Fair Trade Fashion Resources
Slow Fashion is bad for the world in every way. Here's a small guide to beginning to shop more ethically.
Resources
Good on You App - check the ethical rating of your favorite brand here.
The Good Trade focuses more on sustainability, but ethical fashion plays into it as well.
True Cost Movie attacks the business of fast fashion, and will motivate you to seek alternative shopping.
Fashion Revolution Week began after a building collapsed in Bangladesh, killing many garment workers.
Fashion Revolution strives to be action-oriented and solution focused. Rather than making people feel guilty, we help them recognize that they have the power to do something to make positive change.
Clothing
Elegantees is fighting human trafficking and poverty through job creation for survivors and those at risk. Basics in fun colors and shapes, for most body types.
Share Hope sells simple black leggings, and 100% of the profits go to social programs for Haitian garment workers.
ThredUP (consignment)
Third Sister Thrift sends a wardrobe box with second hand pieces
Some repeats, but even more vendors: Sustainably-Chic
Shoes
I’ll admit, this is a hard one. I love to source shoes at thrift stores and think second hand is probably the best choice every time.
15 Fair Trade Shoe Brands For Every Occasion (The Good Trade)
Ethically Sourced Shoe brand Article (USA Today)
Jewelry & Accessories
Trades of Hope is my top favorite accessory brand. It’s not an MLM, it partners closely with artisan groups and is loyal to them, and it is always looking for ways to help in times of need. They give a lot away to charity as well.
Starfish Project is known for its dainty, high-end pieces with jewels and stones. It is also one of ToH artisan groups that works with sex trafficking survivors.
Not just the Earring of the Month Club from Mercy House Global - you can get a whole box of fair trade goodies each month or quarter, or just a pair of earrings, a bracelet, or a candle. Mercy House products are super affordable and financially support the rescue and care of abused, pregnant teens in a maternal rescue center in Kenya.
As of February 2024, we have rescued 85 pregnant teens between the ages of 12-16, and have witnessed the miracle births of countless miraculous babies! All profits from our subscription clubs directly support this ministry. - Mercy House
Noonday Collection has gorgeous, unique products for statement piece lovers.
Gifts & Home
Ten Thousand Villages and SERRV International (founded in 1949!) are the OG Fair Trade brands. I love both of these for housewarming gifts, Christmas ornaments and decor, kitchen accessories and more. If you’re lucky enough to live near a Ten Thousand Villages retail store, go check it out!
One of the first fair trade organizations in the world, SERRV International began its mission in 1949 by helping displaced European refugees trade their handcrafts for income after the Second World War. Since then, we've extended our reach to countries worldwide, working to support over 8,000 artisans and farmers every year by selling their beautiful handcrafts and delicious foods.
Made Trade (www.madetrade.com) makes ethical shopping for housewares so easy.
Little Things Studio is one of my favorite artists and small businesses. I follow a lot of artists, and I can’t link them all. I encourage you to find local, living artists to provide heirloom quality prints for your home. Besides Kate of LTS, some of my favorites include Loré Pemberton, Katie Daisy, and Elizabeth Person. The world is full of incredible artists.
For My Readers in Europe
One World Shop is a UK Fair Trade shop with lots of edible fair trade goodies, housewares and more.
Percentil.com is an online thrift score serving Western Europe. The quality of the clothes is fantastic because they’re very picky about what they take.