Behind the price of ethical & sustainable fashion brands
Explore the reasons behind the higher costs of ethical and sustainable fashion. From fabric choices to fair labor practices and waste reduction efforts, discover the factors shaping the price tags of conscious clothing brands
Have you ever wondered about the reasons behind the seemingly higher price of ethical and sustainable fashion? In this article, we'll unravel the reasons that contribute to the cost of these conscious clothing brands. From fabric choices to fair labor practices and dedicated waste reduction efforts, we'll shed light on the factors shaping the price tags of ethical and sustainable clothing.
Olivia Wilde in our Planets of the Universe maxi dress
Fair Labor Practices: Impact on Costs and Sustainability in Ethical Fashion
Unlike fast fashion companies that prioritize affordability, ethical and sustainable fashion brands emphasize fair labor practices, ensuring fair treatment and pay for all involved in the production process. When you choose to support ethical/sustainable/slow brands, you directly contribute to the livelihoods of workers receiving fair wages. This commitment to fair labor practices not only impacts the cost structure but also plays a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry.
Where do we produce our clothes?
We proudly produce all our clothes in our home country, Slovenia, as we believe in supporting local businesses and freelancers.
Our clothes are sewn by a talented freelance seamstress from Alja's hometown, Maribor
2. Waste Reduction and Production Scale
Fast fashion relies on large-scale production, driving down prices but contributing to excessive textile waste. In contrast, ethical and sustainable fashion brands strategically opt for smaller production batches or a made-to-order approach to curtail waste and prevent unsold overstock. This deliberate choice in production scale not only reduces the environmental footprint but also leads to the creation of one-of-a-kind, personalized garments.
3. High-Quality, Long-Lasting Fabrics
At By Alja Horvat, we are dedicated to delivering excellence in every aspect of our collections. Despite the challenges faced by smaller businesses in accessing a variety of sustainable fabric options, we steadfastly choose the finest materials that align seamlessly with our unique style and unwavering values.
Durable Fabrics for Lasting Style
Our commitment to durability goes beyond aesthetics. Choosing robust and long-lasting fabrics ensures that each garment we create stands the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This focus on quality contributes to a more sustainable fashion approach, promoting conscious consumption.
Eco-Friendly Printing at the Forefront
In our pursuit of sustainability, our fabrics undergo an eco-friendly digital printing process. Our printing partner utilizes energy-efficient technology, enabling on-demand printing with no byproducts or waste. They use large ink jet printers that use biodegradable inks specifically designed for printing .
All prints are made with eco friendly water-based dyes and biodegradable inks which are non-hazardous, toxin-free and
certified with an OEKO-TEX Eco Passport. Fabrics that we’re using for the collection all have OEKO-Tex Standard, meaning textiles were tested for harmful substances.
Local and Fair Trade Sourcing for Responsible Fashion
Our printing partner conscientiously sources materials from local manufacturers, creating a supply chain that values quality and ethical considerations. This commitment to responsible sourcing enhances the eco-friendliness of our entire production process.
4. Additional Costs and Pricing Considerations:
In the realm of ethical and sustainable fashion, pricing involves more than just fabric and labor. Various other expenses come into play, including website maintenance, transportation, packaging materials, branding, marketing, advertising, transaction fees, and compensation for professionals in photography and modeling. Despite these overheads, our commitment is to offer affordability by maintaining a markup lower than the industry standard.
The pricing of ethical and sustainable fashion is a reflection of the authentic costs tied to responsible and environmentally conscious clothing production. Opting for these brands becomes a powerful endorsement of fair labor practices, waste reduction efforts, and the utilization of high-quality materials. It's essential to recognize that the higher price tag associated with ethical fashion is not just a purchase; it's an investment in fostering a more sustainable and ethical future for the entire fashion industry.
