Who Made Our Clothes Under Which Conditions? A Call for Ethical Standards in the Fashion Supply Chain

Abstract

Despite the initiatives of numerous nongovernmental agencies worldwide, getting governments and multinational corporations to implement more ethical standards in fashion supply chains remains challenging. The human rights abuses and worker exploitation that have already resulted in disastrous factory accidents and loss of lives continue to occur in the fashion industry. This opinion essay critically discusses the prevailing fashion supply chain conflict between ethical demands and commercial requirements and presents a call for ethical standards in fashion. It addresses the internationalization of the fashion supply chain, undesirable side effects of retail buying practices (e.g., ignoring environmental issues) and appropriate countermeasures for recovery. In addition, it illustrates that the implementation of strategic corporate social responsibility can result in brand protection and competitive business advantages.