In 2013, the whole world watched in horror when the Dhaka garment factory collapsed, killing more than 1,100 workers and injuring 2,600 more.

In reality, the $99.23 billion fast-fashion industry just witnessed the worst-ever industrial incident.

For many fashion aficionados, this was the wake-up call they needed to see the true impact of their purchases. 

Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. Numerous incidents include the Tazreen Fashions factory fire and the explosion of five gas cylinders in Tangier.

Child labor and modern slavery are present in pretty much every factory with people earning low wages while working long hours in unsafe conditions.

“Wearwell is part of a movement that’s building a more sustainable fashion industry, prioritizing workers’ rights and minimizing environmental impact,” they mentioned.

That’s why they only partner with brands that make a positive impact in two distinct areas: Workers’ rights and the environment.

Every brand on their virtual catalog ensures that their garment workers are paid fair and/or living wages while working in safe and secure environments.

Also, many of their brand partners uphold the right to unionize.

On top of that, workers have access to healthcare, and additional support (including education, microloans, or health services for them and their families).

You can find many certifications from Fair Trade to GOTS and B Corp– just to name a few.

Just to get an idea, their curated collection includes brands like Outerknown, Toad & Co, and Boyish which always seem to score a place on our sustainable & ethical fashion roundups.

It’s no secret that the fashion industry comes with a very hefty environmental price tag.

Textile mills, for example, generate one-fifth of the world’s industrial water pollution and use 20,000+ toxic chemicals.

Also, an estimated 18.6 million tonnes of clothing end up in landfill every year.

Sadly, it can take 200+ years for the materials to decompose, and on top of that, this waste generates greenhouse methane gas and leaches toxins into the groundwater and our soil.

Unlike traditional fabrics like cotton (which needs 10,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram) and chemical-packed polyester, Wearwell’s virtual shelves are packed with ethical and sustainable clothing made from all-natural, organic, or deadstock materials that require way less water and energy.

Also, brands with zero-waste processes ensure their responsible production which includes the responsible use of resources, reuse, and recovery of textiles, and end-of-life management – just to name a few based on the circular model. 

We absolutely love Wearwell’s great range of ethical and sustainable clothing from Black-owned brands.

The marketplace even has an entire section dedicated to Black-owned brands to further help put an end to racial injustice and shed light on these amazing creatives.

So if you want to help create even more entrepreneurial opportunities and assist in Black economic prosperity, take a look at the amazing clothing and accessories they have to offer.

One notable Black-owned brand to mention is Black Borders which is a Black woman-owned and operated brand with a mission to uplift and celebrate BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

Check them out on Wearwell’s sustainable marketplace here!

Wearwellagain includes gently used secondhand options on the Wearwell site that are beyond gorgeous.

Apart from scoring good-as-new ethical and sustainable clothing at a great discount, second-hand shopping reduces carbon emissions and saves our natural resources, water, and energy.

Plus, you’ll give new life to a piece of clothing – how cool is that?