by Erica Michelle

Created on: November 10, 2009

What is a socially conscious clothing company? It is a company which values and respects the livelihood of all its workers, from those responsible for growing the fabrics, to those producing the garments, to those selling them. American Apparel may be one of the better known companies dedicated to social responsibility. However, there are many, smaller businesses, which are just as notable in their contributions to their respective communities.

American Apparel, based in Los Angeles in the US, produces all of its garments locally and sweat-shop free. As well, the company ensures that its workers are payed well, and receive many benefits including subsidized transportation, lunches, and health insurance, paid days off, ESL classes, a bike loan system, and even free workplace massages. American Apparel also demonstrates awareness for social concerns including the legalization of immigration and the legalization of gay marriages.

Started by the renowned musician, Bono, and his wife Ali, Edun (Nude spelled backwards) is a clothing company dedicated to alleviating poverty by fostering sustainable employment in developing nations, particularly in Africa. The company sources many organic materials from India and Nepal, and strives to create clothing lines which are just as beautiful as they are helpful to the communities which produce them.

Chandni Chowk, based in Devon, the United Kingdom, employs artisans and craftspeople in India and Bangladesh through fair trade agreements. The highly skilled artisans craft hand made products, often with organically sourced materials. Chandni Chowk are in personal contact with employers and ensure that the people crafting their clothing, interiors, accessories, and other goods are treated well and paid fairly. To Chandni Chowk, the quality of the workplace conditions, and quality of their products is more important than price.

Juno & Jove, a company named after the Roman God and Goddess of Gods and Goddesses, sells an emporium of products which represent a diversity of socially and environmentally responsible values. The products are often organic, vegan, and locally sourced and produced. The company also places emphasis on education the consumer and raising awareness to increase social responsibility in their community.

Another notable socially conscious clothing companies is So-Me, who display their passion for various issues through messages on T-shirts (with eco-friendly options) to help raise awareness for the causes of solidarity and pacifism. Regarding the connection between socially conscious and environmentally conscious, the two often overlap. Socially conscious companies often expand their consciousness to the environment. It is common to find clothing companies bent on social responsibility concerned about the production of its goods and the effects on the Earth, and to choose organic options. As humanity evolves, and we move towards the creation of a more peaceful, just and sustainable world, it is likely that socially conscious clothing companies will begin to dominate the market. You may even need the definition of a socially unconscious company, for being a socially conscious corporation will become an inherent aspect of starting a business.

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