If you believe every person is made in the image of God, then you cannot ignore the person who made your clothes. The question of ethical fashion is not a secular trend. It is a deeply Christian concern.
Made in God Image
The garment worker in Bangladesh who sews your fast fashion top is made in God image. She has a name, a family, hopes and dreams. She deserves a living wage, safe working conditions, and dignity. When we buy clothing made through exploitation, we participate in a system that denies her those things.
Biblical Justice
Scripture is clear about how workers should be treated. James writes that wages withheld from laborers cry out to God. Deuteronomy commands that workers be paid promptly. The prophets consistently condemned those who built wealth through exploitation.
Ethical fashion is not progressive politics. It is biblical justice.
What You Can Do
You cannot fix the global fashion industry alone. But you can make choices that align with your values. Buy from makers who pay fair wages. Choose quality over quantity. Ask questions about where your clothes come from. Every ethical purchase is a small act of justice.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
— Micah 6:8
Acting justly extends to every purchase we make. Including our clothes.