responsive to consumer concerns."
This comparison of ethical fashion merchants catalogues their styles, price ranges and limitations. So women, shop away. Men, demand to be accommodated:
Fair Indigo features a collection of professional clothing for women. If your wallet aches after paying $129.00 for a cotton print dress, soothe your conscience with the personal crafter stories from China or Macau. Visit http://www.fairindigo.com.
If alpaca is your pet knit, you'll adore sweaters by Peruvian Connection (www.peruvianconnection.com). Men's and women's fashions are offered, and come in other fabrics like cotton. If you have $249.00 burning a hole in your pocket, women's ponchos are ultra chic. All sales benefit Andean herding communities, if it makes you feel any better.
Drop Soul (http://www.goodstorm.com/stores/dropsoul) is sanctuary for screen prints Target hasn't gotten a license for yet. Rock a T-shirt with quotes from Gandhi or a silhouette lotus blossom. Every shirt option-like organic or union-made-costs about $20.
Fair Trade Sports specializes in Fair Trade sports balls, but men's, women's and unisex clothing is available at www.fairtradesports.com/gearshop. All apparel, from baseball caps to fitted T-shirts, brandishes the word "respect." It's a great message to wear, if you can make peace with the orange and white color scheme.
Indigenous Designs (http://www.indigenousdesigns.com) uses ethical fibers like Tencel, a biodegradable material derived from wood. Women have the most options at Indigenous Designs-the men's collection totals five organic cotton shirts, and each costs about $60.
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