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Fair trade certification is most commonly associated with chocolate, coffee, and beauty ingredients, yet its presence in fashion carries equal weight in shaping ethical consumption.
Unfair treatment underpins the fast fashion industry. We’re not talking about consumers, who constantly access new, affordable styles. But the treatment of garment workers, who are consistently exploited to make all of these bargain clothing deals possible.
But if you don’t want to engage with fashion brands that treat workers unfairly, there is another option: fair trade clothing. The movement embodies a rejection of fast fashion’s principles and is centered around the ethical, respectful, and, well, fair, treatment of the people who make our clothes. Here’s more about what it means, and how you can engage with brands that don’t exploit garment workers.
What does fair trade mean in clothing?
You may have heard of the term “fair trade” in relation to coffee and chocolate, but it can also apply to clothing. Essentially, if a brand claims to employ fair trade practices, they are ensuring that garment workers (most of whom work in developing countries) are paid fairly, and are able to work in decent conditions. Unfortunately, in fast fashion, the latter isn’t guaranteed.
Last year, one study investigating fast fashion linked major international brands like Zara, H&M, and Gap with “unfair practices” in the Bangladeshi garment industry. Researchers looked at around 1,000 factories and found that more than half were dealing with issues like delayed payments, total payment refusal, and order cancellations. This all has major consequences for the workers, as it results in job loss and wage reductions.
“Importantly, one in five factories reported that they had struggled to pay the Bangladeshi legal minimum wages since the factories had reopened following the March and April 2020 lockdown,” notes the study, which was conducted by Aberdeen University and nonprofit Transform Trade. The latter is among many organizations campaigning for a better, fairer fashion industry, and what it calls “people-centered trade.”
“When trade values people over profit — the world becomes a vastly different place,” it notes. “Business can be a tool for good.”
And when it comes to fair trade, Fairtrade International is likely one of the most recognized names in the movement. Alongside products like cocoa, coffee, and fruit, the organization partners with producers and farmers to ensure that cotton, one of the fashion industry’s most-used fabrics, is exploitation-free, but also kinder to the planet. After all, regular cotton production is extremely chemical- and water-intensive.
“Fairtrade cotton fields in Western Africa and India are rain-fed, reducing the region’s water footprint when compared with production in other countries,” the organization notes.
The first step to ensuring your clothes are fair trade is to avoid fast fashion brands. This is good for the planet, too, as most of these garments are produced to be worn a handful of times before they inevitably end up in the trash and then the landfill.
The next step is to seek out more ethical brands. You’ll know when a brand claims to employ fair trade practices because, quite simply, they’ll tell you about it. But don’t just settle for face value, look for certifications (like Fairtrade International certified cotton, for example), and further details about why and how a brand pays and treats their workers. Most ethical companies will have a page dedicated to giving you this information.
People Tree, for example, is one fair trade fashion brand that has received certification from Fairtrade International and is vocal about its commitment to ethical practices. “Our mission is to work with disadvantaged farmers and workers to promote fairer trading conditions and empower farmers and workers to combat poverty, strengthen their position, and take more control over their lives,” it notes on its website.
Another good indicator of whether a brand is ethical or not is price. Fast fashion companies can often sell $5 dresses because people in their supply chains are being short-changed, but this doesn’t happen in fair trade companies, so prices can be higher. (So try to consider these garments as investment pieces to save up for, rather than throwaway items.)
That said, there are affordable fair trade brands out there. London-based Yes Friends, for example, is proud of its ability to pay living wages to its garment workers, but still offers sustainable t-shirts for less than £10.
Fair Trade fashion brands
While not all of these brands are Fair Trade-certified, many use Fair Trade-certified materials or prioritize sustainable materials and ethical supply chains. For more information, visit the brands’ websites.
1. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is a trailblazer in the sustainable fashion industry, dedicated to creating timeless pieces using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics. The brand emphasizes fair labor practices and works with certified factories to ensure workers are treated ethically and paid fairly. Additionally, Eileen Fisher’s take-back program encourages customers to recycle their used clothing to reduce waste.
2. Stella McCartney
As a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative since 2012, Stella McCartney is at the forefront of ethical and sustainable luxury fashion. The brand uses innovative, eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester and organic cotton, while also prioritizing animal welfare by avoiding leather and fur entirely. Stella McCartney is committed to transparent supply chains and collaborates with fair trade-certified partners to uphold ethical production standards.
3. Reformation
Based in Los Angeles, Reformation creates chic, eco-friendly clothing that balances style and sustainability. The brand uses sustainable fabrics such as Tencel, recycled cotton, and deadstock materials, while ensuring ethical production practices across its supply chain. Reformation actively monitors its manufacturing partners to guarantee fair wages and safe working conditions, and its carbon-neutral operations reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility.
4. Everlane
Everlane is a leader in ethical fashion, known for its radical transparency. The company partners with carefully selected factories around the globe that provide fair wages and safe working conditions. Everlane also prioritizes sustainable practices by using recycled and organic materials in its collections, and its “Choose What You Pay” program reflects its commitment to ethical pricing.
5. People Tree
People Tree has been a pioneer in ethical and sustainable fashion for over 30 years, adhering to the highest fair trade standards. The brand collaborates with artisan groups and cooperatives in developing countries to produce handmade clothing from organic cotton and eco-friendly materials. People Tree ensures its entire supply chain promotes social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.
6. Patagonia
Patagonia is an outdoor apparel brand that leads the industry in sustainability and ethical practices. The company uses organic cotton, recycled materials, and fair trade-certified factories to produce its clothing. Patagonia also advocates for environmental preservation, dedicating a portion of its profits to grassroots organizations and encouraging customers to repair rather than replace their gear.
7. Kowtow
Kowtow is a New Zealand-based brand dedicated to producing contemporary clothing with sustainability at its core. Using only fair trade-certified organic cotton and low-impact dyes, Kowtow supports ethical practices throughout its supply chain. The brand’s commitment extends to its packaging, which is fully recyclable and compostable, reflecting its holistic approach to sustainability.
8. Thought Clothing
Thought Clothing offers a range of stylish apparel crafted from natural, organic, and recycled materials. The brand collaborates with ethical manufacturers to ensure fair wages and working conditions while minimizing its environmental footprint. Thought Clothing also promotes slow fashion by designing timeless pieces that encourage longevity and reduce waste.
9. Outerknown
Founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is committed to blending style with sustainability. The brand uses eco-friendly materials such as recycled nylon and organic cotton, and works with Fair Trade USA-certified factories to guarantee ethical labor practices. Outerknown’s dedication to ocean conservation aligns with its mission to protect the planet.
10. Nudie Jeans
Nudie Jeans, a Swedish denim brand, stands out for its use of organic and fair trade-certified cotton. The brand emphasizes durability and circularity by offering free repairs for its jeans, as well as a take-back program to recycle old denim into new products. Nudie Jeans ensures its production partners uphold fair wages and ethical working conditions.
11. Indigenous
Indigenous crafts artisanal clothing by partnering with fair trade cooperatives in Peru and other regions. The brand uses organic and natural fibers, along with low-impact dyes, to create high-quality, sustainable apparel. Indigenous prioritizes empowering local communities, paying living wages, and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
12. Levi’s
Levi’s has taken significant steps toward sustainability by incorporating Water<Less technology, which reduces water use in denim production, and using sustainable materials like organic cotton and Tencel. The brand has also partnered with Better Cotton Initiative to improve cotton farming practices and supports ethical labor standards across its supply chain.
13. Maiyet
Maiyet merges luxury fashion with ethical practices, working closely with artisans worldwide to create sustainable collections. The brand promotes fair trade principles by ensuring artisans receive fair wages and access to global markets, while also using eco-friendly materials and low-impact dyes in its designs.
14. Veja
Veja is known for producing sneakers that combine style, sustainability, and ethics. The brand sources its materials responsibly, using organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, and fair trade practices to support its workers and suppliers. Veja’s transparent production process sets a standard for ethical fashion.
15. Mud Jeans
Mud Jeans is a circular fashion brand that uses organic cotton and recycled denim to produce its sustainable jeans. The company operates under fair trade principles, ensuring workers in its supply chain are paid fairly and work under ethical conditions. Mud Jeans also offers a leasing program to promote a more sustainable consumption model
16. Mata Traders
Mata Traders collaborates with artisan groups in India and Nepal to create vibrant, handmade clothing and accessories. The brand adheres to fair trade principles, ensuring its artisans are paid living wages and work in safe environments. Mata Traders also focuses on preserving traditional techniques while using eco-friendly materials.
17. Toms
Toms is a socially conscious shoe brand that uses sustainable and fair trade materials in its production. In addition to its ethical practices, Toms donates a portion of its profits to social and environmental initiatives, including providing shoes, clean water, and grants to underserved communities.
18. Pact
Pact specializes in organic cotton clothing that is fair trade-certified, ensuring workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. The brand’s eco-friendly practices extend to its supply chain, reducing water consumption and using sustainable packaging to minimize its environmental impact.
19. Anekdot
Anekdot is a Berlin-based lingerie brand that creates unique pieces using reclaimed and sustainable materials. The brand prioritizes ethical production by employing local artisans and maintaining fair labor practices. Anekdot’s designs are both environmentally friendly and thoughtfully crafted.
20. Nisolo
Nisolo produces high-quality footwear and accessories while prioritizing ethical labor practices. The brand ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for its workers, many of whom are based in Peru. Nisolo also emphasizes sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and offsetting its carbon footprint.
21. Kuyichi
Kuyichi, a pioneer in sustainable denim, uses organic and recycled materials to produce its jeans. The brand is committed to fair trade principles, ensuring workers in its supply chain are treated ethically and paid fairly. Kuyichi’s focus on timeless design and durability promotes sustainable consumption.
22. Bibico
Bibico creates timeless, fair trade clothing using natural fibers and sustainable materials. The brand works with ethical manufacturers to support safe working conditions and fair wages. Bibico also emphasizes minimal environmental impact through low-impact production methods.
23. Able
Able is a fashion brand committed to transparency, ethical production, and fair wages for workers. The brand’s pricing structure ensures that workers receive living wages, and it uses sustainable materials whenever possible to reduce its environmental footprint.
24. Kotn
Kotn creates fair trade clothing from sustainably sourced Egyptian cotton, supporting local farmers and artisans. The brand invests in the communities it works with by building schools and infrastructure, ensuring ethical practices and long-term sustainability in its supply chain.
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