By Morgan Ginn
What does it mean to be a feminist? Some people think feminists are anti-male or that they believe that women are better than men. But the true definition of feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. Feminism is about equality.
As we recently discussed, we believe 2018 to be a year for the ladies. Recent movements such as the Time’s Up campaign, the #metoo movement, and the Women’s March has put a dialogue in our society to talk about women’s rights and what it means to be a feminist. With this dialogue and the adoption of feminism has come a vast selection of feminist tees and merchandise. We love that people are willing to show their support for the feminist movement but what we have found surprising is how hard it is to find ethically sourced feminist tees. An unethically sourced feminist tee is a bit of an oxymoron, right?
Feminism is a cornerstone of ethical fashion and conscious consumerism. Women make up 85-90% of the fashion industry and are among the lowest paid workers in the world. When you invest in slow fashion, you invest in the future of women.
At Not The New Black, we believe that conscious consumerism comes down to giving a damn. That’s why we decided to put together a list of Damn Good Feminist Tees, ethically sourced and eco-friendly shirts that proclaim the anthem of feminism. Check out these brands for your next ethical feminist tee purchase:
My Sister carries a selection of men and women’s tees and tanks. Their mission is to fight sex trafficking through ethically sourced, statement making apparel. They value ethically sourced products that are made with environmentally friendly practices, products that empower survivors of sexual exploitation, and working with partners that have the biggest impact in the fight against sex trafficking. Out of all the companies we’ve found My Sister to be the most open and transparent in talking about their sourcing. Not to mention they have the cutest badass feminist tee selection.
Everlane is a super transparent ethical fashion retailer based in San Francisco that sources their products from the best ethical factories around the world, using only the finest materials. Everlane launched a 100% Human campaign to support human rights and to remind ourselves that we are more the same than we are different. A part of this campaign, Everlane launched a limited-edition line of light pink 100% Human shirts that with every purchase donates $5 to Equality Now, an organization dedicated to the promotion of equal rights for women since 1992. Everlane will even show you the factory in LA where the shirt was made, talk about transparency. #HumanTogether
Are you outraged by the state of our society? We sure are and so is The Outrage, an apparel brand for lovers of equality. The brand is outraged that, on average, a woman makes $0.78 to a white man’s $1.00. They are outraged that the fear of sexual assault is all too common and that perpetrators are rarely brought to justice. They are outraged that the U.S. government thinks it knows what’s best for our uteri. So they’re doing something about it by donating to organizations such as ACLU and Planned Parenthood that are doing something to change this reality. Majority of their products are printed or made in the USA and they ensure their international factories are WRAP certified (ensures safe working environment and fair wages). We’re obsessed with their latest collaboration with Sophia Bush, “Where do you think you came from?”
A great tactic for finding feminist apparel is to go straight to the source. The Women’s March website features a shop of unisex tees and pins that are all made in the USA. The merchandise supports the continued work of the movement to harness the power of women of all backgrounds and their communities to create transformative social change. The merchandise is sold in partnership with The Outrage.
Daisy Natives is a lifestyle brand for champagne clinkers, confetti throwers, and the ones who have too many revolutionary ideas keeping them at night. They offer a selection of ethically sourced tees and pins for women and men feminists alike. Their shirts are manufactured by Bella + Canvas and Alternative Apparel and have gone through an extensive application process to be WRAP Certified. We give a 10/10 to their Girls Support Girls collection that donates a $1 with every purchase to Girls For A Change.
ROUND + SQUARE is a conscious fashion brand that has a vision to bring style, substance and sustainability together in support of gender equality. They sell artfully designed feminist tees made 100% from GOTS certified organic cotton. 30% of sales profits go to Equality Now, an organization committed to protecting the human rights of women and girls around the world.
People Tree is a pioneer in the ethical and sustainable fashion movement. Their mission is to be 100% fair trade in their supply chain, to support producers in the developing world, and to protect the environment through the process. People Tree offers a vast selection of curated clothing for the modern women including their Equality tee, which is made from 100% certified organic cotton. The tee is made in collaboration with their factory partner, Assisi garments. People Tree doesn’t just talk about the importance of ethical fashion, they have the credentials to back it up. (Also, if you’re not following their founder @safia_minney on instagram then you’re doing life wrong!)
When purchasing a Threads 4 Thought product, you are voting for products that help to improve our planet & move the fashion industry towards a healthier future for us all. They utilize socially responsible manufacturing and eco friendly materials to make their products. We’re obsessed with their Feminist AF tee. Join their movement, and wear your Threads well.
Know of any other ethically manufactured and eco-friendly feminist brands? Share them with us in the comments!
NOT THE NEW BLACK 