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There’s no denying we are a generation used to the faster things in life. Hungry? With the press of a button you can have your favourite food, prepared just how you like it, in front of you within ten minutes. Need to get somewhere? You know the deal. Download an app and we’ll get you there. Should the same apply to our clothing?
How many times have you bought a t-shirt; you needed this t-shirt, having this t-shirt will make everything okay in life. Only for a few weeks later to let it fall to the top of the pile of clothing that you’ll never pick up, let alone wear ever again.
If we take a minute to break down the cost of a £10 t-shirt, you can’t help but question is it really worth it? Take materials and labour time, alone this must not be short of our £10 budget. We then need to include packaging, labels and overseas shipping to store. There is no way that this garment is cost-worthy and the person creating it is earning a fair wage.
Unfortunately we have developed a very carefree attitude to our clothing and where it comes from. When was the last time you looked at the label of origin of a garment or thought about the process behind it?
On 24 April 2013, 1,134 people were killed and over 2,500 were injured when the Rana Plaza, a garment factory used by over 28 international clothing brands; including H&M, Primark and Gap collapsed in Bangladesh due to overcrowding and insufficient safety checks. And unfortunately it takes a disastrous tragedy such a Rana Plaza to spark a revolution both in consumers and retailers, in becoming more conscious in knowing who makes your clothes and where, and demanding better work conditions.
We are still far from reformation, take Beyonce’s sell-out sportswear collection IVY PARK created for high-street giant Topshop. Designed to “support and inspire women” ironically, the collection was created by women earning as little as $6.17 a day in sweatshop conditions. This is unacceptable from such a big, multinational retailer such as Topshop, who should be setting standards and ensuring their factories comply with and pass ethical audits.
With British-made products, you can ensure workers are paid a fair, living wage. The products are of true British quality and lastly, you are supporting local businesses and investing in homegrown talent.
It’s time to start the Great British manufacturing revolution!
