Everybody loves a buzz, and the ethical fashion niche is positively buzzing!
For those of you who like to do the research and need the low-down before making up your mind (kudos to you!), here is everything you need to know about the Ethical Fashion Industry in a nutshell, right now.
Why is ethical fashion so popular right now?
Thanks to the power of the internet, all types of socially conscious causes are receiving greater attention. Through advocacy groups and media outlets it is easier than ever to become informed, and social media platforms allow individuals to add their voice and be counted. In short, it’s all thanks to beautiful humans like You!
What is ethical fashion?
If you’re a little confused by the definition of Ethical Fashion we don’t blame you! The ‘ethical fashion’ label is often applied to a broad genre of fashion which includes sustainable, fair-trade, cruelty-free and eco-friendly clothing and accessories. For a more comprehensive definition and guide read Ethical Fashion – A clear definition & guide.
Who’s it for?
What was once a niche occupied mainly by animal advocates, eco-activists and socially conscious fringe groups, ethical fashion has risen in popularity thanks to a greater awareness around unethical production, and as an opposing alternative to fast-fashion. This ‘ethical explosion’ as it were has created huge opportunities for both businesses and consumers to change their ways and fill a growing need in this less-than-perfect industry.
What’s the cost?
Ethical fashion did initially cost more due to; lower availability and demand for these products, higher quality of materials, slower production, and fair wages paid to employees, but ethical fashion does not necessarily equal expensive in the industry today.
An expanding market is providing greater competition for new businesses, meaning more opportunity for consumers to access a wider range of goods, which in turn brings down prices to more consumer-acceptable levels. As with anything, you will expect to pay a higher price for a higher quality design or material, whilst ethical fashion is known to be more substantial and last longer than cheaper alternatives, potentially costing the buyer less overall.
Where can I get it?
A quick hashtag or google search will provide you with an excellent starting point for some serious pre-shop browsing. To help you sort through all of this there are many blogs and articles out there (hi!) to provide you with a range of well-researched and user-reviewed options.
Another endless treasure trove of unique fashion is recycled fashion markets and op-shops. Nowadays you can find anything from a replacement of those jeans you loved to death, that new sequined number you’ve always wanted, to a completely versatile knitted cardigan in your perfect size. You could also host a clothes-swap party with your friends as a great way to catch-up for a vino and score some new clothes for free!
Hungry for more? Read our full article “Everything you need to know about Ethical Fashion”
