Clothes are getting less and less expensive, and we are buying more and more of them. My teenage daughter can buy an entire outfit for about $20. T-shirt for $3.59, leggings for $8.99, and a sweatshirt for $9.99.
Of course, it doesn't last more than a season, but for kids today, apparently that's enough. But all these clothes at low, low prices takes a toll - and that's what I want to talk about today.
A Shirt for $2.30?
Maybe you saw the recent news stories about the 2-Euro t-shirt for sale in Germany. A group called Fashion Revolution put a specially-designed vending machine in a prominent location in Berlin - and offered basic t-shirts for the equivalent of $2.30. That's two dollars and 30 cents. Less than the cost of a latte!
Many people saw the bright turquoise kiosk with dirt cheap t-shirts and hurried over before supplies ran out. But after these eager buyers dropped in their coins and picked their size, a video began to play.
The video showed scenes from textile factories - workers, mostly female, working long hours for very little pay. Then customers were offered the choice to buy the t-shirt, or donate that money to Fashion Revolution. According to Fashion Revolution, about 90% chose to donate.
People Care When They Know
Fashion Revolution posted a YouTube video which has received nearly 8 million views. The tag line is People Care When They Know. And this is true. We do care when we see the faces of the people who make our clothes and when we understand the plight of people who work under harmful conditions. Sometimes we just need to be reminded that all that cheap clothing comes at a cost.Conscious Clothing for Kids
Fortunately, there is a solution. We can make conscious decisions about where we make our clothing purchases. And make an effort to buy conscious clothing for our kids. Follow a few simple rules and choose brands who:
- Are transparent about the methods they use to select their suppliers
- Care about the working conditions of the people who make their products.
- Tell you exactly where their products are being made.
Choosing Brands with Care
Lucky and Me are very conscientious about their global supply chain. They only work with suppliers they trust to provide safe and fair working conditions for all workers. All Lucky and Me garments are made with care in WRAP-certified factories. For more about WRAP, and what that means, see this post about corporate responsibility on our blog.
By Liz Smith. Liz has worked across the globe for many of the world's best known apparel brands, including Justice, Chico's, Victoria's Secret, and Hanes. She has worked closely with dozens of factories in more than 20 countries to ensure that production is of the highest standard. Liz has managed all aspects of garment production, from design through fabric development to sewing and merchandising - so she knows what it takes to make high-quality apparel. Liz is thrilled to share her knowledge about clothes to help discerning customers choose the finest products.