*Dress - Clothing at Tesco £12, *Tights - Marks and Spencer £2, *Brogues - Primark £12, *Cardigan - Boden via charity shop £2 *Necklace - Disney a gift from Mr ThriftyAs a confirmed second hand and vintage lover it is quite strange to have a brand new (not even reduced) item in my wardrobe and on my back. I honestly do struggle with buying cheap, disposable clothes. If I buy new clothes, 9 times out of 10 (I probably buy 20 brand new clothing items, including shoes, a year) they're from top end high street stores such as Monsoon because I know the items are set to last, are good quality and as with Monsoon they tend to have a proven ethical standard (recently named most ethical high street brand.) I prefer to buy a better quality dress once, than 5 dresses that fall apart. After I've finished with an item I offer it around my friends, sell it on eBay or send it on to a charity shop. Unlike many others I refuse to send any old tat to charity shops so I like the items I do send to them to be good quality, well kept and intact.
Sometimes the more ethical end of the high street just doesn't meet my budget and I'll struggle to find what I need on my charity shop and bootsale hunts and then the places that do suit my needs are the likes of Primark and supermarkets. I do really struggle with what I'm doing when I hand over the cash. I struggle wondering who made the item and under what conditions plus I struggle knowing that the majority of items that I've walked past in that shop will end up in landfill (disposable fashion and all that) sometime in the not so distant future.
For me, my code of ethics matters as much as a code of ethics imposed by a brand that trades on the term "ethical brand". 99% of my clothes are second hand or vintage, I never, ever throw clothes away, I mend clothes, I look after my clothes and I donate my clothes to charity shops after I've finished with them. At this moment in time there is so little information about what is ethical and who is ethical in terms of fashion and shopping that I honestly think, for me, I'm doing the best I can without bankrupting myself.
Where do you stand? Do you have your own code of ethics when it comes to buying clothes or anything else?
TTFN,
P.S. There are some interesting debates about buying cheap clothes here, here and here, and it is certainly worth taking a look at the comments section on all the posts.
This is a great post and one after my own heart. Have you read Lucy Siegle's book (really well researched and covers the issues well)? I don't buy disposable fashion at all, and agree with you on quality/ethics. I just bought a Monsoon skirt in a charity shop so that is an ethical double-whammy!
ReplyDeleteHope you will drop by and enter my giveaway ...
Pomona x
I think about this constantly. The ethical practices of clothing companies, or most companies for that matter, are often undesirable. Yet, many of us have limited funds to buy good quality, ethical clothes. It is quite the conundrum.
ReplyDeleteI think there needs to be a louder voice from consumers saying that want fair trade policies and working conditions from the shops they buy for.
Until then...clothes will get cheaper here, but at the cost of degrading conditions elsewhere.
Hi my dear- a really lovely post and I too prefer to thrift from the booty or charity shop. Its rare for me to buy from the high street anymore. You look lovely in this dress, it was a good buy and fab photos too! have a good week xxx
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a difficult one- especially when you have vouchers and you can't pick what they're for! I love monsoon and would constantly buy from there if I had the funds and I am always in my local charity shop (I live upstairs- how fab is that??!)
ReplyDeleteWhen I can't mend something or it's been ruined somehow I still give it to them for Rags- they get money from the Rag Man for it and it's done by weight so a knackered old pair of shoes gets them quite a bit!! My son is clothed almost entirely from second hand / thrifted items. I do have a bugbear with some charity shops though- some of them are SO expensive!! I saw a beautiful dress the other day and to my disbelief they wanted £25 for it!! I would understand if it was brand new but it wasn't. We are past the age where it was cheaper to make your own clothes and in some cases with CS's it's cheaper to buy new! I have been a buyer of "disposable fashion" for so long, and it's a tough habit to break but I'm working on it! (sorry, rather a long mash up of thoughts here- not had my caffeine yet!!)
I have to admit, I am not that fussy when it comes to where I buy, but I do try to consider how well-made the item is, and whether I will get much wear from it, I have a ridiculous amount of clothes, so it's not as if I will wear something out quikcly, but I do try to look after my clothes, I do my own mending, alterations, and never throw anything away. If I decide to get rid, I tend to sell on or donate anything in good condition. I think the high street is actually getting more expensive, not cheaper, but there is no direct correlation between the price and the ethical background of a product.
ReplyDeleteI think you're doing ok! You do at least consider all these issues - many don't. There are places you can go to check up on how 'ethical' something is, but yes, as per my latest blog post, funnily enough (come see), mostly you just have to do your research. Some great online places to start that will help you get into the 'ethical stream of consciousness' are Daisy Green magazine and check out the great green gossip site Ecorazzi.
ReplyDeleteYou'd be surprised too, by many of the ethical clothing stores - their prices have come waaaay down - many easily match Monsoon prices.
I have become increasingly grossed out by the fabrics used in fast fashion - as India Flint says in her book Second Skin, if clothing manufacturers had to label the chemicals used in the making of their clothes like food manufacturers have to - you'd be horrified. And those chemicals are still sitting there in the fibres of those clothes. Got to ask yourself how good that is for the biggest organ on your body - your skin. Ethical manufacturers just can't use millions of toxic chemicals - transparency is their currency - they're used to being asked. Not sure how I'd ask Tesco about their manufacturing ethics!??
Lastly, come and look at my Ethical Fashion list on Twitter - that'll give you some nice Tweeps to follow! x x x
You look fab! And if YOU don't throw it away, it won't be throwaway fashion will it?
ReplyDeleteI find that 'disposable' is in the wardrobe of the beholder. An item (unless absolutely thrown together) only becomes disposable if one disposes of it that season! Yes it's easier for people do do that without caring if it's cheap, but it's the attitude not the price that makes it chuckable. Round my way (well, in the posh bit up the road) Monsoon is considered (and described) as throwaway, and the charity shops show it as true.
Whereas being a thrifty beggar I, when I do buy something from a Supermarket or New Look/Primark/Matalan, don't consider it throwaway because I keep it and re-wear it the same as anything else. I have Matalan cardigans from 7 years ago, a Primark tunic I must have worn 1000 times (I kind you not, I worked it out) - and it will become a duster or cushion cover when it falls to bits one day! Cheap but not thrown away.
So I wouldn't worry too much if I were you and would just enjoy the nice new clothes!
I definitely buy most of my clothes 2nd hand and rarely buy new. There's just so many clothes people pass on, and I find when I do buy new in a relatively cheap shop they tend to fall apart at the seams so you get holes quite quickly. This never happens with my charity shop finds, which are often high end labels. I'm amazed at what people pass on that's barely worn. Fashion is a bottomless pit of questions, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, thank you for linking to my post :)
ReplyDeleteSecond - GREAT post!! I love it! I think you are right. I think it is true that with the little information that is out there, it is impossible to know exactly how ethical or unethical something is but we can make sure that our habits aren't too harmful.
Perdita's comment really struck a chord with me. I too buy cheaper fashion from time to time (mainly because I have a limited budget to spend on clothes) but this doesn't mean that just because it is cheap, I can throw it away after a couple of wears - I buy things that I know will last and wear them till they fall apart (which is usually a long time - even for really cheap items) or I give them to charity if I grow out of them or they no longer fit in with my life style.
I agree that we really just have to do the best by ourselves as at the end of the day we really dont know where our clothes are coming from. I very rarely shop on the high st I am much more interested in having one beautiful, well made piece than tons of lesser well made stuff. But I am also lucky enough to be able to afford this - well actually luck has nothing to do with it I work hard and make other sacrifices to be able to do so. On the other hand there are things like basic t-shirts that you have to buy on the high st. It really is time the stores take more responsibility for this as there is only so much we can do. I certainly dont agree with people who can only afford to shop at Primark being victimised for doing so.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to buy only second-hand for some time recently but I do miss buying something nice and new.
ReplyDeleteIronically you can pay more for an item in a charity shop than something new at Primark or a supermarket. That said, I have never been able to spend a fortune on clothes either and spending a stack of cash on a garment - whether it be designer/ethical etc seems almost as bad as buying a top for less than the price of a cup of coffee.
Our pricing/value system seems to be so out of whack these days.
I will still buy stuff from the high street but offsetting it with charity shop/boot fairs/vintage purchases means we are at least trying. And yes, always donate or recycle - NEVER just throw away.
I wouldn't say I had a code of ethics exactly although I have been thinking twice about that sort of thing more lately. What I am starting to do is look at the quality and fit of a garment before committing to buy it.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, like you, I very rarely buy anything new AND full price, but cheap clothes just aren't as appealing to me anymore - I walked into Primark yesterday and thought "What am I doing here?" and walked straight back out!
Oh I got so side-tracked with the debate, i forgot to say you look pretty as a picture. That is my summer uniform too. Occassionally the tights come off if it's hot enough ;-)
ReplyDeletefascinating topic, so many ethical considerations - low pay and exploitation of garment workers in the Third World - the sweat-shop workers often can't even afford to buy the clothes they produce. BUT - unfortunately many of us here are on low incomes,and can't AFFORD to buy ethically produced clothes - so the vicious circle continues.
ReplyDeleteI have been able to buy some lovely clothes in charity shops, and fortunately I am quite good at 'Make Do and Mend' - recycling and re-using. You can always make soft furnishings out of old clothes!! have some lovely cushion covers...
Such fun and vibrant photos! The colors in your outfit are beautiful, and so is the scenery.
ReplyDelete♥
Fashezine
You wear it well - It's a very well put together outfit, lovely colours. Are the brogues comfy? If so I'm off to get some!
ReplyDeleteReally interesting post. Ive been on a looong journey with this exact issue. I think you are doing BRILLIANTLY: if only everyone was as thoughtful about their clothes!
ReplyDeleteAfter umming and ahhing and reading about high street supply lines I have now come to a place where I's rather do without than buy from primark/tesco etc. Its been quite hard, but for me there is rarely an occasion when I need a dress/cardigan/shoes THAT badly. Mostly Its when I feel like I have nothing to wear (when I do, I really do!) Once i forgot to take underwear away with me- so i bought some sansbo's knickers then, guilt free!
Over time I've found it easier to avoid these shops- shopping the ethical brands in the sale is great for bargains- and I do as you do- buy charity shop/second hand or simply do without.
The vast majority of my clothes come from the second hand market. Be that etsy, ebay or charity shops.
ReplyDeleteBut - I take *no* issue with getting staple bits from places like Primark. Tops to go under things, shirts for work, hell, even shoes. My favourite brogues cost me a whopping £12 last summer and I wear them practically everyday. They have yet to fall apart. In fact - I have never had something "fall apart" from Primark - from shirts to shoes. Monsoon on the other hand - I NEVER shop at because I feel it is badly made, overpriced goods. I have had numerous things from there in the past and in my experience - price does not equal quality.
I am not a "throw away" person so there would be no danger of my stuff ending up in landfill. I tend to recycle into craft items like patchwork etc.
But then - maybe that's just me. I would no throw something away because it didn't suit / ripped and I thought to myself "oh well - it was only £3". I am a fixer and a returner. If it is naff - i return with the receipt - which I keep for a looooong time after I have purchased. I have never had any problems thus far.
I am waffling - so I off!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of ethical shopping have you heard of Give as you Live? You can shop online and raise funds for a charity of your choice for free, at no extra cost to yourself. On average 2.5% of every pound you spend goes directly to your charity. As you can tell, I know a lot about this, it's because I work for them, but it is a great product. It solves the issue of feeling guilty after purchasing a really expensive item, as you know some of the proceeds have gone to your favourite charity. Take a look at www.giveasyoulive.com and have a go. You don't have to change anything you normally do either and doesn't interrupt your shopping experience. Sorry for the 'salesy' pitch, but just thought I'd let you all know.
ReplyDelete28 June 2011 12:32
I am a thrift store shopper. When one buys a "cheap" piece of clothing, you do have to wonder what conditions in was made in, plus the fact that it is taking away jobs who work under fair labor. I usually donate my clothes or try to take it to a resale shop. I do like the dress though!
ReplyDeleteWhilst I am not a fan of throwaway fashion sometimes it is a necessity. I tend to buy my basics in M&S and the rest comes from charity shops or I make it.
ReplyDeleteHaving a large family helps - us sister regularly pass things on to each other.
When something is no longer wearable it is either recycled into a make or as a last resort I take my 'rags' to the CS so they benefit from it.
Was raised to do as you do, buy good pieces that last (still have some of my mother's things, so it works) but lately fallen into the 'cheap' habit. Your post certainly has me thinking!
ReplyDeleteWell, the dress and entire outfit does look lovely (and quelle English backdrop!), but I can relate a wee bit to your angst. I'm from Canada and can't stand shopping at the mega malls, which are plentiful there - they're full of unimaginative mass-market crap that falls apart quickly.
ReplyDeleteI do occasionally buy this crap but really do get most of my clothing - even boots and shoes - in thrift shops. I shop high on the food chain by buying, for the most part, quality pieces that have been made well, some vintage, some not. It started as a financial necessity years ago and has now blossomed into a way of life.
Like you, I always donate unwanted clothing to charity shops -- or have a clothing swap with my gals pals. Swapping is becoming popular in Toronto, where I live - there are independent boutiques and even companies that host and arrange them. There's also a growing number of micro-designers who are recycling fabrics and clothing to make their designs. Recycling or upcycling isn't exactly mainstream but it is becoming more trendy ....
Oops, have strayed a bit of topic here. To answer your question, I don't think I consciously shop with a code of ethics -- but I have my own little philosophy that I live by. And when I do buy the occasional new piece, I try not to guilt myself out - so enjoy your piece!
80% of my clothes come from a charity shop, I also purchase childrens clothes for my grandchildren too! But now charity shops are getting more and more expensive so where next......?
ReplyDeleteJulie xxxxxxxxx
I've been running my wardrobe on a one-in-one-out basis this year, after a major sort-through at Christmas. I think it's really important people consider what they're investing in by buying cheap clothes. I do occasionally get bits from the high street and I buy underwear and my everyday shoes new but the one-in-one-out principle stops me being greedy. I try and replace like for like as much as possible, so it's like a bit-by-bit wardrobe upgrade. I find my money goes further in charity shops - I can buy much better quality than I'd otherwise afford.
ReplyDeleteI've written a couple of things on my blog about this. I think the trick is in the wearing as much as the shopping.
I love your pictures! You look great and so happy.
ReplyDeleteI don't shop on the high street at all but I do buy a lot from Ebay, all for a fraction of the price. I never buy from throwaway fashion shops although I have been known to buy Peacocks cotton and lace boy shorts in bulk.
Thanks for your comment, lovely to have found your blog xx
You look so pretty and chose well.
ReplyDeleteI honestly can't remember the last time I bought something from the high street. I'd say 99% of my wardrobe is second-hand. Whilst ethics play a role in my decision to avoid the high street, a large part of my sartorial choices are because I refuse to follow fashion & dress like anyone else. I spent my eraly years in school uniform and much of my adult life in corporate stuff. There's no way I want to blend in or wear something that can be identified as being from a certain shop.
My wardrobe has been painstakingly built up over the years by queuing outside jumble sales and figfhting old ladies, walking car boot sale fields after a heavy night out or by trawling ebay and charity shops. I love everything I own and painstakingly repair it and patch it up once a week.
x
Gorgeous dress, & congrats on the win!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean though, I don't think I would have been able to buy any clothing 'cause I feel bad if I buy anything over £5 after the years spent in charity shops!
xoxo.
Oh, I definitely prefer thrifting nowadays! Lovely choice on the dress, though. Looks beautiful. x
ReplyDeletei have so enjoyed reading your post, i truly cant remember the last time that i went into a high street shop and brought a brand new top. The clothes in my wardrobe are mostly all second hand, either through charity shops, jumble sales and coffee mornings, car boot sales and to be honest even the brand new bits i have brought are normally reduced as i do like to get a bargain and dont really justify spending too much on clothes when there is other things that are more important. Anyway your photos are fab x
ReplyDeleteHi, the dress looks lovely on you and a good price too. I rarely buy new nowadays, firstly I can't afford to and secondly I have found some amazing clothes in my local charity shop where most ladies tops are 50p. Most of my clothes I've had for donkeys years.
ReplyDeleteBarrina x
I love Andres! He always leaves the best comments! Great feature! Love the photos, so cute!
ReplyDeleteYou look just fabulous in your summer outfit - love it! I'm a real floral girl - usually pink! I agree with most of the commenters - I rarely buy new, preferring pre-loved things; our local Cancer Research charity shop has most items at 2 pounds, and I've found some really lovely skirts. The only things I do buy new are shoes, and I treat myself to one item a year from the Cath Kidston or Laura Ashley sale for a vintage look piece, but more often than not I could thrift for England!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I think it is a constant struggle. When I could afford it I bought my clothes mostly from ethical stores (People Tree, Ascension, Equa Clothing, etc) but as I am becoming a full-time student from September for a while I have tried to reduce my clothing purchases. I am new to second-hand clothing which is probably the most ethical (after not buying at all).
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't walk into a primark if you paid me purely because we have been made so aware of the conditions that their clothes are made under. Unfortunately I do occassionaly buy high street clothing that is likely made in the same conditions, we are just not as aware of it. I figure we fall of the wagon sometimes but like some people have said even if you buy "cheap fashion" as long as you wear it until it is dead it isn't throw-away fashion.
Another engaging post!
ReplyDeleteI bought a few bits at Primark at the weekend and was going to write a blog post to show them off but decided not to. Mostly because I've heard some nasty things about their questionable ethics, which, if I'm honest, makes me a little embarrassed about shopping there.
The more I think about it the more I realise this issue is much more far-reaching than I first anticipated.
What does "ethical" mean anyway, in terms of retail? Is it about fair wages? Sustainability? Child labour? Organic cotton crops? Recycling? All of those things and more, I suppose. Can we really expect a retailer to be holier-than-thou every step of the way? Sadly, it seems unrealistic that their practises would be completely ethical from conception to sale.
I think I will write that blog post after all and follow up some of these ideas.
Anyway, to answer your question, no I don't follow a code of ethics when I shop, but I hope to be more aware of the impact of my choices from now on.
Hayley
xx
I'll admit I don't really give much thought to where I'm buying my clothes from half the time happy to find something I like but I do wear many of my clothes to death until they do fall apart. Due to my size/style I'm more of a classic dresser so I'm not often found in Primark etc as the clothes will rarely suit me but I do buy a lot from Tesco (and am currently attacking one dress with a razor as it's been washed and worn so much it's covered in bobbles!).
ReplyDeleteI don't seem to find clothes in charity shops etc, it always seems like there are racks of Primark clothes for more than they were sold for in the first place!
I think I'm starting to ramble now and not making any sense so I'll sign off now!
Victoria xx
Most of my clothes are second hand or vintage but I do find it hard to find vintage clothing for those of us who are a size 18 in modern measurements. There is simply a lack of older plus sized clothing (at least in Australia where I live). I buy t shirts at Primark everytime I visit the Uk simply because they come in my size and are sack shaped (also a problem here: a plus size t shirt in Melbourne can be $40-$80) and each lasts on average at least 4 years. Ethically poor but in terms of functionality, preferable to fall apart fashion.
ReplyDeleteI do have a code of ethics when it comes to buying clothes - although I don't always manage to put it into practice. However, I do feel strongly that in an ideal world there would be no separate category for ethical fashion because it's all produced in factories which are safe, pay people a living wage and don't make them work stupidly long hours. Sadly, that day is a long way off, but I'm glad to know that there are more and more women who are becoming aware of the issues. Label Behind the Label are doing some great campaigning on workers' rights in factories.
ReplyDeleteThe price of clothes from the ethical companies isn't so much of an issue for me - I'm prepared to pay for quality and ethics. My problem is that they either don't FIT or wouldn't be my style.
My blog on ethical fashion is here:
http://ruthrosselson.net/2010/09/15/fast-fashion-is-a-feminist-issue/
cute shots. so fun. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com
Hullo and thank you for your awesome post. Penelope led me to you after I posted on my own blog about ethical fashion shopping. I love your blog and I so love your post. All your concerns are my concerns. It's so wonderful to read likeminded. Thank you again. You have a wonderful blog, I look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! When you're struggling to find new items low budget you should try TK Maxx if you have one up there. Just as cheap as Primark but everything in there is end-of-the-line stock, last season stock etc & TK Maxx sell it all at knock down prices instead of it going to the landfill. Next Clearance is also pretty good... cheap & quality :)
ReplyDelete