Photo by Tomasz Filipek: https://www.pexels.com/photo/nature-photography-of-flower-field-1646178/

When you think of fair trade, your mind might go straight to coffee beans and chocolate bars. But there’s another major industry where fairness really matters - fashion.

This Saturday is World Fair Trade Day, a global celebration of trade that puts people and planet first. It’s a moment to pause and consider: Who made my clothes? And were they paid fairly for it?

Here at Our Fashion Fix, we love a good trend — but we also believe the best styles are the ones stitched with integrity. That’s why we’re spotlighting fair trade fashion and the role it plays in making our wardrobes more ethical, sustainable, and human.

So, what is fair trade fashion?

At its core, fair trade means ensuring the people who make our clothes are paid fairly, work in safe conditions, and have a voice in their workplace. It's about long-term partnerships, transparency, and respect — not just a pretty label on a swing tag.

Fair trade fashion often supports artisan communities around the world — think handwoven fabrics, block-printed patterns, and traditional techniques passed down through generations. It’s slow fashion with a story.

Why it matters

The fashion industry employs over 300 million people globally, many in developing countries. But too often, low wages, unsafe conditions, and exploitation are stitched into the seams of what we wear.

Fair trade offers a different model — one that values people over profit, craft over mass production, and sustainability over speed.

What you can do

You don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe overnight. Start small:

Look for brands that are part of the Fair Trade Federation or carry Fairtrade-certified materials
Celebrate the makers — learn about where your clothes come from

Buy less, choose better, and wear longer

Because every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.

Fair Trade fashion brands we love include: