It’s Ethical Clothing Australia Week, here’s how to get involved

Where did your clothing come from?

Do you know where the clothes you’re wearing right now were made? Better yet, do you know if the factory they were made in pays its workers fairly? Or whether the label you bought them from is accredited with an independent body, like Ethical Clothing Australia?

Looking down at my own outfit, I couldn’t answer. I know I’m wearing pre-loved pieces and Australian labels that say they’re sustainable, but I don’t know too much about their supply chains or wider industry practices. When it comes to what ‘ethically made’ means, there’s a distinct gap in my knowledge – and I doubt I’m the only one.

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An Australia-wide event, Ethical Clothing Australia Week is all about championing the people, labels and manufacturers that make garments ethically. To be accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia, businesses must commit to helping end exploitation in the garment industry, ensuring that everyone in their supply chain is paid fairly and feels safe at work.

There’s a range of ways to get involved in Ethical Clothing Australia Week and learn more about how your clothes were made. One way is to check who you’re buying from. By shopping with an ethically accredited business, you can rest assured that your clothing is made by local garment workers whose rights are being protected.

But if you want to know more, then you’re in luck. Running from October 7 to 13, there’s a number of in-person and online events open to the public. They include masterclasses, panels, factory tours and more, featuring labels like Clothing the Gaps and The Social Studio. Events are already selling out so if any tickle your fancy, it’s best to get in quick.

Upcycle your wedding dress, 7pm Wednesday

Whether you want to repurpose existing clothing to make it wedding-appropriate, or you want to give life to your dress so you can wear it beyond your wedding, this workshop from Pearl Button Bridal is for you. Run virtually (so that anyone can join, we love it), the one-hour interactive meeting will inspire attendees to imagine their wedding dresses differently.

Find out more here.

Transparency, risk mitigation and bluewashing panel, 5.45pm Thursday

Held at the University of Sydney, this free panel will discuss ethical business and supply chains. Drawing on lessons and examples from the garment industry, it will cover topics including protection for vulnerable workers, transparency in supply chains and consumer sentiment.

Find out more here.

Sample Room and Empowered Clothing masterclass, 6.30pm Thursday 

This online masterclass is all about lifting the veil on the cost of offshore versus onshore manufacturing. Experts from Sample Room and Empowered Clothing will explore the pros and cons of both, offering businesses a chance to make informed decisions, as well as giving consumers a breakdown of the cost of their clothes.

Find out more here.

Factory tour, 9am Wednesday

Held at the Wilderness Wear factory in Preston, Melbourne, this tour takes you behind the scenes, giving you an in-depth insight into the manufacturing process of outdoor and activewear.  Watch how yarn is turned into durable garments and hear from the artisans behind the label.

Find out more here.

For the whole calendar of events, head here.