There is a rather archaic perception about fair trade clothes that is persisting to dominate the industry. The idea that clothes produced using fair trade principles are daggy, hippie-like bohemian sacks that only a certain, disenfranchised percentage of the population wear, is outdated.

I'm not entirely sure how this perception came about, perhaps it was true at least in some part of the western world for a short period of time but it is certainly not true in the modern clothing world and has very little to do with the future of fair trade.

Fair Trade is a business plan that supports all those involved in the production process rather than allowing an unfair distribution of wealth and benefits to a select few. In most international trade, items are produced overseas because it is cheap to do so. Generally it is cheap to produce things overseas because some countries do not have the same human rights guidelines as the west goods can be made more cheaply.

The costs of course, run deeper than money and it is here that fair trade organisations step in to regulate the production process to ensure that workers are not exploited and their families are supported. Fair Trade regulation takes into account aspects of adequate financial remuneration but also standards of living, workplace health and safety, environmental health, non-discrimination, transparency and more.

By ensuring these standards fair trade practices make the end product a healthier one for all involved, including the consumer. And there are increasing opportunities for consumers to make the right choice in the clothes they purchase. Brands like People Tree, Maggie's Organics, Tompkins Point and many more are making clothes that are fashionable, elegant and fair trade.

Modern fair trade clothes fit into our lives while at work, play, and out on the town. They are affordable, available and growing in diversity and visibility. Fair trade clothes are indistinguishable from other, sweat shop produced clothes, except for one major difference - they are a part of a sustainable and growing industry that respects human life.

Make sure you check them out today and make a difference to someone else's life, including your own.