Creating a Socially Conscious Wardrobe

Conscious shoppers aren't only concerned with purchasing organic produce, safe cleaning products, and all-natural personal hygiene goods. They're upgrading their closets as well. Whether it's being constructed in a dismal sweatshop or processed in a way that's harmful to our environment, the seemingly innocent garments that we buy can rub a conscious consumer the wrong way. A lot of apparel companies are taking notice to this new wave of elevated awareness and promoting clothing that's fair-trade, created by people who receive fair wages, and are made of organic and "safe" materials.

It's difficult to highlight all of the apparel companies who are taking major steps in making sure their gear is righteous. But there are definitely a few companies, large and small, whose brands are stepping out of the box and offering something new in contrast to the mass-produced pieces that are nothing more than products of greed and apathy.

American Apparel. American Apparel has set the standard for sweatshop-free clothing. In fact, many designers who want to keep their threads on the up and up, use American Apparel gear as their canvas. Along with being USA-based and sweatshop-free, American Apparel has rewards for their employers that most popular clothing manufacturers have yet to match. For example, they supply their workers with subsidized public transport, subsidized lunches, free onsite massages, a bike lending program, a program of paid days off, ESL classes and much more. What's even more impressive is AA's "Legalize LA" program, an effort to reform immigration laws. Now that's a cause worth wearing on your sleeve.