Are you looking for opportunities to make your wardrobe more sustainable? We will gladly support this. By choosing fair fashion, you're making a difference in terms of working conditions and more. But what exactly is fair fashion? And what should you look for when shopping for fair fashion? In this article, we'll answer these questions and more.
In this article:
- What is fair trade?
- What is ethical clothing?
- Fair fashion vs. fast fashion
- 6 benefits of fair fashion
- Why is it important to choose fair fashion?
- 6 tips for finding ethical clothing brands
- Choose the ethical clothing from MUD Jeans
- Frequently asked questions about fair fashion
What is fair trade?
Before we discuss fair fashion, it's useful to understand what fair trade actually means.
Fair trade is a model that strives for fair prices, ethical working conditions and sustainable production methods. Workers and farmers receive fair wages and work in a safe environment, which increases their chances of a better life. Products with a fair trade certificate guarantee that they have been produced according to these principles.
What is ethical clothing?
The fair trade approach is also used in the fashion industry. These clothes are often called 'fair fashion', 'fair trade clothes', or 'eco-fashion'. But what exactly is fair clothing?
Fair clothing is made with respect for people, the environment, and animals. The workers who make the clothes are paid fair wages and work under good working conditions. Sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or recycled fabrics, are often used, and the production process is transparent. The ultimate goal is to provide you as a consumer with an ethical collection and to make the fashion industry fairer and more sustainable.
Fair fashion vs. fast fashion
Fair fashion differs from fast fashion in every way. Fast fashion is a concept where clothes are produced quickly and cheaply to keep up with the latest trends. As a result, employees are paid low wages (to keep the clothes cheap). They also work in unsafe situations, for example, due to exposure to harmful chemicals, and a lot of waste ends up in the environment.
Do you want to know more? Read our article about fast fashion vs. slow fashion
6 benefits of fair fashion
Lots of great reasons exist to buy fair trade fashion. Are you not convinced yet? Below, we discuss six benefits of fair fashion with you.
1. Safe, healthy working environment
The fair fashion approach means all workers have a safe and healthy workplace. Factories must comply with all safety standards and are regularly monitored to ensure they're doing so. Plus, workers can take time off for medical care and work in a clean environment with enough ventilation.
2. Fair trading conditions
Fair trading conditions are also important in fair fashion. This means that workers earn a fair wage, often more than the minimum wage. As a result, they enjoy a better quality of life. Not only for themselves, but also for their families.
3. Materials without labour exploitation
Often, fair fashion uses sustainable materials obtained without labour exploitation. These materials are organic cotton and hemp, as well as recycled polyester. Using more sustainable materials also means workers aren't exposed to harmful chemicals, which is important for their health and well-being.
4. Often better for the planet
Another benefit of fair fashion is that it's usually better for the planet. We have already briefly discussed suitable materials for sustainable clothing above. In addition, techniques are being used that use less water and energy. At MUD Jeans, for example, we use Cradle2cradle (C2C) Indigo Dye, and the laundry recycles 95% of the water through reverse osmosis. We also use OCS-certified cotton from sources that do not use toxic chemicals, pesticides or genetically modified seeds.
5. Positive social impact
Fair fashion is also about making a positive social impact for communities. Community projects are often part of this approach. For example, educational programmes for workers' children and healthcare initiatives. When fair trade companies invest in local growth, they create more jobs and better facilities for everyone.
6. Transparent production process
Finally, fair fashion uses a transparent production process. Transparency shows that a brand is open and honest about its practices. As a consumer, this gives you information about clothing brands to help you make an honest choice.
Read more: Sustainable And Ethical Fashion
Why is it important to choose fair fashion?
You might be wondering why it's important to choose fair fashion. Let us tell you. Your choice of fair clothing and accessories ensures:
- you contribute to a cleaner environment without chemicals;
- workers receive fair wages to provide themselves and their families with basic needs and health care;
- the fashion industry is moving towards a more sustainable and fairer approach to producing sustainable fashion.
6 tips for finding ethical clothing brands
With so many brands and choices on the market, finding fair fashion stores and online shops can be challenging. Don't worry; we've shared some tips to make your search a lot easier.
- Check the labels: Look for labels such as GOTS, OCS, Cradle to Cradle, OEKO-TEX, Fairtrade International, B Corp, Cruelty Free, USDA Organic, bluesign®, and FSC.
- Do your own research: Visit brands' websites and social media channels, and read their ‘About Us’ section.
- Choose eco-friendly materials: Organic cotton, hemp, bamboo and linen, as well as ecological paint.
- Use apps and websites: Several apps and websites rate clothing brands on their sustainability.
- Read reviews: Read reviews from other customers and see if ethical organisations recognise the brand.
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Pay attention to price: While not always guaranteed, extremely low prices can be a sign of fast fashion.
Choose the ethical clothing from MUD Jeans
You now know everything about fair fashion. You've learned that fair clothes are produced with respect for people, the environment, and animals. By choosing fair clothing, you're making a difference.
Are you looking for a fair clothing brand? Join MUD Jeans’ movement. You can buy jeans and other fair fashion made from pre-consumer denim and organic cotton in our online shop. Our mission is to ensure the supply chain is short and transparent. We are also committed to offer our denim experts fair wages, a healthy working environment and equal conditions. Check out our page about the fair production process if you want to know more.
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