As a follow-up to our blog post earlier this week regarding last year’s tragedy at the Rana Plaza factory in Bangledesh, we wanted to share our favorite alternatives for ethically responsible and sustainable clothing from companies that we think are doing it right. Focused on making products that care for the earth and treat people with respect and dignity, these companies guarantee their workers a living wage. When you look at the label inside your clothing, don’t you want to know whose hands labored to make your shirt or jeans?
What do we love about Mata Traders? Their fabrics! All of their skirts, dresses, and tops are made from unique and colorful fabrics that are certainly fair trade conversation starters. A member of the Fair Trade Federation, their mission is to work with organizations that employ, educate and empower women in India. And a bonus- they also have amazingly fashionable jewelry!
Indigenous invites us to wear our commitment to people and the environment. An organic, fair trade clothing company, they are committed to preserving artisan traditions and bringing their customers the most comfortable and natural clothing possible. Beautiful and high quality fabrics like merino wool, alpaca, silk and organic cotton make each piece last for years. We love the earthy tones and versatility of each item. Bonus- in a fashion world often times aimed at women, they have a huge selection of equally comfortable clothing for men.
People Tree was the first fashion brand to receive the new World Fair Trade Organization Fair Trade Product certification ensuring that all of their products follow fair trade standards from beginning to end. They have partnered with some big designers, most recently, Orla Kiely, to create whimsical and fun lines of clothing for both men and women. Although based in the U.K. where fair trade recognition is light years ahead of the U.S., you can still purchase People Tree clothing and accessories through various online outlets including ASOS and ModCloth.
What inspires us most about Everlane? Their tagline: Radical Transparency. We like those words. We also love that they make sustainable fashion truly affordable. They are online only, which brings the product one step closer to the customer without adding additional costs of a brick and mortar location. Their brand is comfy, cozy, staple items for men and women and we just adore their simple t-shirts. But the best is yet to come. What may seem truly radical in the traditional fashion industry is that Everlane includes the name and description of the factory where each product is made and takes you on a virtual tour. You want to add something to your shopping cart because now you feel like you know who actually made your shirt!
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