Thankfully, things are starting to change. People are asking the tough questions: “Who made my clothes?” and “Were they treated fairly?” But while there have been wins for fairness and safety, the road to proper labor rights is far from smooth. Let’s take a closer look at how far we’ve come—and how much work there’s still to be done.

The Journey Toward Better Labor Practices in Fashion

If you’ve ever doubted that things needed to change, just think back to the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013. It was a devastating moment—over 1,100 garment workers were killed when their unsafe factory building crumbled in Bangladesh. That tragedy forced many of us to face uncomfortable truths about how our fast fashion obsession directly impacts workers. It sparked global outcries and served as a wake-up call for brands, consumers, and government bodies alike.

Since then, organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO), Fashion Revolution, and Clean Clothes Campaign have been fighting tirelessly for better conditions. Some brands, too, have stepped up with promises to embrace ethical practices. But as any garment worker will tell you, progress has been painfully slow, and millions around the world are still stuck in unsafe or unfair situations.

Wins Worth Celebrating

Despite the many challenges, we’ve seen a lot of positive changes over the years. Here are a few that stand out:

• Consumer Awareness: Shoppers today are savvier than ever. Many are paying attention to whether their favorite brands are ethical and sustainable. Tools like the Good On You app help people make informed choices.
• Transparency from Brands: Companies like Levi’s and Patagonia are leading the way by releasing details about their supply chains and ensuring higher labor standards.
• Powerful Initiatives: Movements like Fashion Revolution not only raise awareness but also call on governments to enforce laws that protect workers.
• Certifications: Programs like the Fair Wear Foundation and Better Work Initiative help factories implement fairer practices and prove their commitment to change.

The Obstacles We Haven’t Overcome (Yet)

Let’s not sugarcoat it—fixing labor rights in the fashion world is no small task. A few big challenges still stand in the way:

1. Living Wages: A Pipe Dream?

For many garment workers (think Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia), what they earn isn’t nearly enough to live on. On top of that, unpaid overtime and stolen wages remain disturbingly common.

2. Unsafe Work Environments

Rana Plaza wasn’t an isolated incident. Thousands of factories around the world are still operating with little regard for basic safety measures, leaving workers vulnerable to accidents and injuries.

3. Shadowy Supply Chains

Ever noticed how complex the fashion industry’s supply chains are? Brands often rely on multiple factories, many of which subcontract to smaller, unregulated workshops. This makes it ridiculously hard to monitor or stop labor abuses from occurring.

4. Women Bear the Brunt

Most garment workers are women—they’re the backbone of this industry. Unfortunately, they’re also often subjected to gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination, including being denied maternity leave.

5. The Fast Fashion Menace

Let’s not forget the elephant in the room: fast fashion. This trend demands more clothes, faster, and cheaper. That relentless push for profits often comes at the expense of the basic rights of the people making our clothes.

So, What Can We Do About It?

Change doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it takes all of us working together. Here’s how brands, governments, and even us as everyday shoppers can help turn the tide:

What Brands Can Do

• Be Transparent: Share exactly where and how products are made. When brands are open, it’s harder for abuses to hide in the shadows.
• Pay Fair Wages: Work with suppliers to ensure everyone in the supply chain is paid a living wage.
• Join Ethical Movements: Commit to initiatives such as the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) that hold companies accountable for workers’ rights.

What We Can Do as Consumers

• Shop Smarter: Look for brands that prioritize fair labor practices. Certifications like Fair Trade or B Corp are a good place to start.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be shy about challenging brands. Reach out on social media or email them directly—ask who made your clothes and whether they were treated fairly.
• Get Involved: Join movements that support garment workers’ rights or sign petitions for change. It’s a small step that can make a big impact.

Brands That Are Leading the Charge

Thankfully, not every brand is dragging its feet. Here are a few companies making a real effort to prioritize ethics:

• Everlane: This brand lays everything on the table, from detailed cost breakdowns to factory profiles.
• People Tree: A trailblazer in ethical fashion, People Tree works closely with Fair Trade producers to ensure workers are treated fairly.
• Eileen Fisher: Known for eco-friendly fabrics and partnerships that champion fair labor practices.

The Road Ahead

Let’s be real—a fully ethical fashion industry still feels like a distant dream. But there’s genuine hope. Governments are introducing stronger labor laws. Nonprofits are pushing harder for reform. And even technology, like blockchain, is helping track supply chains to keep companies honest.

The good news? We’re not powerless. As consumers, every decision we make—every brand we support, every conversation we start—moves the needle in the right direction. Together, we can make the fashion world one that’s as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.

Get Involved Today

If this cause strikes a chord with you, there’s no time like now to act. From changing how you shop to educating others, the ripple effects of your choices can be powerful. Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our newsletter for tips, updates, and inspiration to become a conscious consumer. Sign up here!