The benefits of buying British made products
As we have mentioned in previous blogs, first and foremost we have sought to expose the exploitation of workers within the clothing manufacturing industry. Obviously there needs to be an alternative to fill the vacuum if you avoid products from those countries known for this exploitation. British made clothes brands may satisfy this demand and have other advantages as well.
Worker Care
British workers are protected by a series of laws concerning pay and working conditions unlike many clothing suppliers abroad. There are still occasions where unscrupulous companies try to get around these laws but they are inevitably found out and make the news.
Sustainability
The long term aim of the fashion industry should be total sustainability. Fabrics sourced ethically made and sustainably produced under proper working conditions and sold as multi wear garments. The fabrics should be biodegradable and only put to landfill after all recycling or repurposing considerations have been made. Transportation should be kept to a minimum and done so in the most environmentally considerate way possible. I am sure you will recognise that this is a very very long way from where we are now. Clearly there are steps that can be taken and should be immediately where possible as we seek attainment of the total sustainability goal through a number of positive steps. Most companies can improve using incremental steps such as checking suppliers of products or fabrics that they buy, making and offering garments that last from natural materials and even offering repairs. Clearly there is still some way to go but these are moves in the right direction that many companies could quickly make to reduce the impact fashion has on the environment. All companies within the fashion industry should always be looking to see how much farther they can go towards the goal of sustainability and making the necessary changes along the way.
Transparency and Ethical Sourcing
If you buy from a British clothing manufacturer you can insist on transparency. Labelling is controlled by regulation and you can make checks yourself directly if you are incertain. This is not possible with suppliers on the other side of the world. You can als check the materials used and if the company is doing its best to source ethically.
Carbon Footprint
The carbon footprint involved in making clothes at far flung location is significant. Huge transport and logistical issues coupled with the large numbers of each product needed for it to happen has a significant negative effect on the environment. Making it local reduces the transport requirements. In the UK the government has a 25 year sustainability target which can only be met if the mileage a product has to travel which in turn controls fuel usage. Keeping manufacture on British Soil dramatically lowers the carbon footprint of the clothing industry. This is further lowered when returns are considered and believe it or not over 20% of garments bought online are returned.
Customer care
British Companies can offer tailored customer care and offer much smaller batch quantities and even bespoke garments which reduces waste. On an end customer basis British brands can often respond to special requests and may carry out repairs if appropriate. They should also be able to confirm traceability of all raw materials such as fabrics if requested to do so.
Quality
British Manufacturing is recognised as amongst the best in the world and renowned for quality. It is made to recognised manufacturing standards. Generally highly skilled operatives make garments that last meaning the sale of single use garments that fall apart, dont fit well or follow fast fashion are reduced along with the obsession of the throw away culture. Whilst they may appear more expensive at first sight, in the long run they offer great value. Customer care and transparency and service.
More unique designs
As British manufacturers tend to be much smaller there is a good opportunity to get unique clothing not worn by many.
Supporting local economy
It is a fact that to grow the British manufacturing industry needs support. By buying local you support the local economy and help grow the number of emerging British Brands that take proper care of workers and pay them properly. Buying British Made clothing helps maintain properly paid existing jobs and helps create new ones.
Conclusions
Using British manufacturers and buy British branded clothing has many advantages in addition to worker care.It is good to see that the UK clothing Manufacture is on the interest, and by supporting it, it will continue to grow which in turn will put pressure on those within the industry that are exploiting workers. On a more cautious note take care to check you are not dealing with a UK office emblazoned with british flags yet sourcing elsewhere.
