The subject of ethics is a major concern in society and covers a wide range of spectra. Ethical fashion brings to the root issues related to working conditions, fair trade, animal welfare, exploitation and the environment in the fashion industry. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of corporate social responsibility and are making the necessary adjustments to satisfy consumers.

Clothes are beautiful to wear, but their manufacture raises concern in many different ways. Global warming, the dumping of nuclear waste, the extinction of certain species and the changes in the ecosystem are being closely monitored and most of the time they are attributed to the activities of humanity. The fashion industry has its share of the blame and opinions vary as to the consequences related to the effect that human activities have on the environment.

Many companies try to cut costs to increase their profits. One method is to hire cheap labor. They do this by opening industries in countries with low labor costs and sometimes using child labor. From an ethical point of view, these practices are considered unethical. The exploitation of children most of the time in forced labor conditions in unsanitary places is highly condemned. It is also considered exploitation to pay an hourly wage that does not reflect the hourly labor cost in which the products are sold.

Many outfits are made of cotton. Ethical concerns refer to the dangers posed to the environment by the use of pesticides during cotton cultivation. Pesticides are harmful to people and the environment. Pesticides can have adverse symptoms in people, such as headaches, depression, seizures, or loss of consciousness. It can cause air, water and soil pollution. Finally, pesticides can kill not only pests but other animals as well.

Cruelty to animals is often high on activists’ agenda. In the manufacture of many types of clothing, including shoes, belts and other accessories, the skin of different animals is used. For example, the production of fur coats requires the slaughter of minks, foxes or other animals whose fur can be used. Most of the time, these animals are killed using very cruel methods. The numbers are also reduced in nature. Some animals are on the brink of extinction due to excessive slaughter.

Many fabrics are treated with chemicals to soften and dye them. These chemicals are harmful to the environment and can also be the cause of skin diseases. Lead, chromium, nickel, and arylamines are just some of the chemicals used in the textile treatment process.

Ethical issues in the fashion industry are the subject of much debate. Many companies often respond to public concerns by showing their corporate social responsibility in various ways. Some are radical for being totally green. Others choose a certain theme in which they emphasize to show their responsibility. For example, many companies explicitly disclose that the process of producing their goods does not involve child labor or poorly paid wages. Whatever the truth of the matter, ethical issues continue to preoccupy governments, activists and society at large.