If you’re looking for ways to make more ethical and sustainable fashion choices, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the basics of evaluating sustainable clothing manufacturers.
In an ideal world, we’d all be able to trust that our clothes are produced ethically and sustainably. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, which means that it’s up to us as consumers to do our due diligence when it comes to shopping for clothing.
At Appareify, they are committed to helping you make conscious decisions when it comes to fashion. That’s why we’re here with a guide on how to evaluate clothing manufacturers according to their sustainability practices. Keep reading and learn how you can make sure your clothing purchases are supporting a brighter future!
Defining Sustainable and Ethical Clothing Manufacturers
It’s important to understand the difference between “sustainable” and “ethical” when it comes to clothing manufacturers. Sustainable practices are all about reducing the environmental impact of producing items, meaning that raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, and product disposal should all be considered.
Ethical production looks beyond the environment and considers how people are treated throughout the supply chain. When you’re looking for a clothing manufacturer, consider both sustainable and ethical elements.
Ask questions about where raw materials come from, how workers are treated, what green initiatives they have in place, what certifications they have earned or are working towards, etc.
Even better: see if there’s third-party verification available for any of these areas; trusted independent sources can provide more accurate information than a company’s own marketing materials.
By doing your research and speaking directly with potential partners, you can make sure that you’re working with an ethical clothing manufacturer that meets your standards—and those of your customer base. You can check this page for your clothing manufacturer’s standards.
Certifications to Look for in Sustainable Clothing Brands
If you’re looking to buy ethical and eco-friendly clothing, one of the key things to consider is certification. It’s not always easy to know whether a manufacturer is as sustainable as they claim—certifications give you the assurance that they live up to their promises.
Here are some of the most important ones to look out for:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This international standard ensures textiles are made from at least 70% certified organic materials, with strict guidelines on processing, manufacturing, packaging, and labeling.
- Fair Trade USA: This label means that producers have been paid a fair wage and have access to financial autonomy, rights, and education.
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100: Labels certified as compliant with this standard certify that products have been tested for any potential dangerous substances or chemicals before being released into the market.
No single certification holds all the answers when it comes to considering ethical purchases; but with these in mind when you shop for clothes, you’ll be more sure of making sustainable choices.
How Appareify Stands Out Among Sustainable Clothing Manufacturers
When it comes to choosing a sustainable clothing manufacturer, there’s no better choice than Appareify. They stand out for several reasons.
Commitment to sustainability
At Appareify, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a deep-rooted part of their business philosophy. They’re committed to using sustainable materials and processes in every step of their production process, from fabric sourcing to product manufacturing and shipping. All their products are designed to be eco-friendly and made with recyclable or compostable materials, where available.
Transparency
When you work with Appareify, you know exactly what you’re getting into—no surprises. Their supply chain is transparent and traceable, ensuring that all the clothes they produce are not only produced in an ethical manner but are also certified as such through third-party certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (OEKO).
Quality Assurance
Appareify guarantees quality assurance for each piece of clothing they produce, making sure each product meets the expected standards for both environmental standards and customer requirements. This means that no matter which products you choose to order from them, you can rest easy knowing that they will live up to your expectations.
Questions to Ask Clothing Brands About Their Manufacturing Process
It’s important to ask the right questions when evaluating sustainable clothing manufacturers. Here are some key questions you should be asking potential partners to ensure that their product is as ethical and sustainable as possible:
- What does your production process look like? You’re looking for a comprehensive overview of the entire production cycle, including details about the cuts and fabric sourcing, packaging and labeling, and shipping methods.
- Do you have any sustainable material options? Sustainable materials generally include organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, wool, and linen. Try to find a manufacturer that specializes in producing eco-friendly fabrics.
- Do you have any certifications or badges? These certifications may include a Fair Trade certification, an organic certification, or an Oeko-Tex 100 certification (which verifies that textiles are free from certain potentially harmful substances). Having one of these certifications provides assurance that the manufacturing of your garments has been regulated by an independent third party.
- How do you manage your waste? It’s essential to know how much waste is created during production and how it’s disposed of in order to ensure a garment is truly sustainable. Look for companies that have systems in place to reduce waste throughout production and have plans in place to responsibly dispose of any leftover materials.
Conclusion
As fashion consumers, it is important to be aware of the impacts of our clothing choices. It is possible to make conscious and responsible decisions about what fabrics and dyes we purchase and support ethical and sustainable fashion brands. Taking the time to evaluate and do your research before buying can help you make an informed decision about what you put on your body.
At Appareify, their sustainable fashion marketplace has been curated to contain only companies that are passionate about protecting the environment and their workers, proving that you can still look amazing while protecting the planet.
