The Popularity of Ethical Clothes

The Popularity of Ethical Clothes

The issue of ethically produced clothing is one that is not typically addressed often, even though it is a problem that has always occurred and is occurring right now. After the collapse of a clothing factory in Bangladesh, the question of ethically produced clothes and the working conditions of the clothing makers has made its way into the news. Brands such as Joe Fresh, Gap and JC Penny have been accused of manufacturing clothes in the building that collapsed, killing over an accused 1000 laborers.  Since the collapse, retailers have begun to be much more conscious about the manufacturing of their clothing. However, the idea of ethically produced clothing has been around for a while, it's just there was no attention towards it in the news, making people less aware of the clothing they are purchasing.

American Apparel has always been a popular brand for its pledge towards making ethical made-in-America clothing that pays and treats their workers ethically. They pledge  that all of their workers are treated equally and ethically. The issue with American Apparel, for many people, is that their clothes can sometimes be quite expensive, with a basic t-shirt costing about $28. Many people are willing to shop ethically, but if it means spending $20 more on a t-shirt, it becomes difficult. People, especially teenagers, are more drawn to clothing stores, such as H&M, that sell clothes for cheaper prices. However, these stores’ clothing may be made in unethically with the company attempting to hide it. H&M has a page on their website titled Be Ethical which talks about their corporate values and their willingness to obey the laws of the area in which the clothing is made it. But what if the laws do not prevent sweatshops in the place where the clothes are being made? H&M has been reported to have sweatshops in India with inorganic cotton materials.  The company’s unethical treatment of the workers has been protested, but is not in the news very much.

Ethical clothes have been an issue that has been arising in the media lately. However, buying clothes ethically is still extremely difficult and requires a lot of research to be done. Education about the issue of ethical clothing is one that should become more prominent, especially in places where many people are looking, such as social media. If ethical clothes were compared and advertised more in the media, more people would be influenced to purchase clothes that come from an ethical background.