In recent years, the fashion industry has come under scrutiny for its practices – from environmentally damaging production methods to promoting unrealistic body ideals. Thankfully, numerous brands are making strides towards being more sustainable and inclusive. In this article, we will be exploring ethical UK fashion brands that are leading the way in plus-size inclusivity.
The Importance of Size Inclusivity in Fashion
The conversation around size inclusivity in the fashion industry is not new. For too long, the industry has been dominated by brands that cater to a very narrow range of sizes, often excluding plus sizes. This has not only led to a lack of choice for plus-size women, but has also contributed to the perpetuation of harmful beauty standards that uphold thinness as the ideal.
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However, times are changing. More and more brands are recognising the importance of catering to all sizes, and are making a conscious effort to include a wide range of sizes in their collections. This is not just a matter of fairness, but also a smart business move. After all, the average UK woman is a size 16, and there is a significant market for fashionable, well-fitting clothes in larger sizes.
Ethical Brands and Their Commitment to Sustainability
Being ethical in the fashion industry means more than just being size inclusive. It also means being conscious of the environmental impact of the production process and making efforts to minimise it. This often involves using recycled materials, organic cotton, and other sustainable fabrics, as well as ensuring fair working conditions for all workers involved in the production process.
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Many ethical brands have embraced these principles and are leading the way in sustainable fashion. For example, brands like People Tree, Seasalt Cornwall, and Thought Clothing are all committed to using organic or recycled materials. These brands also ensure that their production process is fair trade and that their workers are paid a living wage.
Ethical UK Brands Leading in Plus-Size Inclusivity
Now, let’s dive into the brands that are not only ethical and sustainable, but are also leading the way in plus-size inclusivity.
Birdsong
Birdsong is a brand that believes in ‘no sweatshops, no photoshop’. They create beautiful, ethical pieces in a wide range of sizes (up to UK size 24). Their clothes are made in the UK, using sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled fabrics. They also ensure fair pay for their workers, making them a truly ethical choice.
Lucy & Yak
Lucy & Yak is a brand dedicated to creating comfortable, ethically made clothes in a range of sizes (up to UK size 22). They use organic cotton in their products and ensure fair wages and good working conditions for their workers in India. Their popular dungarees and colourful clothing pieces are a testament to their commitment to ethical, inclusive fashion.
Nancy Dee
Nancy Dee offers stylish, versatile pieces that are made in the UK, using organic or recycled materials. They cater to a wide range of sizes (up to UK size 20) and their clothes are designed to be long-lasting, reducing the need for fast fashion purchases.
Shopping Ethically and Inclusively
Finding ethical brands that cater to a wide range of sizes can sometimes feel like a daunting task. However, with a bit of research and patience, it’s more than possible to find brands that align with your values and cater to your size. When shopping, consider not only the size range offered by a brand, but also their commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices.
Remember, fashion is for everyone, regardless of size. So, next time you’re in need of a wardrobe update, consider supporting these ethical, inclusive brands. They are not only leading the way in sustainable fashion, but are also helping to redefine beauty standards and promote a more inclusive, diverse vision of fashion.
Girlfriend Collective: An Ethical Choice for Plus-Size Clothing
Known for their sustainable and size-inclusive activewear, Girlfriend Collective is another ethical UK brand that deserves mention. They offer a wide size range, up to a UK size 26, making them a great choice for plus-size women who want to stay active and eco-friendly. Their clothing range encompasses everything from leggings and sports bras to windbreakers and dresses, all made from recycled materials like post-consumer plastic bottles and fishing nets.
The brand is committed not just to size inclusivity, but also to transparency in their supply chain. In addition to using recycled materials, their production process is certified by the Fair Trade, Bluesign, and Oeko-Tex standards. This means that they ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers, and that their products are free from harmful substances.
Furthermore, Girlfriend Collective is part of the slow fashion movement, which advocates for creating clothes that are high quality, long-lasting, and manufactured in a sustainable way. They aim to counter the fast fashion industry, which is known for its exploitative labour practices and high environmental impact. Girlfriend Collective proves that it’s possible to be stylish, size-inclusive, and sustainable at the same time.
Reflecting on Ethical and Size-Inclusive Fashion Brands
Consumers’ attitudes towards clothing brands are changing. There’s an increasing demand for ethical fashion that takes into account not just the end product, but the entire supply chain. This includes everything from the materials used, to the wages paid to workers, to the environmental impact of production. Furthermore, consumers are demanding more size-inclusive clothing, rejecting the narrow, exclusionary size ranges that have dominated the fashion industry for too long.
Brands like Birdsong, Lucy & Yak, Nancy Dee, and Girlfriend Collective are leading the way in ethical, size-inclusive fashion. They prove that it’s possible to cater to a wide range of sizes without compromising on sustainability or ethics. By choosing to support these brands, consumers can contribute to a more inclusive and eco-friendly fashion industry.
In conclusion, size inclusivity and ethical sustainability are not opposing goals, but can and should go hand-in-hand. The ethical UK brands mentioned in this guide not only provide a wide size range for their customers but also uphold ethical and sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. So, whether you’re a plus-size woman in search of stylish, well-fitting clothes, or anyone who wishes to make a positive impact with their fashion choices, these brands offer a range of options within an accessible price range. The future of fashion is inclusive and sustainable, and it’s already here.
