Ethics in fashion

What is ethics in a fashion business? To start with, we will give as an example some typical ethical issues that a fashion business might face, so to understand better what lies behind this question.

• Labour practices: shall we accept the strategy that consist in making our clothes more affordable to our customers while manufacturing the garments in developing countries where labour conditions are problematics?
• Environmental impacts and concerns, treatment of animals
• Consumers over consumption: shall we encourage consumers to buy new clothes that they don’t really need?
• Exclusivity over equality: Fashion promote the exclusiveness of products, while the majority of people can’t afford to buy such products
• Body image issues: what is the image that we give to our public when using models and making adverts? The question of the image of women is especially sensitive
• Cultural influences when designing the clothes
• …

We can apply ethics in 3 different dimensions of the fashion business:

-Laws, rules and regulation.

There are different regulations, labour laws, trade laws, environmental and social regulations related to the business sector at international level and in each country, and all organizations and their employees must comply in their conduct with and among customers. It is thus fundamental to respect the regulation applying in the different countries where you operate at all levels of the supply chain, and make sure that your stakeholders also do the same.

-Ethical practice towards consumers.

This applies particularly to fashion retailers, that interact directly with customers, as they directly impact the lives of many people, however, this should be prepared all along the supply chain. Ethical practices are not only a retailer’s moral responsibility but are of great importance to all fashion businesses.

• The fashion firm should charge a fair price for the products they sell to consumers.
• The consumers have the right to get precise and right knowledge about the products sold to them. Furthermore, they should be informed about all things related to products such as guarantee, usage, material, price, etc.
• Not selling poor quality products to consumers.

-Ethical practice towards employees.

• Giving fair and equal treatment to employees.
• Providing fair salaries as per their position and job role.
• Treat employees with respect and courtesy.