It’s kind of the real annoying problem when it comes to wanting to buy clothes that aren’t feeding sweatshops…
IE, you find clothes that are cheap, you immidiately know “well no way things are this cheap without labor abuses”. But then at the same time you also are aware “just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean they don’t also use the same labor abuses, just pocket bigger profit”.
The fashion industry is one of the most environmentally disastrous industries that serves no real purpose.
At least with things like coal power you can understand why we are destroying the earth and killing people to keep the lights on everywhere (we shouldn’t be doing that either but that’s a different topic).
With fashion it is JUST waste. Most fashion these days is made to be worn a handful of times before it falls apart. Just needless waste with no real value.
I hate the fashion industry with a passion.
At a glance I thought the shoes were a poorly drawn Gmail icon lol.
Most luxury shoes are actually made by talented artisans. Your sneakers on the other hand…
This is only true if you are willing to ignore/overlook the constant scandals regarding luxury brands and work conditions.
I can only speak for my buddy’s family’s factory in Italy but those workers seemed well paid and happy. High quality luxury goods and “luxury goods” aren’t the same thing.
I’m not sure “I know one factory personally” is the gotcha you think it is.
European luxury brands are the worst when it comes to dealing with forced labor, and that includes a recent notorious case of a sweatshop in Italy.
Congrats to your buddy though. But the issue is systemic.
Hand make your gear if you can. K.I.S.S.
You can make simple gear that is more durable than mass-manufactured clothes, and that’s directly repairable by your own hands. It might not be as pretty but it can serve your needs and will be better for you in most ways. You’d also be sticking it to the system by doing so, especially if you’re doing it with second-hand clothes.
