It’s that time of year again — flannels, hoodies, puffer vests, all the cozy layers that make fall worth it. But as you refresh your wardrobe, it’s worth asking: Where are those clothes really coming from? Fashion isn’t just about style anymore. Every sweater or jacket you buy comes with an invisible cost — to people, to the planet or both.
You’ve probably seen headlines about retailer scandals, greenwashing claims or exploited factories. The fashion industry remains one of the world’s most destructive sectors, responsible for about 10 percent of global carbon emissions alone, according to Earth.org. Meanwhile, clothing production churns out 92 million tons of textile waste every year, the United Nations reports. As fall settles in, the question becomes: How do we layer wisely?
Buying clothes has never been morally neutral. Every hoodie, jacket and scarf carries a hidden story about who made it, what it’s made from and how it got to your cart. The good news? There’s more data, research and resources than ever to help you make better choices.
1. Start with the basics
Before you hit “buy,” it helps to know what “ethical fashion” actually means. The term usually refers to how a brand handles four main issues: worker rights, environmental sustainability, transparency and social impact.
Worker rights cover things like fair pay, safe conditions and freedom to unionize. Less than 2 percent of garment workers worldwide earn a living wage, according to EarthDay.org. Women make up 80 to 85 percent of garment workers, bearing a disproportionate risk for exploitation, harassment and unsafe conditions, Georgetown University researchers found. In the United States, 80 percent of garment contractors have violated minimum wage or overtime laws, with nearly $900,000 in back wages recovered, according to the Department of Labor.
Environmental sustainability is also nonnegotiable. Fast fashion is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide and accounts for 10 percent of carbon emissions — more than international flights and maritime shipping combined, Earth.org found. The industry also overproduces massively; up to 40 percent of production never sells, creating waste and emissions. The U.N. warns that unless practices change, emissions from textile manufacturing could rise 60 percent before 2030.
Transparency means a company shares where and how its clothes are made, allowing accountability. Social impact digs into how brands treat retail workers, what their marketing says about body image and inclusion, and whether they support just communities.
2. Check who’s doing the homework
You don’t have to research every brand alone. Sites like Good On You, Remake, Eco-Stylist and Ethical Consumer now grade brands on everything from wages to waste. Most of these databases explain their scoring process, so you can decide what matters most to you — whether that’s carbon reduction, worker safety or animal welfare.
Even so, don’t take a company’s word for it. “Greenwashing” — when a brand spends more on the appearance of sustainability than substantive reform — is everywhere. Shein, for instance, reported a 13.7 percent increase in transport emissions in 2024 after recalculating its footprint, underscoring the cost of ultra-fast supply chains. The company was also fined €1 million in Italy this year for misleading environmental claims about its products.
Be cautious of companies that promote one “eco line” while continuing a high-waste business model. Ethical practices should be part of their DNA, not an afterthought.
3. Dig into company history
Search beyond a brand’s own site. News articles, watchdog reports and trade press can reveal whether a company’s record matches its rhetoric. Past violations don’t always mean a company hasn’t changed, but repeated offenses usually signal that ethics aren’t a priority. Conversely, companies with a long track record of ethical behavior are less likely to backslide when trends shift.
Factory workers in the textile industry face high rates of respiratory illness, musculoskeletal disorders and psychological stress because of long hours, chemical exposure and poor conditions, according to a 2024 report from the National Library of Medicine.
4. Make small shifts that matter
Shopping ethically doesn’t mean overhauling your wardrobe overnight. Start small:
- Buy less, choose better. Invest in quality staples that last through multiple seasons.
- Shop secondhand. Apps like Depop, Poshmark and Vinted help extend clothing life and reduce waste.
- Hold brands accountable. Comment on social media, email customer service or share what you find — companies notice when consumers speak up.
- Share what you learn. When your friends shift their habits because of you, that ripple matters.
As you layer up this fall, remember: Your purchases shape the world more than your outfit does. Fashion doesn’t have to cost the planet — or your conscience.
