With the recent push for more ethical fashion options, a lot of people are wondering what ethical fashion actually means. This can be especially difficult to navigate with the rise of greenwashing in the industry and so many different "sustainable" labels to choose from.

With the sheer importance of ethical fashion in the modern age, it's important to understand the basics of what makes fashion ethical. So, we put together this guide to help you better understand ethical fashion, how you can shop more ethically, and how you can build an ethical fashion business. So, let's break it down!

What is Ethical Fashion?

Ethical fashion can be defined in a number of ways, but at its core, it refers to clothing, accessories and other items that are produced in a way that is considered to be environmentally and socially responsible. This can include items that are made from sustainable materials, those that are produced by fair trade practices, and those that are made in a way that does not negatively impact the environment.

There are a number of different factors to consider when assessing the ethicality of a fashion item. Some of the most important considerations include where the product was made, how it was made, what materials were used and what kind of dyes and finishes were used. It is also important to look at the company's policies with regards to social and environmental responsibility, as well as their track record in terms of sustainability.

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Ethical, Slow and Sustainable Fashion

There are a number of different terms that are used to describe ethical fashion, including sustainable fashion and slow fashion. While there is some overlap between these terms, they each have their own specific meaning.

Sustainable fashion refers to clothing and accessories that are made from sustainable materials. These materials include natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and wool, as well as sustainable synthetic fabrics such as bamboo viscose, organic cotton, and Soysilk. Sustainable fashion also includes clothing and accessories that are made using fair trade practices.

Slow fashion is a movement that advocates for a more sustainable approach to fashion. Slow fashion items are typically of higher quality and last longer than fast fashion items, encouraging consumers to buy fewer, but better-quality pieces. They are also usually made using sustainable materials and production practices.

The Importance of Ethical Fashion

There are a number of reasons why ethical fashion is important. First and foremost, it is important to consider the impact that our clothing choices have on the environment. The fashion industry is one of the leading polluters in the world, and so by choosing to buy ethical fashion items, we can help to reduce our environmental impact.

In addition to the environmental impact of our clothing choices, it is also important to consider the social and economic impacts. The fashion industry is one of the largest employers in the world, and so the working conditions and wages of workers in the industry are a major concern.

Unfortunately, many workers in the fashion industry are paid very low wages and work in poor conditions. By choosing ethical fashion, we can help to improve the working conditions and wages of workers in the industry.

Lastly, it is important to consider the impact of our clothing choices on the animals that are used in the fashion industry. Animals are often treated poorly in the fashion industry, and so by choosing ethical fashion, we can help to reduce their suffering too.

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Is Fast Fashion Ethical?

Fast fashion is a term used to describe clothing that is designed to be worn for a short period of time and then discarded. Fast fashion items are typically made from cheap, synthetic materials and are produced quickly and cheaply in order to meet the latest trends. While fast fashion can be convenient and affordable, it often comes at a high cost to the environment and the workers who produce it.

For these reasons, fast fashion is not considered to be ethical. If you are looking for ethical fashion options, you should look for items that are made from sustainable materials, produced using fair trade practices, and made in a way that does not negatively impact the environment.

You should also look for companies that have policies in place with regards to social and environmental responsibility, and that have a good track record in terms of sustainability.

How Can Fashion Companies Become More Ethical?

Work with a Sustainable Fashion Consultant

There are a number of ways that fashion companies can become more ethical. One way is to work with a sustainable fashion consultant. A sustainable fashion consultant can help you to identify areas in your business where you can make more sustainable choices, such as choosing sustainable materials or production methods. They can also help you to develop policies and practices that will make your business more environmentally and socially responsible.

Become a Certified B Corporation

Another way for fashion companies to become more ethical is to become a certified B Corporation. A certified B Corporation is a company that meets rigorous standards of social and environmental responsibility. To become certified, a company must pass a comprehensive assessment of its social and environmental performance. Once certified, a company must commit to meeting these standards on an ongoing basis.

Adopt a Sustainable Business Model

A third way for fashion companies to become more ethical is to adopt a sustainable business model. A sustainable business model is one that takes into account the environmental and social impacts of the business. This type of business model is often more profitable in the long term, as it considers the costs of environmental and social damage.

There are a number of sustainable business models that fashion companies can adopt, such as the circular economy model or the cradle to cradle model.

Use Sustainable Materials

One of the best ways for fashion companies to become more ethical is to use sustainable materials. Sustainable materials are materials that are environmentally friendly and that have a low impact on the environment. There are a number of sustainable materials that can be used in the fashion industry, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp.

Use Fair Trade Practices

Another way for fashion companies to become more ethical is to use fair trade practices. Fair trade practices ensure that workers in the supply chain are paid a fair wage and that they are working in safe and humane conditions. Ensuring that your brand is certified fair trade ensures that you are meeting the required standards of this ethical practice.

Utilise Blockchain and Other Technologies

A final way for fashion companies to become more ethical is to utilise Blockchain and other technologies. Blockchain is a decentralised database that can be used to track the provenance of products. This means that consumers can be sure that the products they are buying are not counterfeit and that they have been sourced ethically. Other technologies, such as RFID tags, can also be used to track the provenance of products and to ensure that they have been sourced ethically.

How Can I Shop Ethically?

Consumers play a key part in promoting ethical fashion. First and foremost, it is important to be aware of the issues involved in the fashion industry and the impact that our clothing choices have. Once we are aware of these issues, we can then make more informed choices about the clothes we buy.

When shopping for clothes, look for items that are made from sustainable materials and produced by brands that employ sustainable and ethical practices throughout their entire production process.

In addition, be sure to do your research before you buy anything. This means reading labels carefully, researching brands and retailers, and asking questions about where clothes are made and what materials are used. You can also support ethical fashion by shopping at local boutiques and thrift stores. These stores often carry sustainable and fair trade clothing brands, and they are a great way to reduce your environmental impact.

Remember that you have the power to vote with your wallet. Every time you make a purchase, you are casting a vote for the type of world you want to live in. So choose wisely!

Looking For Support To Build an Ethical Fashion Business?

At James Hillman, we are committed to helping sustainable and ethical fashion businesses grow and thrive. We offer a range of ethical fashion consultancy services for all stages of your fashion business production, from ethical and sustainable Concept Creation to Fashion Design Development and Sustainable Fashion Production, we have you covered.

If you are looking for support to build an ethical fashion business, get in touch today!