It can be hard for the average shopper to identify which Australian fashion brands are ethical. Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as checking out the company website. Many retailers do not disclose to the public the details of their supply chain. Thankfully, the 2019 Ethical Fashion Report has done the work for us.
The Ethical Fashion Report investigates what companies are doing to reduce child labour and exploitation, forced labour and environmental degradation. The report then gives fashion companies a grade – much like school grades – ranging from A+ to F for failure.
This year, some of Australia’s most well-known brands have been exposed for doing very little to ensure their company structure supports an ethical supply chain.
The report scored brands such as Lowes, Katies, Miller and Rockmans very poorly. While H&M got a B+ and Cotton On achieved an A-. Unfortunately, spending big money on your garments didn’t necessarily prove your purchase was supporting an ethical company. Camilla and Marc, an Australian designer label that sells garments for more than $1000, scored an F.
Thankfully, Aussie brands of undies all scored within the A-range, including Jockey, Maidenform, Playtex, Rio, Wonderbra, Hestia, Berlei and Bonds.
Other brands that made the A-range cut include: Bras n Things, Icebreaker, Outland Denim, Adidas, Champion, Kathmandu, Kayser, Patagonia, Reebok, Rio, Sheridan, Voodoo, Zara, American Apparel, AS Colour, Country Road, Factorie, Jag, Industrie, Kookai, Lululemon Atheltica, Mimco, Nobody Denim, Rubi, Rodd & Gun, Saba, Sportscraft, Supre, Trenery, Typo, Witchery.
Some brands that scored an F include: Ally Fashion, Bec & Bridge, Bloch, C&M, Camilla and Marc, Lover, P.E. Nation, Showpo, Wish. However, some of these brands were graded only by using the information available online, as they refused to actively participate in the report.
Joyously, (for those that love a late-night online shop!) all ASOS brands scored a B.
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