Why Ethical Sourcing in Fashion Isn’t Optional Anymore

Fashion is about expression, but behind the scenes, it’s also about choices—especially when it comes to sourcing. From the raw materials used to the hands that sew each garment, every piece of clothing has a journey. And too often, that journey is built on unethical labor, unsafe working conditions, and environmental harm. As someone who deeply values transparency and accountability in fashion, I believe we need to do so much better, especially major brands with the power and resources to lead by example.

It’s frustrating to see how many big-name companies still turn a blind eye to their supply chains. When brands outsource labor to the cheapest bidder, without vetting conditions or pay, it’s not just business, it’s exploitation. Garment workers, many of them women and children, are often paid below living wages and work in unsafe environments just so Western consumers can get a $15 shirt. That’s not fashion. That’s injustice hiding behind marketing and trend cycles.

Ethical sourcing should be the bare minimum. That means knowing where your materials come from, ensuring fair wages, and prioritizing sustainable, humane practices at every level of production. As consumers, we deserve to know the story behind our clothes but more importantly, the people making them deserve to be treated with dignity. It’s not enough for brands to post about Earth Day or release a “conscious” collection once a year. True ethics require consistency, not convenience.

I understand that shifting to ethical sourcing takes time and investment, but if small brands and independent designers can do it, what’s stopping billion-dollar corporations? It's about priorities. We need more pressure, more accountability, and more action from these industry giants. Their decisions directly affect lives, communities, and the planet, and right now, many are choosing profit over people. That has to change.

Fashion is a powerful industry with global influence, and that means it has a responsibility to do better. I believe ethical sourcing isn’t a niche ideal, it’s a standard we all should demand. Whether you're a brand, a designer, or a consumer, doing better starts with asking questions, holding systems accountable, and refusing to accept the status quo. Because real style never comes at the cost of someone else’s well-being.