Meet the Makers: Why We Need to Talk About Garment Workers

Behind every piece of clothing is a person. Often, their story goes unheard. Most garment workers are women of color in the Global South, earning wages far below the poverty line while working long, unsafe hours.

The fashion industry often hides this labor behind glamorous marketing. But ethical fashion means more than using organic fabric—it means respecting the people who make the clothes.

What needs to change:

• Workers must be paid a living wage, not just a minimum wage

• Brands must be held accountable for conditions in outsourced factories

• Consumer pressure and transparency are key to pushing reform

How you can support garment workers:

• Shop from Fair Trade and labor-certified brands

• Support organizations like Remake, Clean Clothes Campaign, and Fashion Revolution

• Ask brands #WhoMadeMyClothes