20+ Fair Trade Clothing Brands to Love
Fair trade clothing companies are fighting against fast fashion by offering their garment workers livable wages, respectable working conditions, and valuing the people through out their supply chain. Wear your values with these ethical clothing brands changing the world!
What is fair trade clothing?
Fair trade clothing focuses on transparent supply chains, paying garment workers livable wages, creating safe factories, & using socially responsible materials.
These ethical clothing brands are fighting against the abuse of fast fashion brands and advocating for a fashion revolution.
Why is fair trade clothing important?
Unfortunately there is a lot of slavery in garment factories. With the pace of fast fashion & mass production garment factory workers are not receiving fair wages or being treated with respect. We’ve seen tragedies occur such as Rana Plaza that have demonstrated the abuse fast fashion has caused.
By purchasing fair trade clothes you’re voting with your money for fair labor treatment & livable wages. According to the Clean Clothes Campaign, it is estimated that 80% of the garment industry is made up of women. The livable wages allow these women to provide for their families.
How do I know if a clothing company is fair trade?
Some clothing brands are certified by third parties that verify fair trade practices. You can look for the Fair Trade Certified, Fair Trade Federation, or World Fair Trade Organization symbols for an easy identification.
However, not all brands that use fair trade practices are certified. There are plenty of small businesses that are using ethical practices, but do not have the time or money to go through the verification process.
If you do not see third party verifications, but are curious about the ethics of a clothing brand I encourage you to e-mail them or reach out via social media.
Most socially responsible clothing brands will be glad that you care enough to ask and will gladly provide additional resources on how the supply chain, fair wages, & more.
Can I buy fair trade clothing in stores?
YES, but finding fair trade clothing can be tricky to find in stores. The selection in main stream stores is especially small. I’d say your best bet for finding a wide range of ethical clothing is to either shop online or in stores at small eco-conscious boutiques.
Nordstrom carries Eileen Fisher & rotates out a few other fair trade brands on occasion.
Whole Foods carries popular brands such as PACT Apparel.
Patagonia carries select items made in fair trade factories
REI carries select items made in fair trade factories.
20+ Fair Trade Clothing Brands to Love
This list of fair trade brands even has a pricing guide to accommodate various budgets. While not all of these brands are officially certified, they all use fair trade principles through out their supply chain. Clothing companies certified by a third party organization are specified below.
$-under $75
$$- $75-$200
$$$-$200+
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
Wearing Mata Traders dress & Retrospecced glasses
Jackalo ($$) is a sustainable brand of children’s clothing that is ethically made and crafted to last. This kid’s clothing brand encourages parents to invest in high quality products for their children & take part in circular fashion. The founder of Jackalo visits their partnering factories multiple times a year to ensure the ethics of their brand. .
Fair Indigo: ($-$$$) Fair Indigo specializes in fair trade clothing. Fair Indigo uses organic materials to craft high quality garments crafted to last. Fair Indigo also gives back to The Fair Indigo Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to improve educational opportunities for children in the Peruvian communities where their cotton is grown, alpacas are herded, and products are made.
GOEX ($) basics & graphic tees are printed on USA made eco-friendly fabric that includes five recycled water bottles, their triblend tees stay stylish wash after wash. When you go with GOEX, you're making an impact on the environment. PLUS you are helping to sustain dignified, fair wage jobs that help families stay together. You’ll feel twice as good about adding this graphic tee to your wardrobe. GOEX is part of the Fair Trade Federation.
KNOWN SUPPLY ($) is humanizing the apparel industry through collaborative partnerships which encourage, educate, and empower businesses to take part in social impact. This certified B Corporation is crafting ethical clothing while creating employment opportunities in Peru & Uganda through their partnership with Fair Trade Certified.
Sustain: ($) creates high-quality, timeless basics made from 100% natural materials including organic cotton and linen. They source and craft all of our products ethically and with care, ensuring that each naturally-dyed piece contributes to helping both our planet and the people in it.
Passion Lilie: ($$) Passion Lilie’s partners with artisans in India and crafts eco-friendly clothing and accessories. Passion Lilie is part of the Fair Trade Federation, a third party which verifies fair trade practices.
The Good Tee ($) is a sustainable clothing brand focusing on high quality Fairtrade Certified organic cotton t-shirts. This socially responsible brand allows ethical shoppers to easily learn about the transparent supply chain and trace the manufacturing process through videos and resources highlighting The Good Tee’s partner suppliers and the materials used.
Global Mamas ($) is a community works together to create a life of prosperity for African women and their families through empowerment and employment. Global Mamas carries fair trade clothes for men, women, kids, and babies.
Eileen Fisher ($$-$$$) has a clean, classic, and timeless style while crafting incredibly high quality garments. This is a brand that values transparency through out their supply chain. Eileen Fisher crafts a lot of garments using sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled cashmere, & more. Select garments are made in Fair Trade Certified factories.
Patagonia ($-$$) focuses on environmental and social responsibility. Patagonia works to reduce their own carbon foot print and make sure their garments are produced under safe, fair, legal and humane working conditions throughout the supply chain. Patagonia also gives back through multiple initiatives.
Mata Traders: ($$) Mata Traders is working to make fair trade fashion readily available to consumers through vintage inspired designs and affordable prices. Mata Traders works with artisan groups in India and Nepal providing fair wages, a safe space, and the tools needed for individuals to rise above poverty. Mata Traders is part of the Fair Trade Federation, a third party which verifies fair trade practices.
PACT: ($) PACT Apparel specializes in affordable basics. PACT Apparel is made with organic cotton and created in Fair Trade Certified factories. PACT carries fair trade organic clothing for kids, babies, men, & women.
PrAna: ($-$$) PrAna focuses on fair trade, sustainability, and giving back with their clothing. Prana uses materials such as recycled wool, organic cotton, and recycled polyester. PrAna partners with local and international charities to give back. PrAna uses Fair Trade Certified factories.
Liz Alig: ($$) Liz Alig strives to create functional, fair-trade fashion for the modern woman. Liz Alig's purposeful fashion is crafted with a transparent supply chain, socially responsible materials, and creates a positive impact for growing communities. Liz Alig is part of the Fair Trade Federation, a third party which verifies fair trade practices.
Krochet Kids: ($) Krochet Kids crafts ethically made accessories through their partnership with Capable. Capable is a holistic program providing education and financial mentorship to employees. Employees are provided with fair wages and safe working environments.
Jewelry from Acacia Creations & Retro glasses from Retrospecced & BRANDED Collective
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