Being a mindful shopper has always been important. But now, in this new era of on-demand consumerism where fast fashion abounds? Crucial. Because, just a little reminder: On the other side of that checkout button are real workers (who may or may not be earning a livable wage) packing up your items and delivering that chunky-knit sweater to your door. Before said sweater exists for you to impulse-buy, there’s an entire supply chain of people who make it.
Even if you always pause to think about that whole system before spending your $$, it can be hard to tell what’s a truly ethical purchase and what’s not. There can be a lot of trendy, jargon-y... jargon involved in brand advertising, and not all of it is actually meaningful.
At its core, ethical shopping is about two things: looking for companies that consider their impact on humans and the planet, and choosing to buy from places that treat all their employees well (hi, that means fair pay and safe working conditions). Here are some ethical shopping tips to help you determine if the brand selling your next purchase actually deserves your business.
Just because it’s sustainable doesn’t mean it’s ethical, unfortunately
A brand billing itself as “sustainable” is probably focused on reducing its carbon footprint and doing things like minimizing water use and avoiding hazardous chemicals (which, great!). But even a place that checks these boxes might struggle on the people front—as in, it might not have transparent labor practices, pay livable wages, or prioritize worker safety, says Rebecca van Bergen, founder of the nonprofit Nest.
Seeing bold claims but no receipts? Consider that a red flag
Marketers can—and do, unfortunately—take advantage of buzzy causes to “greenwash,” i.e., make a company seem more ethical than it actually is by, say, adding a leaf graphic to a product, explains Matt Stockamp, head of social impact at Nisolo. For proof, dig through a site’s About Us, FAQ, or Info pages to judge for yourself. The more details, the better. Do you see a step-by-step explanation of their supply chain? Is there a paid sick leave? Or, even better, are they rocking one of the ethical certifications that we'll dig into next?
Those official-looking seals do matter
Especially ones that come from respected outside organizations with super-intense vetting processes (B Corp’s scoring system judges companies based on roughly 200 points). Basically, you need to be truly legit to nab one of these certifications, so keep an eye out for the common ones below.
More on those certifications!
B Corp
Kind of the gold standard, this rigorous assessment scores a company’s impact on workers, customers, the environment… the list goes on. It's a rigorous process and a minimum score of 80/200 points is required to pass.
GOTS
Global Organic Textile Standard compliant businesses use at least 70 percent organic fibers, provide safe conditions for employees, process materials in environmentally-friendly and ecologically-safe ways, and lots more.
Fair Trade USA
Labels with this seal protect workers at all levels of the supply chain and give them money needed to improve their communities—all while being eco-friendly. Basically, this seal means the brand prioritizes both their people and the planet.
Nest
Having the Nest Seal means a company meets more than 100 qualifications to make sure workers’ well-being is protected beyond the walls of large factories (since many artisans create products in their own homes). Nest has an Ethical Handicraft program that helps businesses (including home-based ones!) prioritize worker wellbeing, set minimum hiring ages, and increase environmental protections.
Still have questions? Don't be afraid to reach out directly
Make the first move with your fave labels to get answers. Kasi Martin, senior public relations manager of Fair Trade USA, says this includes sending one-on-one messages via social media, like pinging the brand on Twitter or DM'ing them on Instagram, or chatting with customer service to push for more specifics. Social media comments, emails, and other feedback from customers can pressure businesses to do better, so be nosy and ask things like: “Are your workers unionized?” and “Where are your materials sourced?”
Some brands to get you started on your ethical-fashion journey
Kotn
The Canadian label sources cotton straight from Egyptian farmers in the Nile Delta. Materials then go to mills and factories around Alexandria that give locals fair and equal pay.
Patagonia
Pretty much everyone agrees this is one of the best ethical brands out there. Sure, finance bros love its vests, but it has more than outdoorsy clothes. (Hi, dresses, jumpsuits, and swimwear, welcome to my closet!)
Lacausa
The name Lacausa literally translates to “the cause” in Spanish. The L.A. company makes most of its items locally and also partners with organizations from the ACLU to the L.A. Regional Food Bank to give back to the community.
Lisa Says Gah
You know it, you love it: online retailer Lisa Says Gah features independent female designers, and the overall aesthetic is simply made for an excellent outfit picture. They also has an eponymous line that works with ethical factories.
Nisolo
Known for leather shoes and bags (they’re perfect for summer), it works with artisans in Kenya and factories in Peru and Mexico. Everyone makes a living wage, and the company publishes regular impact reports detailing its B Corp certification and other impressive stats.
Eileen Fisher
This chicly sustainable brand is Fair Trade certified, meaning that they offer safe working conditions for all factory workers and uphold strict environmental requirements. The brand also offers a take back and resale program called Renew, which is taking over the Eileen Fisher site for Earth Day 2025!
Shopping small is an easy place to start
When in doubt, buy from smaller labels or local businesses. They have less inventory and more personal interaction with members of their teams, meaning it would be harder to be a truly shitty boss. Also, there's a greater likelihood of scoring a unique, handmade, or artisanal purchase that you might not be able to get at a mega-company.
Little changes really do make a big difference
It’s never gonna be as black-and-white as “you shop ethically or you don’t,” says van Bergen. But incorporating little responsible moves into your current routine and doing the best you can sets the good guys up for success, even as standards evolve for the better. Consider your next ethical purchase a new form of social activism… with something really pretty to show for it.
I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
