Global advocacy efforts have repeatedly exposed the fashion industry’s links to exploitative practices such as child and forced labor. In 2013, the "Who Made My Clothes?" movement gained widespread attention, challenging the notion that consumers were indifferent to the origins of their purchases and proving they care about ethical sourcing.
This shift pushed fashion companies to prioritize building ethical supply chains they could showcase with pride. However, some brands faced significant challenges in achieving this. A 2015 study revealed that 75% of 219 fashion brands could not fully trace the sources of their fabrics and materials, while 48% hadn’t identified where their products were manufactured.
Though incorporating transparency and sustainability into supply chains can be costly, many clothing brands are revising their policies to address these concerns. Additionally, numerous fashion start-ups are establishing business models centered on sustainability or integrating eco-friendly practices, such as using recycled materials or compostable packaging.