What is meant by ethically made clothes?

Ethical fashion takes social good into account, prioritizing workers’ rights, preventing animal cruelty and caring about the environment.

For example, UK-based People Tree has been committed to the principles of fair trade since 1991. The brand challenges the conventional injustices of trade, which disadvantage raw material farmers and garment workers in terms of wages, working conditions and local sustainability. Farmers benefit from the organic cotton trade, which reduces the use of harmful pesticides and contributes to nutrient-rich soil. Garment workers benefit from planned in-advance orders. They subsequently provide workers enough time to complete the orders within a healthy schedule.

People Tree also cares about animal welfare and avoids using fur, leather and exotic animal skins in their garments. Therefore, the brand only sources wool from sheep that haven’t been through mulesing, which involves the controversial practice of cutting skin from the sheep’s buttock area without anesthesia.

By weaving morally-conscious principles into their garments, ethical brands maximize the benefits to the industry and society as a whole.