Ethics Girl: Primark - what's the alternative?
If the massive response to my previous post on the are-they/aren't they ethical trading standards of Primark has taught me one thing, it is that fashion gets your attention.
One of the problems introduced by a few of you, who are reluctant to buy from retailers who aren't 100 per cent clear on how and where their products are made, was that the alternatives are somewhat lacking.
I have to say I tend to agree. There are plenty of clothing lines out there with varying degrees of ethical worthiness, but many of them are hard to find and often much more expensive than other options.
Might online ethical retailer Fashion Conscience save the day? I already knew of some of the brands sold under their umbrella, such as the biggies like Noir and Ciel, but what impresses is the huge range, which includes lots of affordable options - like this pretty dress by Lalesso (above) made from an African khanga and priced at just £50. Eco-Boudoir has a range of lingerie made from bamboo and these lovely animal print T-shirts from Belle & Dean which, at £20, might be ten times the price of a Primark top, but probably worth every penny.
There are of course lots of other alternatives to buying from Primark such as charity shops and clothes swaps, not to mention People Tree, the pioneers of ethical fashion in the UK.
"affordable options like this one priced at just £50" Are you mad?
I really think that well paid journalists bear some responsibility for the credit crisis. All jounalists seem to be completely out of touch with what is "affordable" and practical ways of dealing with poverty. It would be laughable if it didn't have such a negative impact on those who are really struggling to survive.
Posted by: Heather | Friday, 13 June 2008 at 12:03 AM
I have to agree with Heather. The idea that a £50 top is viewed as an "affordable option" and the ethical option at that is a staggering one. For many people in this country, the likes of Primark aren't an option in terms of finance or fashion - they are a necessity.
Is Ethics Girl aware of what minimum wage actually buys people in this country?
Posted by: Ul | Friday, 13 June 2008 at 12:38 PM
The problem with most people is that they view clothing as disposable. Buy 5 t-shirt from primark for £10 and you you throw them away after a few months, because they have faded in the wash or fallen apart. The other option, as Ethics Girl suggests, is to buy one quality t-shirt that is £10 and which lasts a lot longer.
Cheap clothing is a false economy. Surely it is better for both our bank balance and the environment to buy quality clothing that lasts than cheap, disposable fashion that you will probably never end up wearing!!
Posted by: Iain | Friday, 13 June 2008 at 01:20 PM
Iain, I agree with the basic thrust of false economy but it's one thing to buy a t-shirt for £10 as opposed to £2 and have it last longer, and another in having the money in the first place to buy a single item for £50.
Posted by: Ul | Friday, 13 June 2008 at 02:06 PM
Well perhaps for the average Independent reader, £50 is affordable? Sophie probably knows the demographics of her audience better than any of us.
I would spend £50 on a shirt (and have done - Howies), knowing that it was made from organic cotton and produced ethically.
Posted by: Iain | Friday, 13 June 2008 at 02:25 PM
Question 1: 50 pounds or 2 pounds, how long do you think you will be able to buy these? Better still, will your children have the same choice or will they be wearing your "hand me downs"?
Posted by: The two pound T shirt | Wednesday, 18 June 2008 at 04:37 PM
As a starving student £50 is indeed far too much, but there is still no need to resort to Primark. Want a £2 t-shirt? Head down to your local oxfam. The one benefit of the disposal nature of clothes is that charity shops are filled with great finds for those prepared to rumage.
Also I note that Primark in its windows now proudly displays "best value clothes retailer 2007". Oh, the temptation to add "least ethical 2005"...
Posted by: Rebecca | Thursday, 19 June 2008 at 05:26 AM
I'm with Rebecca. Not only is £20 nearing my weekly food shop budget at the moment, but I'm trying to buy exclusively from charity shops. I've kitted myself out for a new job for just £30 - a new suit, shirts, skirts and a pair of smart shoes. Charity shops are recycling at its best - cheap, easy, ethical, and very satisfying when you find something relatively unique.
But then again, for those people that can afford £50, go for the ethical option. I know a few too many people whose idea of pleasure is spending £200 on Arcadia fashion, which hasn't even signed up to the ETI and is as cagey as every other company about its sourcing.
Posted by: Nicki | Tuesday, 24 June 2008 at 12:03 PM
I agree with Heather that £50 for a cotton dress is ridiculous. My answer to Primark are charity shops like Traid..I buy as much of my wardrobe from there as possible as do not agree with with the ethics of Arcadia or other big retail manufacturers. I have tried to encourage my friends to do the same as me as you can often nice pieces (provided you look, the money you spend is for a good cause and you're not consuming from unethical traders
Posted by: Francesca | Tuesday, 24 June 2008 at 01:09 PM
recently the temptation is growing to, in the middle of the night, cover my local primark's windows in posters of statements regarding the ethical issues.... might have to expand this to the entire high street and then put a sweet little ' you're great!!' poster on the charity shop window!!
Posted by: Lucy | Friday, 04 July 2008 at 11:28 PM
top shop has brought out a fair trade range, But the clothes arn't very good. Thats what i find with most ethical clothes shops. Would you actually wear that? i agree with the whole charity shop idea or you could get down to your local carboot.
Posted by: Naomi | Sunday, 08 February 2009 at 06:53 PM