Many people considering the relationship between fashion and sustainability for the first time will be immediately discouraged by the higher price tag of an organic tee or eco-friendly winter coat. But what is behind the cost of the clothes you wear and is there really such a thing as cheap sustainable clothing?

Read on to discover the factors behind garment pricing and discover the best way to shop for eco-friendly and ethical women’s and men’s clothing you can feel good about!

The Value of A Garment: Can Sustainable Clothing Be Cheap?

You walk into a boutique retail store at the mall and see the skinny jeans, leggings, and blouses hanging in neatly arranged rows, each with a brand-name tag and detailed wash instructions. Prices range from $50 to $100 with a few items on sale for $25. A few stores down, the discount fashion store also has racks of colorful clothes, but the garments are offered for dirt-cheap prices starting from a mere $5.

If you’re looking for cheap sustainable clothing, you might be wondering if it’s better to choose the first store just because the prices are higher. However, a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better quality or that the garments are more sustainable. Here are just some of the factors that influence garment pricing in fashion and sustainability.

Fiber Production

Every garment begins with the soil. Whether it’s wool that comes from a grass-loving sheep, cotton that comes from the thirsty Gossypium shrub, linen that comes from the flax plant, or fabrics from bamboo and wood pulp cellulose, they all begin with the ground.

If you’re looking for sustainable clothing, it’s important to keep in mind that organic cotton will cost more to produce because of the costs of organic certification and the higher price of organic fertilizers and non-toxic pesticides. Likewise, organic wool from a free-range sheep that feed on fresh grass and high-quality hay will cost more than conventional wool that may be a product of cruel and unhealthy factory farming.

Spinning and Dyeing

The spinning process for all fabrics is pretty similar. However, the dyeing process has a big effect on the price of the final piece. The cheapest dyes used in fast fashion clothing are made from petrochemicals and can poison local waterways as well as irritate your skin. Sustainable clothing that isn’t as cheap typically uses non-toxic setting treatments and vegetable dyes that cost more to produce but are gentler on your skin and the environment.

Cutting and Sewing

The next stage in the garment manufacture process is cutting and sewing — which is the point at which we find the “sweatshops” so often mentioned in articles about fast fashion. Workers in these garment factories (often located in China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh) may be paid less than minimum wage, and the lack of appropriate safety standards means that the lives of the garment workers can be put at risk — even when manufacturing cheap “sustainable” clothing from organic materials. So pairing ethical production or Fair Trade standards with your sustainable materials is imperative.

Retail Salaries

Once garments reach their destination country, their price will be affected by the salaries of retail workers as well as the profit margin of the fashion label. An organic cotton T-shirt may cost $10 to buy wholesale but may be sold for anything from $20 to $50 depending on the profit margin of the company. Where does this profit go? Some of it goes towards the brand’s marketing budget, but the rest is often pocketed by the CEO.

So, when you find a piece of cheap “sustainable” clothing for sale online, the company may have found ways to keep their costs low through sticking to online sales and a low-profit margin. Then again, the brand might be making a profit while keeping those benefits from being passed downstream to the garment workers and cotton farmers who produced the clothes. Prioritizing your budget on smaller fashion brands that focus on sustainability in addition to profit usually results in the best overall value.

Making Fashion and Sustainability More Budget-Friendly

Even though many of us would like to choose eco-fashion for everything from bamboo socks to sustainable jackets, the cost of fairness (and quality) can still be a little out of reach. Here are a few tips to save money on fashion while avoiding the pitfalls of cheap “sustainable” clothing brands that aren’t giving you the full story.

Shop Pieces That You Can Mix and Match

An organic tee by itself is great, but a tee and a pair of organic women’s pants that go with all of your T-shirts are even better. Shopping sustainable clothing on a budget means being smart about style and going for classic cuts in basic colors that you can build into a minimalist capsule wardrobe  and mix-and-match to your heart’s content.

Calculate the Cost by Cost-Per-Wear Rather than the Up-Front Cost

A $10 tee or $2 cami looks great on the rack, but how many wears will it likely last? Even if it has been made under fair conditions, cheap “sustainable” clothing of low quality will end up costing you more if it only lasts for a few months before you have to replace it. In contrast, a $50 garment might look more expensive at the outset but could end up costing you only a few cents per wear if its strength and quality last for years.

Help Your Clothes Last Longer with Proper Garment Care

Our next tip for combining fashion and sustainability is one that we’ve learned the hard way: Follow the care and wash instructions! Fast fashion has got us used to throwing everything in the washing machine and hoping it comes out ok.

After spending a larger amount of cash upfront on authentic (not cheap) sustainable clothing, you’ll want to make sure that you keep your eco-friendly clothes in the best condition for as long as possible. This means respecting directions to wash-by-hand, to wash in cold water only, and to drip dry or dry flat rather than throwing everything into the dryer. Things like woolen coats that are quite expensive at the beginning can last a lot longer if you wash them by hand only when truly necessary.

Shop Genuine Sustainable Clothing for Less at Faerie’s Dance

Our final tip for enjoying cheap sustainable clothing? Shop the most responsible eco-fashion brands when their garments go on sale (like in our great clearance section!) If you know someone who would love some organic and sustainable clothing but might struggle to afford it, you might also consider giving them a Faerie’s Dance gift card that covers everything on our entire site.

Want to know more? Browse the rest of the articles on the Eco-Fashion Philosopher blog and shop our curated fashion and sustainability brands.

---

Summer is finally here — with sunny days, homemade lemonade, and lazy days in the sun. Along with the change in weather comes the chance to wear some beautiful organic, fair-trade dresses! Check out our top picks here at Faerie’s Dance for ethical dress brands that will have you enjoying summer, even if you’re staycationing this year.

The Black Fair-Trade Shoreline Dress

Effortless and elegant, this Shoreline Dress from Indigenous Designs is perfect for everything from lounging around the house to stunning at weddings. This sensual pick from among our fair-trade dresses is made from 100% organic cotton and has been expertly crafted at an artist cooperative in Peru.

Enjoy a casual look for picnics and walks along the beach by pairing this magnificent dress with a pair of sandals and a broad-brimmed hat — and don’t forget a pair of fair-trade earrings!

Lemon Love Sundress

For working at the office or enjoying summer picnics in the countryside, we’re crushing hard on this Lemon Love Sundress. Colorful and fruity, what could be better than lemons to make you smile all day long? Like many of our fair-trade dresses, this flowing number is an original from the ethical dress brand, Mata Traders — a Chicago-based brand that sells handmade clothing made by artisans in India and Nepal.

This bright and happy design features hidden pockets (who doesn’t love that?) and the perfect combination of fit-and-flare for a flattering silhouette that is delightfully twirly. It is made from organic cotton jersey with a touch of spandex for comfort and a fit that won’t lose its shape. Style in seconds with a long fair-trade necklace and sandals or transition this dress to evenings with a lightweight organic cotton cardigan.

Melissa Tie Dress

Pretty as a poem, the Melissa Tie Dress proves that every woman can look fabulous this summer, regardless of body type. This hot little number is perfect for plus sized women who want to look good, feel fabulous and support ethical trade. The tie on the side flatters the curves. This was is made by Synergy Organic another staple on our list of ethical dress brands.

The ideal addition to your collection of fair-trade dresses, we are loving this summer dress with some long, bold jewelry pieces and a nice pair of ballet flats. It’s a morning-to-night anywhere dress that will see you through the summer and beyond!

First Impressions Dress

For that job interview or all-important client meeting, put your best foot forward with this fitted First Impressions Dress. Bright and cheery with 95% organic cotton jersey and 5% spandex, this GOTS-certified, fair-trade dress is shaped and folded exactly where you need it for a sophisticated look that’s just right for summer.

No matter where you take this dress, you can’t go wrong with a pair of heels and a bold statement necklace. Evening a little chilly? Top off this dress with an office-ready fitted (and sustainable!) jacket — the perfect finish to a polished summer look.

Sunny Day Dress

On a beautiful sunny summer day, this Sunny Day Dress is everything you want — lightweight, breathable, and oh-so-soft. Featured in a bright blue the color of the summer sky, our fifth pick for the top fair-trade dresses is 100% organic cotton jersey and is made in Peru using Peruvian-grown organic cotton.

Perfect with flats, sandals, and your flashiest stilettos, we love this design from our ethical dress brand, Indigenous Designs, for everyday comfort throughout the warm season that you can easily transition into fall with organic cotton leggings and a pair of boots.

Reversible Tank Dress

One of our customer’s favorites, this Reversible Tank Dress takes the cake. Given a 5-star rating by our happy buyers, this is an ideal style from our list of fair-trade dresses for parties or stunning on the job. Wear with a luxury jacket on cooler evenings and finish the look with your best pair of heels. Summer sophistication is made easy with this flawless fair-trade reversible dress!

An original concept from Indigenous Designs, the reversible tank two-way dress can be worn with either the black side or the wine side on the outside and features small gathers at the hips for a flattering silhouette. As with all of this dress brand’s ethical pieces, this reversible tank dress has been made by artisans in Peru — providing dignified livelihoods and strengthening impoverished communities.

Bandeau Dress

For the final pick on our list of fair-trade dresses, we have this elegantly whimsical Bandeau Dress with a versatile handkerchief tie neck and raw asymmetrical hem. Perfect for parties, this flowy dress from the ethical dress brand, Jonäno, is the dancing companion that every girl dreams about — simply slip it on, tie the fabric bands behind your neck, and spin around to your heart’s content!

Jonäno specializes in creating cashmere-like garments from silky-soft bamboo and organic cotton that are friendly to animals and have a luxurious finish. The hint of spandex in this lightweight dress keeps the shape intact so you don’t have to worry about it stretching. For those who try to stick to a minimalist wardrobe, this dress provides a two-in-one solution: You can wear it as a skirt by simply tying the bands of fabric around your waist!

Indulge In a Little Eco-Love by Shopping Fair-trade Dresses This Summer

Whether you’re giving your wardrobe an eco-friendly makeover or trying out a new look, Faerie’s Dance is here for you. In addition to our featured styles, we have dozens of other fair-trade dresses and eco-friendly women’s clothing for sale from ethical dress brands that are doing amazing things in communities around the world!

Learn more about ethical fashion by reading our blog, and buy your new favorite summer dress today — yours with free U.S. ground shipping when you spend $99 or more.

---

The days are growing warmer, and we can’t be more excited because that means we’re getting close to skirt season! If you’re looking for affordable organic women’s clothing to complete your spring capsule wardrobe, check out Faerie Dance’s selection of seven of the most gorgeous fair-trade,  organic skirts for enjoying the warmer seasons sustainably and in style!

Our Favorite Organic Skirts for Spring

EcoSkin Barrington Skirt

Flowing and elegant, this asymmetrical high-low organic skirt is perfect for a versatile look that you can dress up and down with ease. Made in the USA from 93% Tencel™ and 7% spandex, the Barrington skirt hangs beautifully with soft ruffles and a wide waistband that you can fold over to the length of your choice.

To style your affordable organic clothing for a casual day out, wear this gorgeous skirt with an organic tee on top. Dress things up for dinners and dates by twisting the longer part of the skirt to the back for a flirty look that pairs perfectly with a halter top and large statement earrings.

Les Lunes Long Lace Skirt

There’s something about springtime that conjures up images of sweet-and-delicate lace-inspired ensembles. The mid-calf organic skirt features a wide, stretch waistband that can be worn high on the waist for a vintage look or low on the hips for a more modern style. Accented with a wide, carefully-crafted lace hem that differs between the two colors (black features a diamond pattern, while green features a floral design) this skirt is the perfect work-to-weekend piece!

Plus, with two different lace designs for each color, there’s just enough difference between the two skirts to justify getting both — what could be a better versatile, sustainable clothing piece?

Sunshine Skirt from Indigenous Designs

When it comes to affordable organic clothing, it can help to keep in mind that the pieces you love and wear all the time can end up being much more economical than a fast-fashion item you buy and have to quickly throw out. This stylish sun-ray skirt in a deep plum hue is one of those skirts that you can combine easily for a variety of outfits. Pair with an elegant black, organic tunic top to make an instant go-to outfit for formal dinners, weddings, and other special occasions.

Made in Peru from Peruvian-grown organic cotton jersey and low-impact dyes, this elegant organic skirt from Indigenous Designs is as ethical as it is soft. A fair-trade certified product, you can be confident that every worker was treated with dignity and that your purchase is helping to provide hardworking families and communities with a decent livelihood.

Double Layer Skirt From Indigenous Designs

Another piece of beautiful, affordable organic clothing from Indigenous Designs, we love this Double Layer skirt for its distinctively bohemian look and rich, striking colors. Available in black, gray, and faded denim blue, this fair-trade slip-style skirt drapes elegantly below a tank or flowing blouse and looks just as stunning with flats (or even bare feet!) as it does with heels.

Similar to the shorter Sunshine Skirt featured above, this gorgeous organic skirt was Fair Trade made in Peru from Peruvian-grown organic cotton with low-impact dyes and is 100% free of latex.

Button Up Skirt from Blue Canoe

If you need something a little more formal for work, the Button Up Skirt from Blue Canoe is just the thing. It’s a fun piece made right here in the USA from a blend of organic cotton and organically grown bamboo. The smooth, covered elastic waistband sits perfectly below a solid-color eco-friendly shirt. After work simply slip into some flats, grab a casual tank top, and you’ll be ready for a lovely spring evening.

Earth Creations Rocket Skort

Short and sweet, this affordable organic clothing basic will keep you covered while still being wonderfully flirty and cute. The petal-shaped crossover design with layered fabric makes this an ideal skirt for active days on-the-go, and even has a hidden pocket in the waistband to keep your phone or keys secure while you enjoy getting active!

Made from 100% organic cotton jersey with a 90% organic cotton/10% lycra waistband, this skort from Earth Creations has stretch where you need it and is another great piece made in USA.

Ruffle Skirt

Our final pick for affordable organic clothing to have you ready for spring is this elegant ruffle skirt from Goddess Gear. Awarded a five-star rating from our customers, this slightly flared hemp and Tencel™ A-line skirt has the right amount of sophistication for a day at the office while maintaining a subtle touch of whimsy that works well at weddings and other special occasions. Pair this organic skirt with the matching Ruffle Blouse in black, moonlight, or sand tones for a complete outfit that is sure to attract compliments wherever you go!
 

Spring-Ready Clothing You’ll Love to Wear at Faerie’s Dance

Feeling inspired? We certainly are! There really is something for everyone when it comes to affordable organic clothing for spring. As we move into warmer weather, we invite you to browse our complete range of sustainable and organic skirts, shorts, and sustainable dresses for a spring capsule wardrobe you’ll want to wear again and again!
 

Halloween is my favorite holiday.  Confession.  It’s not just for the trick-or-treating, October 31st also happens to be my birthday.  So my childhood was filled with costumes and candy AND cake and presents.  Seriously, it was better than Christmas.  Like most things, though, Halloween has a dark side (pun intended).  With the majority of cocoa harvested by children and single-use costumes ending up in landfills, it’s time to Green your Halloween.  We can all still experience the unbridled excitement of my childhood Halloween while making just a few changes towards a much more sustainable holiday.

1. Buy Fair Trade Candy

Avoid the child labor and sweatshop conditions and buy Fair Trade candy.  Yes, it will cost more.  Honestly, that’s the point.  The candy we’re buying from companies like Nestle and Hershey is cheap specifically because the producers are not provided a living wage.  A luxury like chocolate shouldn’t be the driving cause of poverty in remote African villages.  By paying a little more for your chocolate, you can ensure that the cocoa growers earn a living wage and have the opportunity to send their children to school.  Here are some great companies making fair trade chocolates and candies.

Sjaak’s Chocolates – Not only does Sjaak’s make fair trade, organic chocolate bars, but they also have Halloween tubs and chocolate bars inexpensive enough to give to trick-or-treaters.  They also happen to be vegan and seriously delicious.

Endangered Species Chocolates – Another reasonably priced, fair trade, organic chocolate company.  The Bug Bites make perfect Halloween give-a-ways.

Equal Exchange – Try their minis for giving out to trick-or-treaters and be sure to stock some full-sized bars for yourself. 

Lärabar – For a sweet treat that’s a little healthier, but still well-priced, try Lärabar’s bites or kids versions.  All versions are fair-trade.

Alter-Eco – A bit pricier, but well worth it. They sell only full-sized bars rather than minis.  You can buy these organic, fair trade bars by the 12-pack to save a few bucks, and they’re having an autumn special.  Use code Autumn20 for 20% off with free shipping on orders over $65.

Ocho Candy – If you want more traditional “candy bars” rather than straight chocolate bars, Ocho makes fair trade, organic “fakes” of your favorite brands. They also have Halloween bulk minis for the trick-or-treaters.

Go Max Go – Another fair trade, non-GMO “candy bar” company.  They don’t do minis, but bonus, all of their “fakes” are vegan (and delicious – I’ve tried them all!).  You can purchase 12-bar boxes for 10% off.

Madécasse – If you really want to take the next step in sustainable chocolates, Madécasse is the way to go.  They don’t just source their cocoa from Africa under fair trade conditions, they make the entire chocolate there.  It creates jobs and provides better living for whole communities.  At $4.50 per bar, you may not want to give them to the trick-or-treaters, but definitely treat yourself.

Lagusta’s Luscious – If money isn’t a worry, check out this luxury chocolate brand.  Yes, their prices are high, but it’s oh so worth it for a little indulgence.  They use locally sourced ingredients from small businesses and only fair trade certified chocolate.  Unique truffle combinations really make this brand stand out.

Organic Fruit Snacks – Don’t want to give chocolate at all?  Give the kiddies organic fruit snacks.  There are numerous varieties that have no palm oil or high-fructose corn syrup out there.  Many companies also offer multi-pack sizes like Annie’s or Yum Earth.

2. Find a Creative Re-Use For Your Costume

You’ve probably read time and again that it is more sustainable to buy a used costume from Goodwill or ebay.  Both have huge Halloween sections, and that will also save you some money.  While that’s a great tip, I would also suggest that you consider ways to re-wear your custom after Halloween.  Turn your one-time outfit into something you can wear over and over again.

The Wedding Dress – The year after I got married, I couldn’t figure out what one is supposed to do with this expensive wedding dress, so I wore mine for Halloween!  (I won the award for “most authentic”.)  If you’re divorced or your wedding dress no longer fits properly and you’re not saving it for a child, cut out bits to make it fit, cut out some strips along the arms and bottom, dirty it up a bit and go as the Corpse Bride!

While this might be too extreme for most women (and maybe it’s better to donate it, anyway), how about trying one of these other tips?

Pirate Costume – Go as a pirate and make plans to visit your local pirate festival in spring or summer.  Pirate festivals invade both coasts every year.

Renaissance Costume – There are a surprising number of times a Renaissance costume comes in handy.  Get a good one and dazzle everyone at your local Renaissance Faire.  They happen all over the country.  (I was once invited to a Renaissance-themed wedding.)  Go as a wench, and you can wear the costume earlier in the month for Octoberfest, or get a traditional Irish Renaissance dress and wear it to your local Irish Festival.

Faery Costume – You and your children can dress up as matching Faeries and save the costumes for your local Faery Festival.  Faeries have also been spotted at Pirate and Renaissance Festivals as well as at the Oregon Country Fair.

Disney-inspired Costume – Be a Princess on your next trip to Disneyland.  If you’re a runner, join in on any of Disney’s character-themed runs where costumes are encouraged.

Comic Characters – My nephew got an anime costume for Halloween, and then wore it to his local Comic Con.  Yes, the San Diego one is the biggest, but they happen all over the country.  This is a great idea for super hero costumes as well.

Cross-over Holiday Costumes – Dress up as Santa or the Easter Bunny and then play that character for the kids on the holiday.  If you’re family likes a twist, dress up as the Christmas version of Jack Skellington.

Dressing up for Fairs and Festivals really enhances the enjoyment, and if you’re re-using an otherwise single-wear costume, all the better.

Of course, once you are done with a costume, be sure to donate it, sell it or trade it at a future Halloween Costume Swap.

3. Avoid the “Fast Fashion” Trap

Every year big box retailers break out the holiday-themed version of Fast Fashion.  Rows of Halloween-themed apparel line store shelves.  I admit that in my younger days, I had to have a new Halloween-themed shirt every year.  Of course, now, I’m much more environmentally aware and I avoid those types of cheap and unsustainable garments.  That’s why this year, I was so thrilled to find cute fashions that were wearable any time of year, but had just enough of a Halloween tie-in that I could get my holiday fashion fix on.

Faerie’s Dance has a new brand that makes 100% certified organic cotton womens printed tops and tunics along with matching accessories from recycled cotton scraps, all knit, cut and sewn in the USA.  The screen printing uses only water-based inks, and the fabric dyes are low-impact.  We’ve already placed multiple orders, but for right now, check out our Cat Moon series (below) along with the Witchy Night Top (left).

The handwarmers and scarves make equally fun gifts at Halloween, Christmas, Hanukkah or any Fall or Winter birthday, especially for cat lovers, full moon romantics, or astronomers. 😉  We have more designs and colors coming in November, too.

4. Donate Your Pumpkins and Compost Your Jack-o-Lanterns

Whole pumpkins and carved jack-o-lanterns shouldn’t wind up in landfill!  Jack-o-Lanterns can easily be composted or cut up and added to your yard waste bin.  Cut them up before they start “melting” on your porch.

If you like to decorate with whole pumpkins around the house and yard, consider donating them right after Halloween while they’re still in good condition.  Who wants whole pumpkins?  Why, big cats of course!  Check out this big guy having some fun with his first pumpkin.

In Oregon, Wildcat Ridge Sanctuary takes pumpkin donations.  Call them at (503) 625-0812 to set up a donation.

In California, contact the Wildlife Waystation at 818-899-5201.

In Florida, visit Big Cat Rescue or call them at 813.920.4130.

I’m sure there are many others around the country.  Do a local search to find out if there is a wild cat sanctuary near you that would love a post-Halloween treat.

There are so many ways to green Halloween and all your holidays.  Just take a moment to evaluate each purchase or decision.  Buy decorations from charity shops and reuse as much as possible year over year.  We can all still have fun while doing just a little better.  Wishing you all a glorious, frightfully fun Halloween.

 

It’s true!  Win your favorite Fair Trade, Organic Cotton Bra from Swegmark of Sweden. Since we brought this collection in last year, these bras have become our customers favorites.  There are now 10 styles to choose from including 8 of Swegmark’s signature full-coverage, wire free, organic bras plus an organic cotton sports bra and now a lightly padded, underwire bra.

 

All of these organic bras have wide, adjustable comfort straps and 3-position hook-and-eye back closures for the perfect fit.  They are well-constructed with wide underbust bands for great support and coverage.  Sizes range from 34B – 46DDD.  Not all bras come in all sizes, but the winner will have the option of choosing any of our in-stock options.  We have Swegmark bras in white, nude, pink, blue, grey and black.

If you don’t get your perfect size on the first go, you can even send it back and we’ll do an exchange for you.  Once you’ve tried this brand of comfort, stylish, sustainable bras, we don’t think you’ll ever choose anything else.   So go ahead and enter below. The winner will be announced Monday, November 27.

 

One of the questions we get A LOT is about organic clothing manufacturing in China.  There is a belief that garment manufacturing in China automatically means low wages and lots of pollution.  Many of our customers avoid anything made in China at all.  However, some sustainably-minded companies are still manufacturing organic clothing lines in China and it’s time to take a closer look at why they are.  For one thing, garment industry wages in China are increasing rapidly.  “Cheaper” clothing lines are actually leaving China for Africa and East Asia, where wages remain ridiculously low.  Additionally, organic clothing manufacturers are working with third party certifiers such as the Global Organic Textile Standard, OEKO-TEX, and Fair Trade International to ensure their Chinese-made goods are meeting environmental, safety and ethical employment standards.  Many of our USA made goods actually carry fewer certifications.

We caught up with Jane Nemis, owner of Echo Verde clothing for an interview on why they still manufacture in China.

Faerie’s Dance: What influenced your company to manufacture in China?

Jane Nemis:  I had been working in China when it was the only producer of eco/organic fabrics (18 years ago) and formed relationships with factories that I still have to this day.

FD: How long have you worked with your current factory in China?

Jane:  We have several factories – depending on sweaters or cut/sew knits – some are new 2 years and several are 6 years – 2 are 15 years.

FD: How often do you travel to China directly to meet the people who make your clothing?

Jane:  Twice yearly.

FD: Can you tell us about your relationship with the folks who make your clothing?

Jane:  There is still wide-spread opinion that sourcing and manufacturing clothing in Asia-and more specifically in China is a desire for cheap labor and that the conditions under which people work is not good. The truth, though, is much more complicated and nuanced, or just plain not true!  Our Chinese manufacturers have become experts in working with organic and eco textiles and they produce some of the highest quality goods at competitive prices. All of our factories are reviewed for workers’ conditions and all must show proof of third party monitoring of social and environmental conditions. We have formed relationships with these factories from our years of visiting them in China and their owners and many of the ladies that work there are now our friends!

They have also listened to us over the years and instituted changes which have bettered the living and working conditions of their staff.

While the work ethic in China may not seem “perfect” to our standards, it is considered to be a skilled trade now to be a garment worker.  They bring home a middle-class income and many factories now have health care.  Many of the workers support their families and send their children to school based on the money they earn cutting/sewing and finishing our goods. The factories we work with are all family owned and smaller operations that employ workers from the surrounding areas. This means we are able to support families staying together. There are many sweatshops all over the world including specifically in New York and LA. It is important to us that we can personally monitor conditions and we have a partner that respects and listens to our requests for change.

Our workers are honest, hard-working, and family oriented and doing the best that they can to make a living. They depend on us for this. When we visit the factories, the ladies laugh and joke with us and teach us new words in mandarin. They are free to come and go to the bathrooms, they have tea and water available at all times and they are free to stop work and share a chat with their friends. The food they are served is the same as I eat when there (free lunch tokens are given out) and it is good and balanced and they have access to fresh fruit and vegetables. One of our factories has even built a small meditation garden where workers can walk during their breaks and get some fresh air and enjoy the greenery. Both our knit factories have adopted stray dogs from the local area and care for them like family pets.

These ladies make our clothes!

FD: Do your factories have any certifications (WRAP, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, etc.) and can you explain what that entails?

Jane:  Yes, one factory has WRAP the other has a European version of WRAP and the very small ones cannot afford the costs so I just make sure they are following the same standards.

All our factories are small – we paid for one factory to get WRAP certification but while many big businesses can list an impressive amount of certifications – the reality is this is out of reach for most small family owned operations.  Cost for WRAP was around $350 USD for a small factory of 23 employees.  So it is impossible to do this for all our little factories even though they use the same standards (or higher).  Bigger companies can afford to pay for WRAP and FLA (Fair Labour) is even higher $1200 USD which is to be paid as a yearly fee.

FD: Do the fabrics you work with have any certifications?

Jane:  Yes, bamboo is 100% certified organic, cotton is 100% certified organic, wool is produced using humane farming practices and non harmful chemicals to process it.

FD: Some of our clients are concerned with Chinese factories “faking” certifications or claiming certifications they don’t actually hold.  Is this a real concern? 

Jane:  Yes, I would say this is more related to large scale operations – they can afford to bribe the certifying body – I have heard about it but have never experienced it first hand.  I would say it is a real concern with anything that is produced on a large scale for low cost… organic is expensive – as are good working conditions.

FD: Can you tell us a little bit about what modern Chinese facilities are like?

Jane:  Here are some pictures – they are like any factory I walk into here in Canada or USA.  Some are much better kept actually.  Very  neat, all windows are open in summer and doors.  Well ventilated, lots of natural light and each worker has their own chair/light/table.

FD: What other information can you give us to assuage the negative connotation that is still often associated with garments that are Made in China?

Jane:  Another reason that we manufacture in Asia is because all of the eco textiles originate from Asia, and one of our goals is to have our production facilities as close as possible to where our fabric, hardware and fixtures originate, this has been proven to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.   Did you know that much of the cotton produced in the US is sent to either China or India for milling before coming back into the states?  So really, if you go to the root of the garment – it is possible almost every piece of clothing has come from China in some way.

I would add is that I find it frustrating that there is such a negative connotation with Chinese goods.  The US has spent the past few decades growing trade with China and helping to bring the work up to standard, pay etc.  This is primarily why all the cheap brands have moved to countries without any work conditions in place (Bangladesh, US Samoa, Cambodia, Areas of Africa) – I also think other big industry has not kept pace and there are still horror stories of people falling asleep making cell phones and getting little to no pay for extremely poor work conditions.  So unfortunately, I think this is the impression that is given in the media – these are the things that make the headlines – not the goods news.

FD: Is there anything you’d like to add or would you like to bring up any points we may have missed?

Jane:  Just to stress that we have worked a long time with our factories and they rely on us – that’s how they make a living.  So although we may do some production locally, we will continue to support them.   It is impossible to do the sweaters we make in US or Canada.  The machinery just does not exist anymore.

1. What is the source material the fabric is made from?
2. How is it processed?
3. What dyes are used?
4. Was the final garment treated with toxic chemical finishing agents?
5. Were the workers who made it treated equitably in a safe working environment?

Cheap “organic” clothing is the new trend in green-washing.  Big companies source a small amount of organically grown cotton and then insert it into their current production system.  This clean, organically grown cotton is then dyed with conventional dyes, finished with a chemical soup of toxins to make it softer, wrinkle free, and machine washable, and then sewn in potentially unsafe factories by workers earning subsistence wages.

Am I exaggerating?  Maybe.  It’s unlikely that all of these things would be true of every Big Mart garment labeled organic.  And big box stores can weather smaller profit margins because they’re selling greater quantities.   However, if you think about all the things that need to go into making any t-shirt, and shipping it half way around the world, you’ll realize it is very likely that some serious corners need to be cut to offer that shirt for $5. For organics specifically, certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX 100, and Fair Trade are also expensive to get and maintain, and those prices have to be factored in somewhere.

You may be thinking, “If I only have five bucks, isn’t it better to get the shirt that at least has some organic material in it than one that doesn’t?”  While that may be true if those were your only choices, there are better options.  Instead of that cheap “organic” shirt, I offer up the following alternatives:

1. Buy better quality, gently used items at charity shops, thrift or consignment stores or on eBay.
2. Host a clothing swap with your friends and family.  How many of us have clothing that we don’t like or doesn’t fit that’s barely worn (or in some cases still new with the tags on)?
3. Save up to buy fewer, higher-quality, lower-impact pieces.  They may be more expensive but they’ll also last longer, be better for the environment, and make a positive impact on the workers that create and sell them.

Watch the video below to see the issues with “fast fashion.”

So is organic clothing expensive? Really?  Like many other things, you most often get what you pay for.

The French company Peau-Ethique (which roughly translates as skin-ethics), is next up on our Fair Trade Fashion Round Up.  Peau-Ethique is a member of La Plate Forme du Commerce Equitable, France’s national member organization to the World Fair Trade Organization.  Peau-Ethique concentrates on making intimates and nightwear that is organic, fair trade and beautiful.

Peau-Ethique works primarily in Turkey, where the majority of certified organic cotton is grown.  They have focused on lifting the lives of their manufacturing partners by:

• Paying workers 20% more than the local minimum wage,
• Partnering with a small factory that employs 90% women from poor neighborhoods,
• Pre-paying their entire order to keep the producers out of dept,
• Creating a long-term relationship to foster sustainable development,
• Paying for employee meals and shuttle service.

They also work with a small artisan village in Peru providing the locals the means to stay in their village rather than having to move to the city for work.

Peau-Ethique was started by a lone women with a mission to improve the ethics and environmental impact of the fashion industry (just like FaeriesDance.com)!  Everything they make is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, and early on they won accolades for innovation in organic cotton and peace silk lingerie.  We’re impressed that Cathy Abruzzo both had the vision to make this eco-lingerie line a reality and took the time and money to get it fully Fair Trade certified.

Our first 3 fair trade company spotlights include a US company manufacturing in Peru, a UK company manufacturing in India and now a French company manufacturing in Turkey. It’s obvious that the fashion industry touches the entire world, and our clothing can make the world better or worse, as we choose. 

As World Fair Trade Day approaches, FaeriesDance.com is highlighting amazing manufacturers and brands that focus on fair trade clothing.  Today’s featured company is UK brand Pants to Poverty. In 2005, Nelson Mandela stood in Trafalgar Square and called for a generation to rise up and Make Poverty History.  (Hear his full speech here.)  That speech inspired the creation of Pants to Poverty, an underwear brand with a mission to rid the world of “bad” pants.  From their website,

“We’ve got a very English name. In England, in case you didn’t know, Pants are not trousers, but they are underwear. However, more than that, if something is pants, then that means it’s terrible! So, “Pants to Poverty” means Poverty is terrible, as well as saying that they are fairtrade and organic underpants! We all need pants and so we aim to provide pants for all people, in a way that supports, rather than destroys, all of the wonderful people that make them!”

With that goal in mind, Pants to Poverty started manufacturing their pants in an area of India so poor it was dubbed the Suicide Belt.  This is one of their earlier videos produced just 3 years after they started business, but it’s a great summary of the work they’ve done and continue to do.

The pants themselves have evolved as  the company grows, gains experience and gets feedback from their customers.  The Moulin Ruche style has become very popular with women, while the men seem to like the newest Long Leg Brief best of all.  But we continue to carry the brand for their amazing dedication and commitment more than any other reason.  The fantastic products are just a bonus. If they cost a few extra bucks, well you know it’s going to a great cause and it suddenly makes your underpants an interesting topic of conversation. 🙂

Pants to Poverty is also diligent about following their entire production line, so the farmers are taken care of just as well as the factory cutters and sewers.  The company regularly travels to India to make sure everything stays on track.  This year they even brought their models to India both to do an in-the-field photo shoot and to be sure that every person in the Pants to Poverty family understands the importance of fair trade and organic and has the opportunity to experience it first hand.  The experience really touched many of the folks who had the opportunity to go.

In Pants to Poverty’s own words,

“With climate chaos, the global financial meltdown and growing poverty around the world, the consequences of doing nothing are terrifying… but we prove that doing something amazing can be easy, fun and even sexy!”

So with that in mind, I’ll leave you with a completely gratuitous video of one of their photo shoots, because we absolutely agree that fair trade is sexy.

We’re heading into World Fair Trade Day by highlighting certified fair trade clothing manufactures, and Indigenous Designs’ entire philosophy embodies fair trade ideals.  From their website,

Indigenous’ mission is: “to elevate artisans in the poorest regions of South America to world renowned status in the handicraft textile market while preserving the rich cultural heritage. We actively work with over a dozen fair trade field organizing teams and quality control centers that coordinate over 300 knitting and hand-looming artisan work groups.”

While it may sound lofty, Indigenous puts their money where their mouth is.  They pay truly fair wages for masterful work and it’s evident in their designs and their clothing.  Just take a look at the stunning detail on the Chic Pullover shown left.  They are a featured partner of Fair Trade USA and their entire brand – every single product – is certified fair trade.

The reason we love Indigenous is that their entire business model is focused on fair trade and respect for people and the planet.  While many companies embrace fair trade ideals after they’ve been in business for a while and seen some of the negative effects of the fashion industry (or even as a marketing scheme – but hey, it’s still good), Indigenous’ founders Scott Leonard and Matt Reynolds started the brand explicitly with the well being of people and the planet at the forefront.

Here’s a great video from two of their partners and social engineers in Peru.

Indigenous products are a little more expensive than some of the other brands we carry, but we think they’re well worth it. They spend a much higher percent of their production cost on raw materials and labor, meaning you end up with an eco-friendly product made by someone who was equitably paid for their work and whose quality of living is actually improved by your purchase. Many of the designs, like this customer favorite Sheer Drape Tee, are also very versatile, making it easy to buy fewer, higher quality pieces.

As a bonus, Indigenous only uses azo-free, low-impact dyes without harsh chemicals and have no elastic in any of their products.  Everything they make is also Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. Impressive.