We're Obsessed With Ethical Fashion: Why You Should Be Too

The fashion sector is undergoing something big. One deliberate choice at a time, a quiet revolution is gaining momentum - ethical fashion, and we’re crazy about it. If you’re not on board yet, let us explain why ethical fashion isn’t a passing trend. If you haven’t already, it’s about time you joined the movement - it’s the future of fashion after all! 

 

Really, what is ethical fashion?

 

Before we go into the why, let's clarify the what.

Ethical fashion goes beyond just aesthetics - it's a movement and a way of thinking. It's about creating, sourcing, and manufacturing garments in a way that’s kind and considerate to people, animals, and the environment. This implies fair pay, safe working conditions, low environmental impact, and transparency at every stage of the supply chain.

It also means rejecting fast fashion practices - the sort of clothing that’s mass-produced at breakneck speed and offered at unreasonably low rates, usually at the expense of human rights and environmental health.

Ethical fashion asks: Who created your garments? How much were they paid? What were the materials used? And what effect does that t-shirt have on the earth, even after it has been thrown in a donation bin?

These are the things every consumer should be asking, we think, at least.

Why We Love Ethical Fashion

Fashion can be expressive, fun and inspiring. But behind the scenes, the industry has been operating in ways that conflict with the values that many of us hold now: fairness, compassion, and environmental responsibility.

Here’s what drives us:

1. People First

Fashion should never come at the expense of human dignity, in our opinion. Ethical design promotes safe working conditions, fair wages, and respect for garment workers, most of whom are women in developing countries. Choosing ethical fashion helps you support actual families and real people.

2. Planet Love

Among the most polluting in the world, the fashion industry ranks high. The environmental impact is breathtaking, from poisonous dyes to microplastics and mounds of textile waste. Just like us at Plainandsimple, other ethical brands have designed circular systems to prevent clothing from ending up in landfills. We emphasise using low-impact dyes, ecological fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled materials, and waste reduction.

3. Welfare of Animals

You don't need unsustainably sourced wool, exotic skins, or fur to look fashionable. Whenever possible, ethical fashion chooses plant-based, cruelty-free, or recycled substitutes since it values animal welfare. Style without pain and suffering; that's a victory.

4. Quality Over Quantity

Fast fashion perpetuates a waste culture and impulse shopping. Ethical fashion challenges this by motivating us to invest in fewer, better-made items that last longer and fit better.

5. Transparency is Empowering

Ethical companies lift the veil. They inform you of the origin of your clothing, the people who created it, and the materials they used. Knowing the story behind the clothes you buy turns it from a disconnected, impulse purchase into a conscious, well-thought-out one.

Why Should You Be Obsessed Too? 

Because you have the power as a consumer. Every purchase you make helps to shape the kind of world you wish to live in. Ethical fashion lets you match your style to your values.

Here is what happens when you make the change:

• Your garments grow to mean more to you.

• Knowing your purchases are helping to make a positive impact makes you feel good.

• You lessen your waste and pollution contribution.

• You support change-makers, smaller independent brands, and genuine craftsmen.

• You advocate for environmental justice and workers' rights.

Not to mention, ethical fashion is beautiful. It's imaginative and considerate. From handwoven textiles to repurposed materials, limited edition pieces to seasonless collections, it's rich with creativity and authenticity.

It's everything that fast fashion isn't.

Starting Your Ethical Fashion Journey

If you're inspired but somewhat overwhelmed, ethical fashion is not about perfection, so don’t worry. It's all about deciding to start living more sustainably and progressing from there. Here are some easy starting points:

1. Choose Wisely, Buy Less

Consider your purchase twice - think whether you actually need it. Should you respond yes, choose timeless, adaptable items you'll wear again and again.

2. Research the Brand

Find companies that are open about their manufacturing and sourcing. Certifications such as Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and B Corp can help direct you.

3. Shop Small & Local

Many little, independent brands run their companies with ethics at the core. Supporting them helps to build a fairer and varied fashion industry.

4. Welcome Secondhand & Vintage Clothing

Charity shopping is not just sustainable; it's also a treasure hunt. Buying pre-loved clothes helps lower demand for new manufacturing and keeps them out of landfills.

5. Look after what you have

Wash your clothes less, fix them when needed, and store them correctly to help them last longer. Sustainability begins at home.

6. Actively Participate 

Follow ethical fashion influencers. Study fashion sustainability. Share what you are learning using your voice on social media. You just have to care - you don’t need to be an expert.

Become Part of the Movement

At Plainandsimple, we are not just a clothing brand - we’re making a statement. With every new design we launch, our ethical responsibility and transparency are at our core. For us, sustainability is not only about making the best product in the most sustainable way, but also taking responsibility for that product from beginning to end. It's why we started a circular clothing company to bring great value back to the customer, close the loop on clothing waste and give people a better choice.

And we’re not alone. More and more people around the world are gaining a better understanding of the impact of their purchase decisions. Consumers are demanding improved ethics. Improved quality. Improved narratives.

We believe that is cause for celebration.

Final Thoughts

Ethical fashion urges us to be more deliberate, observant, and selective. It encourages us to consider and care more about what we wear and why.

Whether you have always been a conscious shopper or are just beginning your sustainability journey, we are here for it. And we are really happy you are as well.