/r/ethicalfashion

Photograph via snooOG

In a world of fast fashion, ethics are regularly compromised. Whether this is in the treatment of those who create garments, the effect their creation has on the planet, or in the very materials used to create it, we all too often see a disregard for ethics in the name of looking good.

If you don't feel that fashion and ethics should be at odds with each other, then this could be the place for you.

Check out our growing wiki! It could always use help so please feel free to add to it!

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/r/ethicalfashion

85,788 Subscribers

133

Just a warning for buying secondhand online!

I recently bought a dress on Poshmark and other than trying it on hadn’t wore it. It didn’t fit so I went to reposh and when I was searching for the care instructions found a security tag! Posh only gives 72 hours to report issues and I’m far from that. So just a heads up to request additional photos if needed and check the garment thoroughly when you get it!

I know this is a rare situation- but certainly taught me to be more diligent in inspecting purchases.

29 Comments
2024/12/06
17:54 UTC

1

Crossbody bags that don't have velcro and don't have weird handles?!

I have been on the hunt for a simple, preferably leather or made out of recycled materials, SIMPLE cross body bag that doesn't have annoying tote handles that flop around and or have a giant flap held in place with velcro. The Kate Spade Large Duffle Chelsea bag is close, but I don't think it would fit a magazine in it and zip close, plus I don't I can buy this ethically (perhaps if it was second hand...). This on 34th Macy's brand bag is definitely not ethically made, but it is the ideal shape and style. Are there leather bag makers that are ethical and making something similar? Money is tight at the moment, but I will save up for something that last me forever. Suggestions welcome!

16 Comments
2024/12/05
23:03 UTC

1

Resale Platforms?

0 Comments
2024/12/05
22:11 UTC

2

The pitfalls of vinted...

I recently bought a dress from vinted which was described as cotton and wool, the price seemed quite cheap so I messaged the seller to double check and they confirmed it was cotton and wool. It should come as no surprise that when it arrived (packaged in a shein bag for good measure) it was clearly labelled as 100% acrylic. I'm wondering what other people feel is the most sustainable option in this scenario...

Note: I'm not going to return as through vinted the buyer pays for the returns and the price I paid for the dress isn't worth the hassle.

View Poll

13 Comments
2024/12/05
21:59 UTC

1

Deathcharger?

Maybe small clothing shop based in the UK. Can't find ANYTHING on them

0 Comments
2024/12/05
17:38 UTC

1

Easiest way to replace clothing

For the past 2 or so years I've bought a lot of things (basically an entire wardrobe's worth) from fast-fashion and unethical sites/stores under the guise of "oh, I need clothes so it's fine, when I have money I'll stop" but I've recently gotten more educated on this and have stopped buying from places like shein and others, and I want to completely get rid of every single item bought from these places, some of which I really want to replace.

I'm goth and live in New Zealand, so this makes this 10x harder, but I just don't know where to start. I don't have much money so this is likely going to be something that's going to last through til this time next year

0 Comments
2024/12/05
08:24 UTC

1

Reccomendations for NON fast fashion websites/places

Keep seeing so many people call out others for buying from Shein or Temu, but then refuse to give out some advice or places that aren't fast fashion that aren't just thrifting, and I don't have the time or money to go out thrifting whenever I feel like it, so I just want some reccomendations for some websites or companies that are affordable and preferably have grunge style clothing.

0 Comments
2024/12/05
03:56 UTC

0

Wispy Lifestyle Jacket Concept

Hey, this is my first time here and I'd like to hear what people think of a concept that I've been exploring. I'm looking to make a unisex lifestyle jacket that's soft, lightweight and durable, with an airy/wispy vibe to it, created by some gathering (or whatever other technique anyone has in mind).

Comments on materials that would work are also welcome, especially recycled/sustainably-sourced options! I really want to make something locally in Canada with an emphasis on ethical production. Here are some AI concepts (ignore the hoodie look of some of them, I mainly am focusing on the actual gathering pattern that creates the wispy look):

https://preview.redd.it/2r8jlf9lux4e1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d4b35ffc6240a7527d0eafb61bda627695f5e680

https://preview.redd.it/2u1sjf9lux4e1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=af3094a47fdc8445a1bf3298f2d9e21241e05e31

https://preview.redd.it/az5t5l9lux4e1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=198b08f04d80d9c62183836b90978ce1fbeb943e

https://preview.redd.it/u8u3il9lux4e1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=68ce0d371275c97407b0b97f20b2568ea0be1569

https://preview.redd.it/9ljspl9lux4e1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=52ca8940fb20c63c55de5a1df75ea79bf373ef24

0 Comments
2024/12/05
02:08 UTC

1

Women's Underwear that has a Light Fitting Waist

I have a very sensitive abdominal/inguinal area that is prone to swelling due to digestive issues, so always have difficulty looking for trousers and knickers that do not cause discomfort. Looking at organic underwear brands in the UK, I cannot find briefs that are light/thin/loose-ish fitting at the waist. The lace-waisted ones seem to be the most forgiving! Anyone have an suggestions?

0 Comments
2024/12/04
22:18 UTC

7

Aiming to stop massive over-production of garments

Perils of fast fashion is not a new topic here. As you all know, many brands are being forced to constantly push new styles to the market, resulting in massive over-production and waste. Over 30% of the garments produced are never worn. And there are brands (that I won't name here) that burn all their unsold stuff! A few fashion and tech folks in NYC teamed up to use data and AI to do real-time market research to help brands plan their collections thoughtfully and not mass manufacture every style and every color of everything. To help with visibility, they recently started publishing these fashion trend reports. Check out if you agree!

Image from Fall Fashion 2024 - Knitwear report

0 Comments
2024/12/04
22:31 UTC

0

Do you own an ethical business?

Hey guys,

Spiritual life is truly amazing and if we could help more people tune into their higher self that would be the greatest gift to humanity.

I’ve awakened to the universe’s higher purpose for my journey. My mission is to empower healers, spiritual visionaries, and sustainable businesses to expand their reach, creating profound transformations in the lives of countless individuals.

As a healer myself, I’ve realized that my path isn’t just about personal impact but about amplifying the light of others. By helping healers and changemakers connect with those who seek their guidance, we can collectively raise the vibration of humanity. Let’s unite to create a world rooted in love, harmony, and limitless possibilities—a world where every soul feels seen, supported, and inspired.

I'd love to connect and work with more alike souls.

I love you, thank you, and have an amazing day!

2 Comments
2024/12/04
20:26 UTC

7

Shoes that Last

Hi all!

I’m wondering if anyone has any recommendations for shoes that last and that cobblers will be able to repair when they eventually wear out.

For context, every couple of years I buy one basic pair of perfect shoes and essentially wear them to death. The last time this happened I went to the cobbler to see if I could get the sole repaired and they essentially said that it wasn’t able to be fixed - the shoe wasn’t good quality and would fall apart again pretty soon. I then panic buy another pair of fast fashion shoes out of necessity and the cycle continues.

I’m not really sure what the cobblers are looking for when it comes to a ‘fixable’ shoe… perhaps ones that aren’t made of plastic? Or shoes that are thoughtfully constructed? Any general insight would be really appreciated.

I am happy to invest, live in the UK and am looking for a black shoe, Mary Jane style with a chunky sole.

Thanks! Xx

9 Comments
2024/12/04
18:30 UTC

1

Looking for cool/grunge/artsy menswear

Anyone know any ethical brands with a similar style to Adrian Cashmere? Haven't heard much about them, but they are PRICEY. Looking for some cheaper alternatives with a similar/artsy style.

0 Comments
2024/12/04
04:02 UTC

1

SavagexFenty

3 years ago I bought something from SavagexFenty and signed up for their membership to get a good deal, planning to cancel it after. I kept forgetting to cancel it under this november so now I have $1500 in member credits. I want to use those to buy new underwear for womens shelters, but I also found out that savage x fenty is really unethical and uses child abor in thrid world countries to produce their clothes. Is it more ethical to not use the credits so that nothing will be produced and just let them keep the money or to use the money for a good cause since they already have the money?

0 Comments
2024/12/03
10:52 UTC

7

best basics?

I'm looking to buy some plain tees and crop tops in some cute colours, does anyone know a place that does this ethically? Looking for some ethical basics - Australian brand would be great but I don't mind!

7 Comments
2024/12/03
09:29 UTC

1

Mens summer clothing?

Looking for lightweight shirts and jackets for summer in Australia. Any stores that sell good clothes with light fabrics?

0 Comments
2024/12/02
22:38 UTC

1

Alt mens style shops?

Does anyone know any affordable alternative style shops on the internet that arent pure edgy, punk and goth?
I have been looking for stores with a heisei retro, grunge type of vibe for quite a while. All of the stores in my city are so bland and basic , that it just makes me want to hurl. To be honest, I am kinda a victim of bland clothing, mostly because I havent really figured out my style and have no idea from where to start.

0 Comments
2024/12/02
18:37 UTC

181

why do brands charge so much for 100% polyester?

to start off, i am aware that this is a fast fashion and NOT an ethical brand, but i didn’t really know where else to post this.

however, the other day, i saw a jacket at old navy that mimicked leather and looked high quality, even though i knew it probably wouldn’t be, but i had a little bit of hope and thought it’s might be cotton. i picked it up and thought it was pretty heavy but still a little light, so i checked the material tag, and lo and behold, 100% polyester.

i thought maybe it’d be pretty cheap then, like $30-$50, but it was ON SALE for about $70, and i believe the original price was $90-$100.

i just think that it’s ridiculous to charge that much for something made with such a low quality material, but i guess it could be because of handiwork?

i generally try to thrift and limit buying a lot from fast fashion brands, but in doing that i also try to steer away from materials that are and feel very low quality (polyester, nylon, etc). when i do buy from fast fashion brands i try to do places like uniqlo and absolutely never touch shein, temu, etc.

43 Comments
2024/12/01
23:53 UTC

3

smart casual wedding in the summer

Hey friends!

SOS - I need your fashion wisdom! I'm going to a wedding in Brazil in February (yes, peak summer, I know I'm going to melt 🥵).

Looking for the perfect dress/romper/jumpsuit and could use your suggestions! Here's what I'm thinking:

I want something:

  • Super light and breezy (because... Brazilian summer)
  • NO stamp patterns (trying something different)
  • Colorful (you know me!)
  • Comfy enough to wear with sneakers (because your girl needs to DANCE)

What do you think? Any of you have pieces that you love, and where did you get them?? Or any stores recommendations?

Also accepting any and all styling tips for surviving a wedding in Brazilian summer heat! 😅

Thanks!

7 Comments
2024/12/01
22:22 UTC

1

Sustainable soft shell pants

Hello! I am going on a couple snow shoe hikes in January and am looking to get some soft shell pants. I saw Patagonia has some for about $150 but was wondering if there are any other options? I'm a 6'3" M with 34-36 waist if that helps

0 Comments
2024/11/30
22:35 UTC

3

Anyone know much about the brand Sisterhood?

I found this brand Sisterhood through an Instagram ad recently and fell in love with their wool coats. I'm pretty much sold on them but am so wary of shopping online these days and can't find much about them aside from on Trustpilot, where they have a decent rating of 4.3. Have any of you tried their clothing or heard anything about them? How was the sizing, quality, customer experience etc?

8 Comments
2024/11/30
15:35 UTC

8

Alternative fashion brands?

Does anyone have any recommendation for ethical fashion brands that do goth, grunge, punk etc style clothing? Preferably something a bit more affordable but any recommendations is appreciated!

14 Comments
2024/11/30
14:24 UTC

258

One year ago I decided to begin (slowly) phasing out fast fashion…

I know and accept that I’m nowhere near perfect, but as someone who used to purchase £100+ fast fashion hauls every other month from places such as PLT, Boohoo, Shein etc., many items from which would be worn once or not at all, and buy a new outfit for every single event (even zoom parties during lockdown when I didn’t even leave the house 🫣) I consider it an improvement.

Over the last year I have bought around 12 high quality or designer items (far from perfect I know), many of which came from Vinted, eBay, or charity shops, with the exception of a couple of new pieces that I saved up for, and I have not bought any ‘trendy’ items that don’t fit my personal style. Now one year on, I find that I always have an outfit ready for any event that I feel good in without buying extra, and my winter clothes are actually warm which was never the case when I exclusively wore fast fashion.

Yes, I did keep the fast fashion I already own and I still wear it. I just gradually recycle the items as they ‘break down’ and become unwearable, which is after around 10 wash cycles unfortunately.

Now my New Year’s resolution is it not buy any clothes, apart from the couple of things I’ve been saving for.

31 Comments
2024/11/30
12:16 UTC

2

Any brands that have feminine and retro/vintage pieces+have plus size options?

I'm looking for a brand similar to Belle Poque, though preferably with less polyester :)

3 Comments
2024/11/30
03:34 UTC

1

Is pepco fast fashion

European store idk if its in the west but its fs in the east im tryna not buy from fast fashion and I want to know if pepco fast fashion or not

4 Comments
2024/11/29
16:41 UTC

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