Getting started with Ethical fashion: All your questions answered

Ethical fashion. Sustainable fashion. Fair trade fashion. Slow fashion. It has a million names!

And it can totally be confusing at times, I get it.

When I first decided to dive into slow fashion, I had a million names and I spent what seems like FOREVER researching to get my questions answered.

So I decided to write a *hopefully*, one stop shop for you to answers all of your questions!

Your questions. My answers.

1. What is the difference between ethical fashion, sustainable fashion, fair trade fashion and slow fashion?

While all similar, they can have a slightly different meaning to each person.

So, let’s sort this once and for all, shall we?

• Ethical fashion – Is the way clothing is produced. Talking about factories, employee treatment, employee pay and all around the environment in which your clothes are produced. Ethical fashion is often the umbrella term used to describe all of the below.
• Sustainable fashion – (Or Eco fashion) Clothing and clothing production that takes into account mostly it’s environmental impact but also it’s effect on consumers and worker. I.e less chemicals and resources used in production.
• Fair trade fashion – Helps producers in developing countries with better trading conditions. It encompasses and protects worker’s rights, cultural identity, traditional skills and the environment.
• Slow fashion – The movement or choice to consciously buy better quality items that are produced with both workers and the environment in mind. It can also be the idea to take fashion in slowly, meaning purchasing high quality items at a much slower rate rather than consuming cheap items frequently.

2. Why is “organic cotton” so important?

Organic cotton is a huge trend in the slow fashion community but for what reason?

Well, organic cotton is grown in countries such as India, China, Turkey and a few parts of the U.S. They are grown from non-GMO plants and raised without the use of harmful chemicals such as pesticides.

It’s important when shopping for items of organic cotton to make sure that it is fair trade, AKA the farmers and workers are treated and payed fairly.

Not only is this better for YOU (lack of chemicals) but it also safer for the environment as no harmful chemicals are released into the air, water or ground during production.

3. Where can I get ethical underwear/lingerie?

Lot’s of places but I’m glad so many of you asked! I actually wrote a blog post all about my favorite places to get sustainable undies. Read it here.

4. How do I shop substantially?

Start by simply loving the clothes you have and buying less. A great way to ease into sustainability would be to start thrifting. Thrifting is amazing and has many benefits that you can read all about here.

Then when you’re ready you can start shopping ethical and sustainable brands that you trust.

5. Slow fashion sounds great and all but I can’t afford it.

This is most peoples first argument against slow fashion and I’ll admit it was mine to.

And the truth is that you’re right. With the way we’ve been taught to consume, you’ll never be able to afford it. That’s where the magical word “slow” comes into play.

In this way “slow fashion” refers to the rate at which we consume clothing. We’re used to buying $5 or $10 or $20 items. And with those prices we can purchase a lot of clothes. But we don’t need that much. Especially when they’re poorly made and trend-driven.

If we stop purchasing clothes at such an alarming rate and decide to focus on buying well made pieces when we need them, then you’ll be able to afford it n problem. Plus thrifting is an amazing alternative.

6. Is there any hope for sustainability in the future of fashion?

I wholeheartedly believe so. The world is becoming more and more aware of the environmental impact we’re having. People are starting to take notice and live their lives more sustainably with reusable items rather than single-use items. And that’s just the start. Slowly they’re starting to notice the fashion industry as well.

And more and more fashion brands are starting to make changes too. Even if it is just in their packaging. I believe there is a bright future for sustainable fashion. But it starts with awareness.

 

And there you have it! My most asked questions about Ethical/sustainable fashion!

But hey, speaking of awareness, don’t forget to share this post to spread the word! And as always don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration!

Other helpful posts about ethical fashion:

What is slow fashion? and why it’s important

Ethical jewelry brands you need to know about

List of ethical and sustainable clothing stores