Do sweatshops affect where you buy your clothes?

falafel_waffle · Newbie Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 4 Smiles: 0 0

Hey everyone! My new years resolution is to stop buying any sort of clothing that isn't fairly traded or second hand. Its mighty difficult, but I'm curious to see how other people feel about the subject!

seasunsky · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject:

"I do care, but I have no energy/will power to take any action"

It's the sad truth, but I like my clothing and sweatshops are just too hard to get away from. I do like American Apparel, though, and when I can I do buy from them (sometimes it's expensive, though, just for a plain tee-shirt).
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mike · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:16 pm Post subject:

I do care, but I still end up mostly buying from sweatshop companies.

I have quite a few things from American Apparel and some designer things that aren't sweatshop made, but most of my clothes are from H&M, Club Monaco, and such.. and I still plan on continuing shopping at those stores.
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DeadDisco · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:18 pm Post subject:

I do care, but don't have the energy/will power to take more action

I feel bad. I would love to get things second hand, or buy from stores that don't have sweatshops, but it's such a hassle. A lot of stores that I shop from probably have sweatshops and I don't even know it.

Is there a list anywhere of common stores that uses sweatshops??
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summer_berry · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 1:17 am Post subject:

I do care, but don't have the energy/will power to take more action!

although today I bought two plain tees from AA, and they were only $17 each. so its not that expencive. I think I'll start buying more stuff from AA since its cheap and I just love the store! so colourful!
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snorey · Newbie Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 16 Smiles: +2 48

I do care, but don't have the energy/will power to take more action

Because the subject fair-trade clothing has only just begun to emerge for the masses it's difficult to find no-sweatshop clothing.

I'd buy from fair-trade stores if they didn't have such icky designs and were available everywhere. Especially because a shirt that has been manufactured at fair wages only costs 10 ct more than one that hasn't. I think everyone here could afford that.

Nothing Better · Supermodel Joined: 31 Dec 2006 Posts: 830 Smiles: +16 428

I am aware that I am supporting bad work conditions, unfair pay and even child labour because I buy from shops that aren't sweatshop-free. But it's hard to find original and not too expensive clothing that is sweatshop-free. I do buy some clothing from American Apparel when possible, but I must say over 3/4 of my wardrobe are probably from sweatshops.

Second-hand clothing is fine, now. I used to think it was disgusting, but now, i don't mind, I just wash whatever I buy twice before wearing it. I think it's a great way to find cheap vintage things and also support charity because if you shop at the Salvation Army, all of their money goes to helping poor families in your region or anywhere else that is needed. Value Village, however, is just like a normal store. It keeps its profits.

Lil_PinkBunnie · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:32 am Post subject:

I do care, but don't have the energy/will power to take more action.

I probably do shop at some stores or buy from brands that use child labour, but I'm not going to stop. If I love something, I'll just buy it. And I'm way too lazy to take action, but I defintiely care. It's not fair for the children working so hard and getting paid so little, but I don't think I'd be able to stop and take action.
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plasticheart · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 11:59 am Post subject:

"I do care, but don't have the energy/will power to take more action"

it's ... hard. i do enjoy shopping at places like american apparel, but i'm still devoted to other places.

amyamy8 · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 1:27 pm Post subject:

i feel bad that children are getting paid so little to do so much. but it's better than having the child to have no job at all.
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china.doll · Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:30 pm Post subject:

I care, and if I knew which stores used child labour, I would totally not buy there. But, I don't know which stores do. Confused

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falafel_waffle · Newbie Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 4 Smiles: 0 0

Yeah....the unfortunate thing is the vast majority of garment manufactors use child labour/sweatshops......Companies that don't are usually unique in that sense, and will most likely advertize the fact that they don't.

Meg-san · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 12:25 am Post subject:

I try to support companies like American Apparel or local designers, but it's a matter of cost for me. The local designers are a lot more expensive than what I usually have-but I try to buy from them when I can.

jousy · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 10:02 am Post subject:

A mix of "I try to buy from stores like american apparel when possible, but I still buy clothes from other companies" and "I do care, but don't have the energy/will power to take more action".
I try to buy stuff from AA but like some others say, it's pretty pricey after a while. I don't shop all too much, and when I do, I usually get stuff from Bluenotes, AE and sometimes Costa Blanca/Off-the-wall/Garage... I don't support the idea of sweatshops at all. There is a difference between items being made in developing countries where the workers are being paid less and have poorer conditions than that of 'developed' countries AND items being made in sweatshops in developing countries. In some ways it's a fine line SO I just try not to buy clothes too much... Rolling Eyes

haha
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cloudS · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 4:27 pm Post subject:

I do care, but don't have the energy/will power to take more action

It is really hard to buy clothes that are not made from sweatshops. I try to buy clothes from AA once in awhile. That was one of the reasons that I bought clothes from Aritzia and Lululemon before they started outsourcing. Since they outsource from China I started buying less from them.
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babiee_nicky · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 7:36 pm Post subject:

"I do care, but don't have the energy/will power to take more action."

honestly i don't even really know which stores manufacture clothing from sweat shops, so i guess thats why i don't give it much thought. its pretty sad though.
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china.doll · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 3:32 pm Post subject:

Where IS American Apparel?
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mike · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 3:46 pm Post subject:

amyamy8 · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 4:16 pm Post subject:

there is a shop in metrotown & one in downtown vancouver
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