When we buy clothes, we are most interested in how they look and feel on us. If both are right, we will likely buy the item. What many people need to consider is what a brand stands for. It is becoming increasingly important to research a brand before you decide to shop there. More brands are making headlines today for their unethical ways of manufacturing their clothes. If a brand endorses or actively participates in practices that exploit people and provide poor working conditions, the public will likely boycott them.
So, it is time to rethink your shopping process when searching for ‘designer shorts for men’ before simply going with the ones that ‘look’ the best. It does not need to be a chore; just some minimal research and conscious buying can help to look after the environment. An ethical brand should use sustainable materials and have fair working conditions for its staff. We have made a list of some brands to keep in mind to help you next time you search.
Brands Leading the Charge
1. Nike
Nike is one of the most popular activewear shops in the world. Years ago, it was associated with sweatshops and unfair treatment, but since then, the brand has upped its game to lose that reputation. Several years ago, Business of Fashion reported that Nike is now a ‘recognised sustainability leader.’ Morgan Stanley has gone on to rank Nike “the most sustainable apparel and footwear company in North America for environmental and social performance, including its labour record.” But how have they done this? Nike has looked into the materials they use and made some critical changes. They use a combination of recycled nylon and polyester along with sustainable cotton to do their bit in giving back. They are also doing 50% recycled leather. They are certainly on their way to becoming more environmentally sustainable than other popular brands.
2. Gucci
Gucci is another of the popular global brands to put strategies and steps in place to become more ethically sustainable. In 2017, the CEO and President of Gucci, Marco Bizzarri, produced the brand’s ten-year sustainability plan. It states that the company aims to halve their carbon emissions by 2025. As a brand, they are also committed to reducing the environmental impact of business operations and sourcing sustainable raw materials. So, next time you shop for Gucci items, know they have the environment in mind.
3. Adidas
One of the most popular brands, Adidas, is doing its bit to help the environment one step at a time. Polyester is the most popular material used in Adidas products, and in 2022, 96% of all polyester used was recycled. As a brand, they want to continue this momentum. The company has announced that by 2024, they want to replace virgin polyester with recycled polyester in all products where this is possible. This is the same for all other materials used in Adidas clothing, shoes and packaging.
4. Burberry
Burberry, a luxury brand on a sustainable mission, has worked tirelessly through recent years to ensure they’re leaders in the fashion industry for the environment. The global brand was recognised as a top Climate Leader at the Finance for Future Awards in 2021, praised for its extensive climate-related work. The brand has strategies to ensure they are funding greener buildings and producing sustainable products and packaging, making it a label to look out for. They have a five-year strategy to make the entire company greener, deep-diving into decarbonisation and looking at how they can cut market-based emissions. An awe-inspiring fact is that they have done this since 2016 by 92%. Since 2022, the brand has been carbon neutral and uses 100% renewable electricity. For a fashion brand to have this status now, compared to others in the industry, these are incredible statistics to be working with. All their bags and boxes are recyclable and reusable, with the paper used in them made of 40% upcycled coffee cups. Garment bags are made of 100% recycled polyester. These figures alone make Burberry one of the most popular sustainable brands in the UK today.
