Ethical clothing choices for Australians and NZers

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Ethical clothing choices for Australians and NZers

Sal

Veteran

I saw this today, and thought I would provide a link for the Antipodeans on the forum.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/life.....d=11628655

There are some international brands featured too. Zara, H&M and Adidas all rank pretty well.

What strikes me is how the ones in the B plus upwards category are a mix of price levels - low price does not seem to equate to low ethics, nor does the reverse apply.

9 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Sally

Veteran

Yes I saw this article this morning and found it interesting. I read a book sometime ago on a guy who traced his clothes back to where they came from. I do have some concerns with the ethics of fast fashion for the environment and human rights. There was an interesting article someone posted here yesterday about spending more for less etc. I'm going to try to do that as well as thrift.
Saying that, I'm looking forward to Zara coming here

9 years ago

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I exclusively shop thrifts and try to limit my purchases from mega stores. I shop locally sourced products and purchase artist made clothing and artwork. I really hate how we are cluttering our world and I know that it's just a small drop in the ocean but it starts with us.

9 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Sally. I do a small amount of thrifting but not much now. I have focussed mainly on only letting things into my wardrobe that I will wear, and wear, and hopefully wear out. I have bought pieces from A-D grade retailers on this list, but moving forward I think aiming for the A and B graders is a good goal. My friend who sews has started up again so I am visiting her next week

I have been to Zara in the UK, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Sydney and Buenos Aires - all without success!! But I am not a good holiday shopper so will be interested to see what it is like here.

Thanks Ledonna, it sounds like you are doing a good job. It does start with us indeed.

9 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks for posting this Sally. I had been meaning to myself as articles referring to it were coming up in my facebook feed.

Here is where you can download the report itself

http://www.behindthebarcode.org.au/

I am going to try and not go to the worst offenders on the list at least. And perhaps get my undies from one of the A+ ones (the top ones only sell underwear and t shirts.

Like you I also "have focussed mainly on only letting things into my wardrobe that I will wear, and wear, and hopefully wear out"

I will check Zara too!

9 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Thanks for this Sally. I hadn't see the most recent one so Im going to print it out.

I am really disappointed in:

Oroton (was considering a new bag but may go elsewhere),
Hush Puppies (my boots are now on their 4th year)
Metalicus (I was aware)

Very pleased to see that Cheap Monday, COS and Monki scored well.

And Aussie ladies, if you are interested, Motto source their fabrics from Korea, items are cut, sewn, etc in Melbourne and all workers are paid in accordance with the approriate awards.

9 years ago

anne

Veteran

I was disappointed in Metalicus too Deborah. Previous lists I'd seen rated them quite well.

Thanks for the Motto info too - I did specifically look for them (and not see them).

9 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Anne a friend of mine did all the reseach for herself about 12 months ago. She actually contacted a number of fashion houses, including Motto and Metalicus, so I have known for a while that they don't rate well.

It's a real conflict for me. I prefer to buy Australian fashion BUT..... and as you know I love Metalicus. Maybe the client base needs to speak a little louder?

I have so many Motto customers who are very happy to tell me that being Australian made (and ethically made) is incredibly important to them.

9 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks for sharing that about Motto Deborah!! Great to know.

9 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks for sharing Sally.
I was disappointed about oroton too. I like to support them as our only (?) Aussie handbag maker. Hopefully they can do better next time.
Most of my preferred retailers were in the A to C range, so that's good.
I was surprised about Cotton On. I am amazed that they can offer products so cheaply that are apparently ethically sourced.

9 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Brooklyn, my gorgeous son has bought me an Oroton leather cuff for Mother's Day:) We ordered it on line and I have to confess I was suprised when it arrived in a bag from, I think, Hong Kong... I couldn't think what I have ordered from there:) Anyway I like the cuff (which I wont actually be receiving until Mothers Day) but the quality was just not quite what I was expecting of Oroton, and for some reason I really thought it would come to me from within Australia.

I am going to start looking at other options for Australian leather goods and rather than buy new, I will only accept my sister's Oroton hand me downs (tongue firmly in cheek)

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9 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

That's interesting Deborah. I am always impressed with their quality but sometimes think their design is a little uninspiring. I wish they would work on that. But that's a nice cuff.

9 years ago

Helen11

Veteran

Thanks, ladies! I had seen this come up in my Facebook feed as well. I was also surprised that some of the lowest price chains had the better ratings. Also interesting for me to see which stores all belong to the same parent company.

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good one, Sally.

9 years ago

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