The True Cost of What We Wear

In an era that upholds veganism, sustainability, and ethical living, the fundamental principle should be to live without causing harm to other living beings, or at least reduce the harm caused thereof. While the concept of "cruelty-free" has gained traction in the beauty and cosmetics industry, it remains a distant goal when it comes to clothing and accessories.

Today’s consumers are expected to be more aware—not just of what they consume, but how and where it is produced. It’s no longer just about the final product; what truly matters is the process behind it: Who made it? Were the labourers treated fairly? Were the working conditions safe, or was the product manufactured in a sweatshop? Was child labour involved? If we are to live responsibly in this age of conscious consumerism, then asking the right questions and seeking the right answers must become second nature.

In the age of fast fashion, we are often enticed by the allure of mass-produced, low-cost items. But have we ever paused to question why something is so cheap? Is it genuinely because middlemen were cut out, as many e-commerce platforms claim, or is it because corners were cut in terms of human rights and ethical labour?

Awareness is what empowers a consumer, and it is with this awareness that we can accept a product or repudiate it. However, with the rise of fast fashion, we may unknowingly be fuelling exploitation and unethical labour practices.

India, as one of the world’s leading producers and consumers of silk, is known for its exquisite silk sarees and shawls that are cherished by many. However, the harsh reality behind their beauty is often overlooked. Producing just one silk saree involves boiling alive at least 10,000 silkworms. It is saddening that there is still scepticism surrounding sustainable alternatives to traditional silk - be it synthetic options like art silk, plant-based varieties such as banana or lotus silk, or ethical choices like Ahimsa silk

(a) because they don’t have the same shine and smoothness                           

(b) because it wouldn’t be “authentic silk”

(c) because these alternatives are often more expensive

I watched a talk on veganism where a member from the audience asked for a vegan alternative to milk that tasted exactly like dairy milk. The speaker then said that veganism isn’t finding alternatives for your convenience, it is choosing a comparatively inconvenient option for ethical reasons or principles that one strongly believes in. You know that a soy or almond milk coffee may not taste exactly like dairy milk coffee, but you make that choice willingly because it aligns with what you stand for. I believe the same principle applies here. Choosing ethical fashion might not always replicate the look or feel of conventional materials, but it reflects a deeper, more conscious commitment to doing what’s right.

Yet, there are times when alternatives not only replicate the exact look and feel of the original but do so at a lower cost, still we continue to chase after what is considered “authentic.” A perfect example would be diamonds. Why are we still chasing authentically mined diamonds when lab grown diamonds are the exact same chemical composition, and give the same shimmer? It significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional mining. The production of lab-grown gems requires less land, generates fewer carbon emissions, and minimizes the risk of habitat destruction AND is pocket friendly. The only thing holding people back is the lingering weight of conventional thinking that labels anything not mined as somehow less “real.”

Recently, my friend Keerthana Shankar visited a bag store where the salesperson, in an attempt to upsell, showed her a bag and proudly stated that it was made of “genuine leather.” But this is exactly the mindset that needs to change. The fact that something is made of genuine leather should not be seen as a mark of quality or appeal. In fact, it should be a reason for concern. To make matters worse, he mentioned that the bag was made out of calf skin. She was horrified and immediately left the store, deeply disturbed, and instead chose to purchase a bag made of vegan leather felt so good about herself after that.

One of the biggest gaps in today’s fashion industry is transparency. Unlike the beauty world, where cruelty-free labels and certifications are now standard, ethical fashion still operates in ambiguity. It’s time for that to change. Brands should take responsibility to disclose their practices, and consumers must demand clarity about materials used, labour conditions, and environmental impact

In the end, it’s not an all-or-nothing approach. Realistically, it’s impossible to eliminate every ounce of harm we cause to the environment. I’m not asking you to go fully vegan or completely remove animal-derived products from your wardrobe overnight. That wouldn’t be practical for most of us. What I am asking for is mindfulness and a conscious effort to reduce the harm where you can. Even small changes at the household level matter and a single step from your side can inspire others, creating a ripple effect that fosters a more sustainable and ethical culture of consumption. It starts with awareness, and it grows with action. Just remember that ethical fashion is a movement. Everything we buy is a vote for the type of world we want to live. In this new movement, we should not just care about how we look but at what cost the look comes.