We’ve discovered the best places to pick up ethical clothing in Cardiff

It's 2019 and society is increasingly more ethically aware, from climate change protests to Fair Trade. However, one area that is not so much acknowledged is clothing. There are so many businesses offering good fashion for a good cause, but we just don't know where to look for them.

So after much research, The Cardiff Tab have found the best ethical clothing shops in Cardiff to help you get started in shopping with awareness.

The SAFE Foundation

The SAFE Foundation is an ethical boutique run by a Cardiff-based charity, who are dedicated to improving the lives of those who live in the poorest communities across the world. They run various projects across the world to provide excluded people with access to human rights and a better life.

Their boutique, located on Whitchurch Road, is run by volunteers and we visited the boutique to find out more.

Two volunteers told The Cardiff Tab: "All the clothes are donated. I think we have a nice selection of clothing, a bit different to what you see in a normal charity shop".

As well as raising money in their boutique and running projects abroad, the SAFE Foundation are working towards the 'Sustainable Development Goals 2015', where many countries agreed on 17 goals to help end poverty and protect the planet.

The SAFE Foundation is an outstanding charity, different to any charity shop you've seen before. Pop into their boutique to see the wide range of clothing and accessories they have, or to find out more about how you can donate and volunteer either in Cardiff or overseas.

White Stuff

We all know how rare it is to find an ethical high-street store, but here we are in White Stuff. The company has been a member of the Ethical Training Initiative since 2013, which is an organisation that brings together various companies to collaborate in sharing ethical trade tactics.

They are actively contributing towards the end of modern slavery and have a team of auditors who visit White Stuff's factories to make sure the working regulations that are deemed as appropriate in the UK are being followed in other countries too. They also have strict policies on animal products and only use ethically sources and animal by-products. Additionally, they do not use real fur and avoid products that come from endangered species.

We spoke to an employee at White Stuff Cardiff and she told The Cardiff Tab:

"White stuff as a company is really passionate about its ethical trade from the beginning. From the point of construction to customer purchase, which is why our prices tend to be a little higher".

Investing in White Stuff clothing is definitely worth it, especially when their ethical policies are miles better than any other high street store.

Fair Do's

Located in Canton, Fair Do's is a not for profit company, selling all things Fair Trade. In 2014, it became a Community Interest Company being recognised for the important work it does.

They have a range of products, including clothing, gifts and food, which all come from developing world countries. Purchasing Fair Do's products benefits the people that produce them, ensuring ethical and fair trade is being carried out.

As a member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops, Fair Do's only use suppliers that carry the Fair Trade mark and have been accredited. This means that with every product you purchase from their shop, you are contributing to giving back to the people who work hard to make them.

For their clothing in particular, Fair Do's often lend their products to organisations to hold fashion shows in local communities to show off what they have to offer and raise awareness about the importance of Fair Trade.

Vintage shops

The easiest way to pick up ethical clothing is to go to a vintage shop.

Clothes that have been recycled, up-cycled and are authentic from another decade are sustainable in reducing waste and environmental damage in the production of clothing.

Cardiff is saturated with vintage shops, such as Hobo's, Sobey's and Penny Lane Vintage and many more, so you're definitely spoiled for choice. They're quaint and full of trendy and unique pieces for your wardrobe.

Denim jacket galore

In reality, shopping ethically for clothing is easy so why not try something a bit different next time you want to go on a shopping spree?