Are you thinking of switching over to the Ethical Fashion? I know it can be a bit confusing... the odds are, you've probably bought a top from an Ethical Fashion shop without even knowing it. Whether you're brand new to the Ethical Fashion world, or have already made the switch; here are 5 things you should be looking for when you're shopping for Ethical Fashion.
1. They Use Slow Fashion Practices.
Look for brands that support "Slow Fashion." To sum it up, look for brands that focus on quality over quantity, are thoughtful about the environment, and are fair to their consumers and producers. Slow Fashion also means the company makes products that last! Fast Fashion is notorious for making items that fall apart or look terrible after one wash. This throwaway clothing creates billions of tonnes of fashion waste World wide.
2. They Use natural, biodegradable and sustainable materials.
Something to watch out for is the type of materials used to make their products. For example, at Salts and West we use as many sustainable materials and fibres as possible to make our clothing, using fabrics like certified organic cotton, viscose from bamboo, hemp and soy.
3. They're Environmentally Conscious.
Look for brands that care about the environmental impact of their clothings. Brands that up-cycle, use biodegradable materials and watch their carbon footprint. Do they use up their scrap fabric? Lessen waste in every way possible? Many small clothing producers use up their waste and trim by making other unique products. At Salts & West we use our trim for Bamties underwear and leg warmers!
4. Their products are Organic Certified (Oeko-Tex)
Another thing to watch for is the "Oeko-Tex" label. Brands that are Oeko-Tex certified, like Salts & West, guarantee that the fabrics used do not contain and toxic or harmful ingredients and are safe for their consumers, animals and the environment.
5. They Support Fair Trade Practices.
This is a big one. Unfortunately, slave labour and unsafe work environments are still very common in the Fast-Fashion world. Make sure the brand you are supporting is empowering their workers, providing them with fair wages and working conditions.
These are just a FEW things you can look out for if you're considering shopping more ethically. Get to know the companies and the people you choose to support in your fashion choices! You truly can change the World by changing where you spend your money.
The Ethical Fashion world is growing more and more everyday, and it is a beautiful thing! By thinking more ethically, we can slowly improve the way the world see's fashion and how damaging Fast Fashion practices can be to our animals, people and the environment.
