In a world of outsourced labor, it’s difficult to know who made the clothes and whether the laborers were paid and treated fairly. Here are a few tips to help.
Made in the USA: This isn’t a guarantee, as you can find sweat shops in the US, we do have somewhat better laws to ensure fair laborer treatment and pay. One caveat: “Made in the Mariana Islands, USA.” doesn’t apply: Norther Mariana Islands are a commonwealth, but do not have minimum wage laws. Young women after often lured there with the promise of well paid work in the US.
Fairly Traded: There isn’t an official Fair Trade certification for clothing yet, though it’s in process. This means that there isn’t a verification system of clothing that’s marketed as fairly traded.
Materials
Look for materials that are environmentally friendly and/or recycled to minimize your impact on the earth.
Organic Cotton: While organic cotton still can use synthetic fertizilers and pesticides, it’s significantly less than non-organic cotton. Also, color and dyes tend can be better for the earth when buying organic.
Hemp: Hemp requires little water and grows quickly. It also doesn’t need significant pesticides to thrive. Note: there isn’t an official program to certify organic hemp yet.
Soy: Soy fiber was developed in China by extracting soybean protein from the dregs of tofu production, meaning no additional soy had to be grown and no additional pesticides were used. The proteins are added to other compounds to strengthen the fibers and turn them into yarn.
Linen: Linen is a natural material made from the flax plant.
Bamboo: Soft material. Grows quickly and breaks down in land fills easily. Note though: the process of transforming the wood into fiber, which often takes place in China, doesn’t have stringent environmental controls.
Recycled: companies can now create polyester from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles. Those bottles were heading to the landfill, so, this is a big win.
Recycled clothing: Truly recycling existing clothing is probably the best option as it requires no process to break down and rebuild.
Soft stretch organic cotton fabric. Form-fitting base layer tank. Ideal for sports, yoga and everyday wear. Clean U-shaped neckline. Narrow spaghetti straps. Internal shelf bra with smooth elastic under bust support band. Full-length torso coverage. Patagonia Hotline Organic Cotton Tank Top technical details: 3/8 inch straps. Sides measure 15 inches. 1 inch under bust support band on internal bra. The Patagonia Hotline Organic Cotton Tank Top, from the Patagonia women's collection, is a form-fitting tank made from stretchy organic cotton. With narrow spaghetti straps and a U-shaped neckline, this Patagonia tank features an internal shelf bra with a smooth elastic under bust support band. Everytime you wear the Patagonia Hotline Organic Cotton Tank Top you will know that you are supporting eco-friendly farming and a safe, healthy environment. Material:90% organic cotton, 10% spandex Specs based on Size S. Available in sizes: S, M, L. Available in colors: Bindu/Chanterelle, Black Shirt Women's 20-99 Female t-shirts womens Medium Cotton Spandex
Discover laid-back, eco-friendly comfort. Our sleep pants are made from pure, soft organic cotton (grown without pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers). Easy on your skin. And just as easy on the environment. Wear indoors and out, for sleeping, lounging, and more. Relaxed cut gives you the freedom to stretch. Tag-free fabric wrapped ComfortSoft waistband with drawcord for flexible fit. 30 inseams.
If you didn't know, hemp has been used for centuries with the distinction of being the strongest natural fiber on the planet. The Hemp Hoodlamb Women's Drop Top Bomber Jacket blends hemp performance, warmth, and comfort with European style.
As you sample the local delicacies of BC, trust the Hemp Hoodlamb Women's Droptop Hoodlamb Jacket to keep you warm. Hidden stash pockets and an integrated rolling paper dispenser keep your goods safe and ready to ah roll.
FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. Feel good and look good in earth-friendly organic jersey. Organic jersey brief with covered elastic banding at waist and satin rosette at front. Contrast lace trim at leg openings. Semi-sheer. 60% organic cotton/40% organic hemp. Hand wash. Made in the U.S.A. - White
FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. This seems extra sexy because it's eco-friendly. Organic jersey chemise with lace trim at top hem and ruffle trim at bottom hem. Satin rosette at bust. Adjustable spaghetti straps. 31" long, measured from shoulder. 60% organic cotton/40% organic hemp. Hand wash cold. Made in the U.S.A. - Black
Wear the Hemp Hoodlamb Women's Hoodlamb Vest to the brewpub after an autumn day of rock climbing or hiking. Hemp Hoodlamb made this vest from hemp and organic cotton, both of which are earth-friendly.
Absolutely the most fabulous pants for sleeping, lounging???anything you love to do in total comfort. Made from the softest, purest 100% organic cotton Tag-free ComfortSoft waistband with drawstring Relaxed fit for added comfort 30??? inseam
CLOSEOUTS . The Addison capri pants from the Aventura Clothing line are fun casual pants that sit just below the waist. A wide striped grosgrain belt makes the look at bistro or beach. Flat front Two slash pockets Two patch pockets in rear Zip fly and one-button closure Just below waist Inseam: 22" Leg opening: 18". 97% organic cotton, 3% spandex Machine wash, hang dry Classic Fit CLOSEOUTS . Sri Lanka. Runs large, order one size smaller. Visit our Pant Fit Guide
CLOSEOUTS . Dress up your next stroll through the farmer's market in the Applegate skirt from the Aventura Clothing collection and made of pure organic cotton. Good for the environment, good for your style, and even better for sensitive skin... no irritants! Fastens with button at left hip Single front pocket Back pocket with flap Just below waist Length: 20-?" 100% organic cotton Machine wash, tumble dry Classic Fit CLOSEOUTS . Sri Lanka. Runs large, order one size smaller.
CLOSEOUTS . If you want to stay warm and stylishly casual this winter, Aventura Clothing brings you the Shayna jacket-complete with a slim fur lining and a durable organic cotton shell. With a slightly rugged look and a princess cut, this jacket has just a touch of feminine flair. Button front Length: 25" Weight: 2 lb. 4 oz. Fabric: 100% organic cotton Lining: 80% wool, 20% polyester Care: Machine wash/dry Classic Fit CLOSEOUTS . Sri Lanka. Size: XS (2) S (4-6) M (8-10) L (12-14) XL (16)
CLOSEOUTS . Aventura Clothing by Sportif USA's Sheridan pants are made of environmentally friendly organic cotton with a touch of stretch. Both legs convert to a shorter length with inside tabs and outside buttons that hold the rolled-up cuffs. Eco-Conscious Designed with bold colors on the inside and muted, lived-in colors on the outside Two side-open welt pockets on front Two patch pockets on back One side-leg zip pocket with piggy-back coin pocket Straight leg Just below waist Inseam: 31" (24" buttoned) Leg opening: 19-?" Fabric: 97% organic cotton, 3% spandex Care: Machine wash/dry Relaxed Fit CLOSEOUTS . Sri Lanka.
""5 oz., preshrunk certified 100% organic cotton tee. shoulder-to-shoulder tape. seamless collarette. double-needle stitching on sleeves and bottom hem. (white and natural are sewn with cotton thread).Anvil: ALL PRODUCTS .fixedfont {font-size:12px}BlackCharcoalChocolateCity GreenNaturalNavyRedRiver BlueWhiteYellow Haze""
Zappos.com is proud to offer the Nike - Recycled Knoven Jacket (White/Powder Blue/(Anthracite)) - Apparel: This environmentally-friendly jacket will keep you warm and looking good all season. ; Full zip front. ; Woven piping detail. ; Two front pockets. ; Inside pocket. ; 100% polyester (62.5% recycled). Rib: 95% recycled polyester, 5% spandex. Piping: 100% recycled polyester. ; Machine wash warm, tumble dry low. ; Product measurements were taken using size MD. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
Zappos.com is proud to offer the Nike - Recycled Knoven Pant (Anthracite/Abyss/(Abyss)) - Apparel: Do your part to be environmentally friendly while staying casual and comfortable. ; Elastic waist with drawstring closure. ; Back right storm welt pocket. ; Side seam pockets. ; Side leg zips. ; Logo embroidery below left pocket. ; 32.5 inseam, 44 outseam. ; 12.5 front rise. ; 17.5 back rise. ; 19 leg opening. ; Body: 100% (62.5% recycled) plain warp knit. Piping: 100% recycled polyester taffeta. ; Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. ; Product measurements were taken using size LG. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
Zappos.com is proud to offer the Nike - Recycled Knoven Pant (Black/Black/(Anthracite)) - Apparel: Do your part to be environmentally friendly while staying casual and comfortable. ; Elastic waist with drawstring closure. ; Back right storm welt pocket. ; Side seam pockets. ; Side leg zips. ; Logo embroidery below left pocket. ; 32.5 inseam, 44 outseam. ; 12.5 front rise. ; 17.5 back rise. ; 19 leg opening. ; Body: 100% (62.5% recycled) plain warp knit. Piping: 100% recycled polyester taffeta. ; Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. ; Product measurements were taken using size LG. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
Zappos.com is proud to offer the Paul Frank - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Raglan (Red) - Apparel: Take a stylish stand before we destroy our homeland. From our wetlands to our woodlands, we need to join hands and take command. The problem is already grand, so let's not let it expand - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! ; Crew neck. ; 3/4 length sleeves. ; Recycle logo screenprint. ; 100% cotton. ; Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. ; Dry cleanable. ; Made in U.S.A. ; Product measurements were taken using size MD. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
Zappos.com is proud to offer the Three Dots - Recycled Feeder Stripe 3/4 Sleeve British Tee (Fern) - Apparel: Feed your fashion jones in the absorbing Recycled Feeder Stripe 3/4 Sleeve British Tee . ; Bewitching horizontal stripes produce a showcase piece that will look fab with solid pants or a skirt. ; Tee boasts a boat neck cut, 3/4 sleeves, visible reinforced stitching, and a nice long torso. ; 59% cotton / 41% recycled cotton; hand wash cold, lay flat to dry; made in the U.S.A. ; Made in the U.S.A.
FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. Feel good and look good in earth-friendly organic jersey. Organic jersey cami with satin rosette at V neck and contrast lace trim at top hem. Adjustable spaghetti straps. Semi-sheer. 25" long, measured from shoulder. 60% organic cotton/40% hemp. Hand wash. Made in the U.S.A. - White
FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. An indispensible layering piece, and it's eco-friendly to boot. Organic jersey top with split V neck and 2-button closure at front. Contrast banding at placket and ribbed banding at cuffs. Long sleeves. 28"" long, measured from center back. 60% organic cotton/40% organic hemp. Hand wash cold. Made in the U.S.A. - White
