5 tips on how to source and create ethical fashion

Mass production (aka fast fashion) factories are well known to host much less than desirable conditions for their staffs; not just on the working site – but also through the wages (or lack there of) and through the employing of children. To be ethical – is to simply be human – to love, respect and cherish each other –and value our worth.

As an ethical bikini company, Styelle take great pride in knowing it makes that seemingly small contribution to the fashion world. What appears to be something so insignificant to one – can make the world of difference to another.

So now I ask you… how can you make a difference to the children of the world?

Here is how we found to ethically source Styelle’s gorgeous luxe bikinis!

1.

Ask questions! This by far is the most important thing to do. Ask things like:

Is your factory already approved and audited by a well-known reputable retailer?

If so, can you provide an ethical audit report?

2.

An ethical report is a great thing to see –however you need to know what to look for. For example:

The report MUST BE in PDF format as this makes it un-editable

It must also be recognised by a third party – some reputable retailers will use their own auditors and these can also be considered at your discretion

The audit should have been conducted no more than 12 months before you have requested the document – especially if the supplier is overseas

3.

So, what now? What should I look for in the audit report?

Look first for non-compliance stated in the audit and ask the supplier why they are there.

In the event a non-compliance is apparent, request a copy of their corrective action plan.

4.

Verify! Verify! Verify! But what is verification when discussing an audit?

Verification when discussing an audit of a factory is a review of the corrections that were put in place originally by the auditor. This is usually accompanied by photographs and supporting documents (for example a building/maintenance report) – a must see when there is non-compliance involved

5.

So you have gone through the necessary checks – but there is still some non-compliance. How serious is this issue(s)?

What plays on your conscience? How do you think the people in the factory are affected? Should you go with this company if they are not willing to change their ways?

This step is completely up to you to decide – you need to know what compliance actually is though. It is when the law of the relevant country or region is being broken.

As a designer/wholesaler seeking out a manufacturer, does the non-compliance of this factory contradict your own principles and/or expectations?

This seemingly small decision makes a whole world of difference to the people creating your garments and the factory employing them. If you do this, factories have a choice to either pull their socks up or lose your custom.

If you wish to learn more about ethical fashion, please go to: http://www.ethicalfashionforum.com/
 
Support ethical fashion, and you support an ethical future for the people of the world!

Ethical fashion doesn’t mean boring and expensive either – check us out at Styelle and see how we have taken ethical to a whole new level!