Fashion is a powerful tool. It can strongly influence our self-esteem, our self-perception, our body image and the way others perceive us. So if it is so important, shouldn't we know exactly what we are representing by wearing our clothes? Shouldn't we know how and where it was made and who made it?
Get a few tipps for self-determined sustainable fashion choices from the ultimate guide.

photo source: PROUD
So what does it mean to make a more self-determined and conscious choice?
It means knowing:
#Where do my clothes come from and how were they made?
Thousands of people from Bangladesh, India, China, Indonesia and other low and lower-middle income countries (LMIC) are employed as cheap labour by fast fashion retailers; 93% of brands do not pay garment workers a living wage’ (Fashion Checker, 2023). The fashion industry also has a major impact on the environment. One fifth of the world's plastic pollution is caused by the fashion industry (NRDC, 2023). The industry is also responsible for up to 10% of global carbon emissions (UNEP, 2021).
The solution: Find out where our clothes were made, why they were made there and how they were made. CURA jewellery is made and designed locally in Switzerland. They use plastic by-products and recycled plastic to create their nature-inspired accessories. CURA jewellery aims to reduce pollution by sourcing HDPE waste from communities with recycling problems and giving this plastic a new, longer life in the form of high-quality jewellery. PROUD clothing is produced in an experienced medium-sized family business in Portugal. Environmental awareness and fairness are paramount in the production of the models. The production facility has been awarded all the certificates recognised in the industry. You can find out where our other brands produce their clothing and accessories here.
The fashion industry massively exploits women and girls. Only 0-1% of garment workers in Bangladesh and Vietnam earn enough to live on; they are denied maternity leave and have to deal with inadequate sanitation and sexual harassment (Good on you, 2023).
The solution: Know who made your clothes. At FairFem, we only support brands that guarantee ethical working conditions and pay fair wages. What does that mean? Maska cashmere and silk are produced in a GOTS-certified factory in Nepal. This certification helps to ensure various elements of women's empowerment, such as the prohibition of child labour, the promotion of quality education and the prohibition of gender discrimination (in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals). Read more about our brands here.
#What's in it?
It may not be so obvious, but most fast-fashion clothing contains a variety of harmful chemicals that enter the bloodstream through the skin (New Roots Institute, 2020). And it doesn't take long - just 26 seconds. Skin irritation, respiratory problems, hormonal disorders and diseases such as cancer are the result. Nanoparticles in clothing can also lead to severe lung, liver and kidney damage.
The solution: Only buy clothes that you can be sure will not harm you. Our clothing is made from organic cotton and has certifications such as the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certificate and the OCS - Organic Content Standard certificate. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an internationally standardised test in which the materials are tested for over 1,000 harmful substances to ensure that the clothing is safe for your health. The OCS - Organic Content Standard certificate stands for certified organic cultivation and is a product chain standard for tracing organic raw materials.
#Where do my clothes go in case I throw them away?
‘Every second, the equivalent of a lorry load of clothing is incinerated or buried in landfill.’ (Ellen McArthur Foundation)
The solution: Instead of throwing your clothes away, you could share them with friends and family. Maybe someone else will feel comfortable in them. If your clothes break, you can also take them to a tailor. It often doesn't take much to extend the life of a garment, and you can also support a local tailor. To prevent clothes and accessories from breaking, read our care instructions for each of our products.
At FairFem, we are striving for a FASHION REVOLUTION. We want more than just sustainability. We want to give something back and strive for regeneration. We want body awareness, self-esteem and the empowerment of (women) men through fashion! We want to look good and feel good in clothes that empower those who made our clothes.
Therefore: Why do we need more self-determined and conscious choices?
Get 3 in 1 -
buy something that makes you happy
make others happy with what you buy
treat our planet and its resources with care

photo source: PROUD
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