https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:59:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996796 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 01:25:36 +0000 taylor 1996796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As so often , Gaylene has articulated how I feel about so many of the complexities involved with this ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996781 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 00:03:38 +0000 Gaylene 1996781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve always been leery about my ability to judge when and where to shine a spotlight because I suspect, all too often, that spotlight just might need to directed back at myself. </p> <p>My own perspective is that I need to take responsibility for the consequences of my own actions and decisions instead of trying to focus my ethical concerns onto amorphous entities like “fast fashion” or “big business”. I’ll happily wear real fur when I’m in the North because I’ve seen how important it is to the trappers and hunters to have a sustainable market for their products to support their families. I’ll be equally happy to wear leather because I want to support the cattle ranchers I know who take pride in maintaining strong, healthy herd. I’ll forsake fake fur and polyester, though, because I’m bothered by willful blindness of the petrochemical industry to the environmental destruction and chemical contamination caused by its activity. I’m aware, too, that animal rights activists and environmentalists will find these decisions “wrong” because my choices do have darker sides which I need to acknowledge. </p> <p>Even child labour isn’t a slam-dunk because I know that shining a light onto this disgusting practice might mean forcing a 10 year old girl onto the streets instead of having her spend hours sewing a seam in a poorly ventilated factory. Using my power as a consumer to force companies to change will have consequences for people in ways I’ll never have intended—and I think I need to acknowledge my responsibility when my good intentions have unexpected destructive effects on the lives of others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996743 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 20:17:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1996743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><i> If we turned a flashlight on all the injustice in the world we would drown in despair and nothing would change.<br /> </i></div><div>I disagree. I think we can and should shine those lights, because if no one brings destructive and inhumane practices to light, they certainly will not change. One person alone can't make a change, but lots of us making a racket and voting with our wallets can bring incremental change.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The complicated thing is deciding which of many good values we want to stand up for in our purchasing: environmental protection, wise resource use, fair trade labor, stances the company has taken, humane work environments in factories or corporate offices, ethical treatment of animals, waste reduction/recycling programs... I doubt any company does all of these right, so there are choices to make. And then they have to be remade as practices change at various companies, for better or worse. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996695 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 18:47:41 +0000 Jenni NZ 1996695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IF you do shop at Zara ( think my one 2015 top from Melbourne before it even came to my country may not count), why not send them a copy of the article on their email contact and ask what they are doing about worker's rights? Could help ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996664 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 17:12:15 +0000 taylor 1996664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so disturbing. It’s also complicated. And it kind of stresses me out because it is so complex with no simple answers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996526 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 20:51:48 +0000 Jenn 1996526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't include my list, but right now, my rules of thumb are:<br />* Stay away from fast fashion. Those stores cloud my judgement.<br />* Limit the number of clothing items I purchase per year.<br />* Look for ethical fabrics including wool, silk, organic linen, organic cotton, and sustainable viscose/modal/lyocell (Tencel, Lenzing)<br />* Support companies that are transparent about their labor/sourcing practices </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996524 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 20:33:24 +0000 Irina 1996524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Jenn. I researched and became overwhelmed with how to make responsible consumer choices. So, I had to come up with my personal decision.<br /> So far my No buy list:<br /> Polyester<br /> Real fur or leather clothing<br /> Angora sweaters<br /> Clothing from Walmart </p> <p>But most of all, I must try to curb the constant churning of clothes in my wardrobe. And this is a hardest part. It put so much pressure on me when I decide on what to buy. Donating used clothes is not the best solution. Too much of it either ends up in a landfill or in the developing countries, where it devastates the local small manufacturing businesses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996519 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 20:02:58 +0000 Jenn 1996519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Angie's response, about how thorny this all is, and how we have to set our own standards and prioritize the things that are important to us.&nbsp;I sometimes find myself paralyzed when I try to research everything to make the absolute best possible choice. It's impossible!</p> <p>Case in point: I have two brothers. Brother 1 works in international trade for a large retail company that most of us wouldn't hesitate to slap on our "unethical" list (in fact, it's already been mentioned in this thread). Brother 2 owns a small business with two locations. Recently, Brother 2 posted photos of a sourcing trip he went on for his small business, and Brother 1 was AGHAST. He pointed out that his company would never be able to get away with the conditions Brother 2 was showing in his photos, because the spotlight on them is too bright.</p> <p>I guess the moral is, as consumers, we have to keep those spotlights shining and continue talking about what we expect from businesses, large and small. It makes a difference. Those big companies are hearing, and many of them are definitely trying to make changes, but they're not 100% there yet, so we need to keep telling them. Probably forever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996405 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 13:29:58 +0000 Janet 1996405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m glad this sparked such good discussion. I’m not always the most careful shopper, but I am focusing this year of being more selective and cutting down the quantity of new items I purchase, and I would like to move forward with an eye toward more quality and longevity. Sustainability is certainly on the list, but by the time we look for things that:</p> <p>- fit and flatter our body types<br /> - suit our style<br /> - are in our preferred color palette<br /> - play nicely with our wardrobe<br /> - are comfortable<br /> - are realistic for our practical needs<br /> - are within our budget<br /> - are easy to maintain<br /> - are sufficient quality for our demands<br /> - are “current” in style</p> <p>...sometimes we find ourselves turning a blind eye to these ethical concerns that are usually more difficult to pin down (even if a label says what country a garment was manufactured in, that gives us no real insight into the actual conditions). </p> <p>No easy answers indeed. But it gets us all thinking and talking and paying a bit more attention and care, and that makes it worth discussing. Thanks for all the great insights and resources! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996404 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 13:11:43 +0000 Avdan 1996404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div></p> <p> <div></p> <p> <div><br /> </div>Thanks so much <b>kkards</b>! I really appreciate your reply and the very informative and useful ethical ranking websites. So kind of you to include the links in the message. I have already begun using them as a guide while being sure to cross-reference and dig deeper as you advised.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Bangladesh factory collapse was an unfortunate reminder that some things may seem ethical on the surface but are not remotely so in reality. I will be keeping that in mind while I research further because I feel I have a duty to make the effort. Thanks for including the article from the Guardian.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996379 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 07:59:57 +0000 chirico (Chiara) 1996379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the very interesting discussion, ladies. A lot of food for thought.<br /> This Is an issue I deeply care about, but can't seem to get ahead of. Plus, It encompasses so many areas of our life, not only fashion... For now I have decided on a few points:<br /> Buy less and take good care of what I have. I have a pair of cognac boots bought in 2011. Still going strong.<br /> For this reason I prefer natural fabrics: yes, cotton and leather are not sustainable, but they last me longer and don't get to the landfill as quick as synthetics and faux leather.<br /> I have come to handwash my delicates to make them last longer. It's not a matter of saving money as much as of avoiding sending stuff to the landfill.<br /> As for the issue of ethical treatment of workers, I really feel useless on this. There were reports of items being "made in Italy", but made in Italy by Chinese immigrants being kept in dishuman conditions. Price can be an indication of how much a worker is paid, but not necessarily. Of course of I buy an Armani haute couture, hand made by expert seamstresses in Rome, the seamstresses are probably paid right. Buy that's something I can't afford and will never be able to.<br /> I feel I don't do enough, and I know I could do more. Buy I also think if everybody did a little, all together It would become a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes/page/2#post-1996373 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 07:15:01 +0000 Bijou 1996373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with the comments raised, that we need to do what we can even in small ways. Unfortunately big businesses have a desire to make profits, so my strategy to change corporate behaviour is to make unethical businesses unprofitable by not buying the product and supporting companies whose values I do like.</p> <p>This of course requires a reasonable budget with clothing, furniture and is not possible all of the time. I find it much easier to do with food. Buy local and fresh and pay a fair price for it. Be prepared to have and buy less, but enjoy a nicer quality -&nbsp;Runcarla's story of the quilt says it all. I would prefer to have one quilt lovingly made than two Walmart quilts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996367 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 05:08:35 +0000 anne 1996367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Janet </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996350 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 03:30:30 +0000 Jaime 1996350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with Angie and Toronto Girl in the sense that I hope if we all make some turn toward demanding sustainability and humanity from the world the collective effort will have an effect. If we turned a flashlight on all the injustice in the world we would drown in despair and nothing would change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996346 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 03:03:10 +0000 Anonymous 1996346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>80 pockets an hour . Oh boy - this is so overwhelmingly sad when put that way and yet - that’s reality for any garment manufacturer . It’s called piecework and it’s the way it is . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996345 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 02:58:15 +0000 Jenni NZ 1996345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know what also hurts a lot- the girl in the article is 22 years old, which is the age of my son. When I think of how good his life is compared with hers, through mainly an accident of birth ( also through our efforts, which I am not downplaying, but essentially just happening to be born in this country and to us), it just feels so sad. And she is one of probably millions of young people aged 22 who suffer in this world so much. We did sponsor one (one!) in Thailand, a girl who is the same age and now at university just having finished the sponsorship programme on 22nd birthday. It feels small :(&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996343 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 02:43:10 +0000 Janet 1996343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, from the article:</p> <p>“Bobita works for the NASSA group, where she is responsible for sewing up to 80 pockets an hour on women’s jeans for ZARA.” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996342 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 02:43:04 +0000 Jenni NZ 1996342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, I have contacted TEAR Fund ( that writes our ethical fashion guide ) where Zara does well, right away, as follows:</p> <p> <div><div><br /> <div>"Hi Claire, Happy New Year. It has concerned me that a “fast fashion” chain<br /> should get an “A “ anyway- surely not combatting any materialism or<br /> environmental concerns- and this looks really bad, could you look into it from<br /> Tearfund’s viewpoint please? Regards Jenni ( surname)</div><br /> <div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a25992863/bangladesh-textiles-strike-zara/">https://www.elle.com/culture/c.....rike-zara/</a>&nbsp;"<br />Ours is based on the Baptist World Aid Australia one- mentioned by kkards above, obtained from Anne- which also gave Zara an "A". I feel a bit happy I only have one Zara piece, bought in Melbourne in 2015 before it came here to NZ in I think 2016. However, I agree with Angie and kkards that we each can try to make our own ethical attempts, and also try not to judge each other. I lived with so much guilt before I essentially left Christianity 10 years ago- some of which I dub "Protestant guilt", kind of like what gets called "Catholic guilt"( which I don't really understand, never having been a Catholic). Someone could easily criticise me for my excessive number of shoes. I am trying in many ways, and all kinds of information helps, so thank you so much Janet for posting. Cheers Jenni</div></div></div>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996332 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 00:58:53 +0000 anne 1996332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did I miss something? I did not see a reference to Zara in the article.</p> <p>Eta. I know it's in the title, but there should be much more of a link </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996329 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 00:45:44 +0000 Sal 1996329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is no easy answer that fits us all - but i also think our current consumption patterns will be forced to change.</p> <p>My main goals are<br /> - try to buy items with longevity both in terms of construction and style. I don’t get this 100% right<br /> - not over consuming<br /> - buying NZ made new- or second hand (from anywhere)<br /> - reheeling, repairing and being happy with wear on items.</p> <p>These are small steps and I do believe probably insufficient. I am better at this with homewares than I am with fashion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996282 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 21:29:18 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1996282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>TG, your first comment is pretty much a lecture my grad school colleagues and I gave/give on globalization at the various universities where we went on to work. The third wave of colonialism.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think the diamond industry has cut back on abusive practices. That might be a model for fashion to look at, but of course there are many, many more producers, and capital can move factories overnight, unlike mines. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996276 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 21:18:47 +0000 kkards 1996276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Xtabay...if you’re interested. Major other brands that manufacturer in Bangladesh. But as I mentioned upstream many/most retailers &amp; brands make things in many countries, so if you are concerned I’d check the label of the item your thinking of buying </p> <p><a href="https://newthread.biz/10-fashion-brands-manufacturing-their-apparel-from-bangladesh/" rel="nofollow">https://newthread.biz/10-fashi.....angladesh/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996269 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 21:05:11 +0000 Helena 1996269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Appreciate hearing your perspective on it Angie; it's really helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996255 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 19:50:49 +0000 Angie 1996255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Xtabay,</b>&nbsp;maybe. I manage what I can with the knowledge that I have and get. I draw my own conclusions and continue to grapple with these hard questions, and what they mean to me. And you are within your right not to shop at Zara. It's a personal choice.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996249 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 19:16:28 +0000 Anonymous 1996249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, isn't the fact that you're in the Rag Trade giving you a bit of a bias?</p> <p>Thanks, but you won't be seeing me in Zara any time soon. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996246 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 18:52:29 +0000 Angie 1996246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The question of ethical fashion is very, VERY complicated. You will go down the rabbit hole over and over again, (which I do).&nbsp;</p> <p>I have been in the Rag Trade for 27 years - and many of those years were spent as a retail buyer. I've visited many, many factories in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the US. I have been exposed to more than the regular fashion and style blogger and I'm grateful for that. The question of ethical fashion has been on my mind for almost three decades and continues to be. I think about it all the time.<br /><i><br />&nbsp;At the end of the day, you have to decide what does ethical fashion mean to you?&nbsp;</i>I'm<i></i> nodding along with <b>kkards</b>, <b>Rachy </b>a<b></b>nd <b>RunCarla</b>. Love your thinking.<br /><i></i><br />You can't believe everything you read, first of all.&nbsp;There is a lot of sensational reporting that is suppose to get you angry - and it does! Me included. </p> <p>Consider the following for some perspective:&nbsp; </p> <ul> <li>Zara for example, is one of the top sustainable manufacturers in the world because of their very vertical supply chain in Spain. Fast fashion and all. How ironic is that!&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Chanel&nbsp;is one of the&nbsp;least&nbsp;sustainable manufacturers. Yet when you buy a Chanel bag, you have it for life. It's&nbsp;highly unlikely to end up in a&nbsp;landfill.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Growing&nbsp;cotton - a natural&nbsp;fibre most of us love - is not&nbsp;environmentally&nbsp;friendly.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The leather&nbsp;tanning process is absolutely&nbsp;hectic - and&nbsp;most of the world's&nbsp;leather is tanned in India - (Around &nbsp;90% of it according to the National Geographic, which is a source I trust). Items can be "ethically sourced" but the&nbsp;leather part was tanned in the same horrific environment in&nbsp;India.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>How far do you take the&nbsp;question of what is ethical fashion? And how&nbsp;about&nbsp;ethical&nbsp;decor, ethical eating, ethical grocery shopping? Almonds - a so called super food that is in all sorts of recommended diets - are a very un-eco friendly crop. Where does it all end, and what do you do.&nbsp;</p> <p>If we believe and listen to everything we read and hear, we will never eat, buy or do anything again! (That's an exaggeration of course - but you get the point).&nbsp;</p> <p><u>YOU have to&nbsp;decide what ethical&nbsp;fashion means to&nbsp;you. Do what you can manage, and run&nbsp;with it. </u>Don't judge&nbsp;others negatively when their actions are different to yours.&nbsp;</p> <p><u></u>For me, ethical fashion means a few different things than the norm, and here are some examples: </p> <ul> <li>I will not support luxury or regular brands whose designers behave badly, and go against my life's work of being a Style Activist.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I will not support any form of real fur, lamb leather, or&nbsp;calf&nbsp;leather.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>For the last five years, I have&nbsp;eliminated cow leather from my life as far as I can. I do&nbsp;what I can manage. It is a work in progress.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <div>Anyway, very interesting&nbsp;discussion as&nbsp;always. Thanks,&nbsp;ladies and <b>Janet.</b></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996243 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 17:45:18 +0000 Helena 1996243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perhaps (my optimistic self hopes) all our collective attempts at "right" (flawed though they may be) are what slowly bends the moral arc of the universe towards justice ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996235 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 17:08:47 +0000 kkards 1996235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yes...Runclara...i find myself conflicted...i've reached the conclucion that there is not one "right" answer, but there are right answers for me...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996230 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 16:44:51 +0000 Carla 1996230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Does anyone remember when Lands' End merch was Made in America, and if it wasn't, it was indicated in the catalogue as 'Imported'? Now everything is imported. What happened?</p> <p>Clothing aside, the whole 'what is something worth' and 'what is a living wage' is conflicted. I used to belong to a quilting guild that was invited to a curated Christmas arts and crafts show and sale that was to be held at a museum. The show was high end (25 one of a kind vendors) and the guild members brought out their best. None of us expected to see our work properly compensated. Sad. As hobbyists, a sale would facilitate the purchase of more fabric and our presence would raise the guild's profile. I was staffing the booth when a woman looked at an exquisite hand quilted baby quilt - a steal at $80 - and said "I could get one at Walmart for $40." Gah! </p> <p>I think about this when I 'score' a pair of great white jeans (Calvin Klein - made offshore) at Winners for $29.99CA or whinge when broccoli goes over $2 a bunch. How much am I a part of the problem? Does shopping at the local independent bookstore or farmers roadside market absolve me of my shopping sins? What is a 'fair' price? What will provide a fair wage to the maker or grower? The transportation folks? The store worker's? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-look-at-who-is-making-those-zara-clothes#post-1996224 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 16:10:00 +0000 rachylou 1996224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kkards - yeah, it’s really mindblowing. And terrifying. And to learn that not only the people who need it but also the people who actually do the making of it are being exploited without regard to life or limb... </p>