Many people today are concerned about the origins of the clothes that they wear and want to make sure that they have been produced in an ethical manner. This includes all aspects of production, from the working conditions of the cotton growers, working conditions of the sewers, the environmental impact and animal welfare.

The fashion industry is a competitive market, and retailers are only too aware that if they are able to produce a t-shirt that is cheaper than a similar one being sold next door, then they will sell more items. The problem is that the more cheaply an item is produced, the more likely that it is that it has been produced in a sweatshop in a developing country.

There are several campaigns underway to end exploitation and ensure that everyone involved in the production process is treated fairly and receives a living wage for the work that they do. However, there are some consumers who are still unaware of some of the issues.

There are some places that use child labour to produce clothes. They work in poor conditions and receive very little money. Some textiles are treated with chemicals, particularly during the dyeing process, and these are not good for the environment. There is also an increasing use of pesticides among cotton growers, who wish to ensure a good crop to earn the maximum amount of money.

There are some retailers who include ethical clothing amongst their collections, and consumers should look out for information on the labels that tells them that the item has been produced under a fair trade scheme, or that the dyes used are natural.