It’s no secret that the clothing and textile industries often utlize forced labor, human trafficking victims, and unfair working conditions to keep costs low and profit margins high. When the demand for cheap clothing is high, many large companies will compromise worker safety to satisfy this demand. Oftentimes, this means outsourcing the manufacturing to countries where they can operate under the radar or under less scrutiny from government regulation.
It has always been clear – cheap items always come at a cost to someone else.
On the flip side, consumers are often scrutinized for feeding into this labor demand because they might not have the means to shop at the expensive, fair-trade brands. Let’s face it, it can be hard and costly to support shops and brands that are doing the right thing! But each little step matters. Your dollar, and where you choose to spend it, matters! One purchase at a time…
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 16 ethical brands we love! From home goods to accessories to apparel, each of these brands is going above and beyond to provide safe conditions and fair wages to their employees.
Brands with a * have been featured for 2 years and counting!
Take a look!
Able*
Bags, clothes, shoes, and jewelry
$ – $$$
Able started after women in Ethiopia, who were coming out of the sex trade, were in need of employment. This beautiful brand economically empowers women across the world to meet this need for safe employment. With a flagship store in Nashville, Able has manufacturing partners in Ethiopia, India, Portugal, and China.
AIM Apparel*
Bags, apparel, and accessories
$ – $$
We might be a little biased here, but AIM Apparel is one of our favorites! All products at AIM Apparel are made at AIM’s Employment Center by survivors of trafficking and those protected from exploitation. These handcrafted products are bringing freedom to women around the world! Shop using the link below to get 10% off your purchase!
BYTAVI*
Clothing and Handbags
$ – $$
BYTAVI seamstresses are the heart behind this brand. Developed to provide employment to women in Cambodia, BYTAVI strives to produce quality items while encouraging their employees to develop a healthy work/life balance. On top of that, the fabric used is remnant, so each product is limited to the materials they have. Your one-of-a-kind piece is just waiting! Use code AIM10 for an exclusive 10% off when you shop!
Cotopaxi*
Packs and bags, outerwear, and activewear
$$ – $$$
Cotopaxi’s mission is to “make products that last – and have a lasting impact”. They do this by creating ethically responsible outdoor wear and supporting organizations that fight poverty. Focusing its efforts in Latin America, the Cotopaxi Foundation allows this brand to give a percentage of profits to multiple organizations.
Everlane*
Denim, Everyday wear, bags, accessories
$$ – $$$
“… we want the right choice to be as easy as putting on a great T-shirt“. Everlane does just that. Because they partner with ethical factories AND source great materials, everything about this brand is just right!
Hackwith Design House
Clothing, Swim, and Accessories
$$ – $$$
With a mission to make “long-lasting and versatile clothing that is as unique as its wearer”, Hackwith Design House in St. Paul, Minnesota makes pieces with the consumer in mind. In fact, most orders aren’t made until you order in an effort to limit excess waste. Some of our favorites from Hackwith are their REVERSIBLE Dresses and tops!
Mate
Clothing, Sleep, Activewear, and intimates
$$ – $$$
Mate founder, Kayti, puts it this way – “MATE is on a mission to clean up the fashion industry, one garment at a time.” We love this! They work to prioritize people and the planet in their production of essential pieces for comfort and style. Mate is an LA-based business that focuses on 8 principles for sustainable and ethical practices.
Naadam*
Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories
$ – $$$
Naadam brings the comfiest cashmere sweaters to the everyday person by working directly with herders and sweater makers in Mongolia. “…fair for them – and for you.” We love the mission behind Naadam and the community they are building around these sweaters! And probably our favorite product… this adorable puppy sweater (don’t worry, they make apparel for people too).
Nisolo*
Shoes and Accessories
$ – $$$
Nisolo is creating intentional designs while providing its producers with fair wages, healthcare, and healthy work environments. This PLUS their items are sold straight to consumers, without a middleman, so you receive high quality at a fair price. Their shoes and accessories are the epitome of timeless!
Noble Venture
Accessories
$ – $$
Noble Venture is supporting at-risk populations and survivors of trafficking through safe employment. Their trending fashion accessories are handcrafted in various areas including Cambodia, Nepal, Guatemala, and more. We love the story behind each piece they make and the conversations they can start!
PACT*
Apparel, underwear, and home
$ – $$$
Made with “Earth’s Favorite Fiber, Organic Cotton“, Pact is creating clothing that is not only extremely comfortable but each item is made in Fair Trade Certified factories. These pieces are good for the environment and the people making them, and – let’s be real – they’re good for us too!
Penh Lenh*
Jewelry
$$ – $$$
A Cambodia-based brand, Penh Lenh’s name means “whole”. As founder, Rachel Dodson explains, this name directly counters the Khmer word for someone who has been sexually abused or trafficked, which translates to “broken”. These delicate jewelry pieces are empowering women in this community by providing “dignified employment, skill training, and educational opportunities”.
Parker Clay
Leather Goods
$$ – $$$
Who knew a bag could make such a difference? Parker Clay did! They aim to empower women in Ethiopia through safe employment because they believe, “when you empower a woman, you empower a village”. So, they hire at-risk women, pay them a living wage, and give them further education and development opportunities. Now, that’s a mission we can get behind!
Sotela
Women’s Apparel
$ – $$$
Sotela is making fashion ethical, sustainable, and size-inclusive! With all products being made in their LA studio, they ensure fair and ethical practices from creation to shipping. Since 2016, this has always been the mission: “While the company has evolved since our early days, our dedication to inclusivity, sustainability, and ethical production has only deepened.” – Founder, Hanna Baror-Padilla
Summersalt
Swimwear, coverups, clothing, loungewear, pajamas, and activewear
$ – $$
Made for going places, Summersalt is making travel essentials that are cautious of waste and human rights. Their products are made across Asia in factories with ethical labor practices and sustainable production, showcased by the certifications listed on their site. We love the transparency and dedication Summersalt has to its people and the planet!
TenTree
Clothing and Accessories for Men, women, And children
$-$$$
“We Believe Big Change Starts Small.” We couldn’t agree more with TenTree’s statement. Not only are all of their products made in fair and safe working conditions, but they are sustainably made, and TenTree plants, that’s right, 10 trees for every product purchased!
Price range was accurate as of February of 2023. Not including sale items.
What’s Next?
If you want to take the next step, check out Know The Chain to see which popular brands (not just clothing!) are excelling at ethical production… and which are not.
Do you have a favorite brand that we missed? Share it with us on social media! Tag @aim_org or Agape International Missions.