Where can I buy 'clean' clothes? Are they more expensive?

It all depends on how the profits are distributed, but it could range from a 5% price increase to no change at all. Imagine a €100 pair of trousers. Research has shown garment workers — collectively — receive around €3 of the price you pay, while budget brands receive around €10 to €15. Luxury brands cash in much higher profits. 

If the price increased by €3, workers could earn double. But a brand could also absorb that cost and maintain a price of €100 for the consumer, reducing its profit to €12.

Brands spend millions on CEO pay, stock buybacks, dividends to shareholders, and destroying returned or unsold garments. They can afford to pay workers decently. 

Paying higher wages doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive clothes. That being said, ultra fast fashion is also changing the perception of garments’ real cost — as the value of items is no longer reflected in prices due to environmental pollution and the use of forced labour. Making clothes responsibly has a cost that should be reflected in the final price.

You can also read Public Eye’s breakdown of the cost of a Zara hoodie, showing Zara makes more profit on one item than all the workers receive.

First of all, your actions as an engaged citizen count more than your wallet. The best way to support garment workers and change the industry is by raising your voice. When you take action, brands learn more people care about issues like union rights and living wages, and they fear losing clients. So our first suggestion is to avoid silent boycotts and prioritise taking action in solidarity with workers.

• You can take part in our campaigns and share them widely. 

• You could also become an activist in a local organisation near you! 

• You can also ask brands directly! You can do this online via their social media channels. You can use this card as inspiration:

• How do you ensure decent working conditions in the factories where you produce clothing?

• How do you support workers when they negotiate their working conditions?

• Based on your manufacturing costs, how do you ensure the garment workers receive the wage they need to support themselves and their families?

• When violations occur at the factory where you bought your clothes as a brand, do you consider yourself to be responsible for full remedy when violations happen and do you act accordingly?

 Unsure how to evaluate a brand’s response? Forward your exchange to info@cleanclothes.org. 

If you do buy: be careful of empty promises… or downright lies 

Buzzwords like “organic”, “fair trade”, and “ethical” are widespread today. While these terms serve as bait for the socially conscious consumer (brands consciously target women with messages about sustainability and inclusion) their definitions and standards often vary from brand to brand. Greenwashing tactics are rampant in the fashion industry, and many brands make empty promises they never keep. 

Additionally, better practices like using organic cotton don’t exempt brands from paying workers a living wage. Labour rights cannot be swapped for the environment and vice versa. Transparency is essential: when consumers have access to data, brands can’t hide abuse. 

That said — Here's where you can find information on specific brands and their labour practices.

What about thrifting? 

Instead of buying new, you can seek clothing from second-hand stores or organise swaps with friends. By selecting from these sources, you help decrease the demand for fast fashion and potentially reduce pressure on workers. 

But while this approach is more sustainable, it does not address the working conditions of workers. Thrifting can have unwanted consequences as well: if items don’t sell, they can flood markets in the Global South, which harms local garment workers. If you support a second hand retailer, find out how they manage their unwanted stock. Whether you buy clothing new or second-hand, both come from workers who deserve respect and safety.

Factory jobs in the garment industry are a lifeline for many workers. Our goal is not to destroy the supply chain, but to change it.