With so many arguments flashing around the internet about fast fashion, people are looking for alternatives. While many are focusing on the lower end of the fashion spectrum with upcycling and thrifting, some are are instead looking to designer fashion. Should you support designer fashion? Let’s take a look at some of the things you should look at when considering whether designer fashion is ethical.
Where Is It Made?
One of the first things you should always look at is where the garments and accessories of a brand are made. Fast fashion brands will often head to Asia for manufacture as prices are much cheaper here. These factories will often have poor workers’ conditions and will not pay their employees properly too. Therefore, the dress which cost you just £5 might have been made by someone who is working for less than £1 an hour.
Always do your research to find out where the goods of a brand are manufactured. For example, legendary designer brand Saint Laurent split their main manufacturing between France and Italy. Therefore, you can be certain that your beloved Saint Laurent bags have been made by people who are treated well by their immediate employers. Even buying through a fantastic third-party supplier like SSENSE will still mean that the bag itself was made ethically.
What Materials Do They Use?
Another great way to consider whether or not a designer brand is ethical is to look at the materials they use. Brands which care about ethics will use the best textures sourced from great locations which are not going to negatively impact the environment or the local people who produce the materials.
One of the best brands for these high-end and ethical textiles is Stella McCartney. She cares deeply about pushing for reform in the world of fashion. Her entire brand is cruelty-free, which means no fur or leather as well as ethically sourced wool and cotton.
Will You Use It?
There is a massive issue in the world of fashion with people buying more clothes than they could ever wear. This results in wardrobes full of clothes and items being worn once before they are sent to the charity shop. If you are an avid shopper, it might be quite difficult to cut down on the number of clothes you shop for.
Before buying, you need to focus on how many times you are going to use the piece. If it is something like a pair of jeans or a handbag, you will probably get quite a bit of use out of them. However, an evening dress might only be used once, so it might not be the best investment. Try to wear each item in your wardrobe 30 times before you pass it on.
Behaving ethically is important whether you are shopping for the latest designer releases or seeing what your charity shops have to offer. Make sure you do your research so you know exactly how to approach your fashion and style in the most ethical of fashions possible.
