Why Sustainable Fashion is More Expensive

Sustainable and ethical fashion brands use more expensive materials and pay workers fairly, which increases the cost of their products.

Sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, are more expensive to farm and process compared to synthetic materials like polyester.

Paying workers fair wages and ensuring ethical practices also adds to the cost of sustainable fashion.

A breakdown of the costs of a polo shirt made in Bangladesh shows that labor accounts for only 12 cents, highlighting the need for fair wages in the industry.

Cost breakdown of a polo shirt made in Bangladesh

Shopping Secondhand

Shopping secondhand is an affordable and sustainable way to build a conscious wardrobe.

Thrift stores, vintage shops, and consignment stores offer a wide range of secondhand clothing options.

Online platforms like Depop, eBay, and thredUP provide convenient access to secondhand clothes.

Swapping events and online trading groups are also great options for finding secondhand clothing.

Some stores, like Green Eileen and Reformation's Rescued collection, sell secondhand items from ethical brands.

Depop - Online platform for secondhand clothes

Green Eileen - Secondhand Eileen Fisher pieces

thredUP - Online secondhand clothing store

Shopping Ethical Brands on a Budget

Some stores, like People Tree, offer sample sales where you can get ethical clothing at a discount.

Investing in a capsule wardrobe and focusing on quality over quantity allows you to afford ethical brands.

Taking care of your clothes by washing them in cold water and air drying them helps them last longer and reduces the need for frequent replacements.

People Tree - Ethical brand with sample sales