Why Fair Fashion Has Its Price | Clara Himmel
Why ethical fashion has its price – and who makes our clothes
Every year, Fashion Revolution Week asks a question that is more relevant than ever: Who made my clothes?
Since 2013, this question has stood worldwide for greater transparency in the fashion industry. The movement was triggered by the collapse of the Rana Plaza textile factory in Bangladesh, which killed more than 1,100 people. Since then, it has served as a reminder of the importance of fair working conditions, responsibility, and transparency in clothing manufacturing.
Because clothing has become commonplace today, yet behind every single item lies a long journey.
Behind every piece of clothing are people, decisions, and a long journey.clara himmel · since 2017
Ethical fashion begins long before production
What many don't see: a piece of clothing doesn't start with manufacturing. Before an item is even produced, initial ideas, patterns, material choices, and prototypes are developed.
It is adjusted, modified, retested, and often revised multiple times until the fit, material, and workmanship are truly right. Especially with small collections, this means a lot of time, many decisions, and high development costs per model.
This process also contributes to the actual value of a garment, and while it is hardly visible in the final price, it is always included.
Why sustainable materials are more expensive
For our collections, we consciously use materials such as certified organic cotton, Lyocell, or linen from controlled sources.
Cultivation without harmful pesticides, certified according to GOTS standard
More resource-efficient production, biodegradable
Significantly less water in cultivation, robust durability
Sustainable fabrics cost more to produce because their extraction is more complex and follows stricter standards. This is reflected in the price. And rightly so.
Fair production - in small quantities, in Europe
Another important point: We consciously produce in small quantities. Our items are made in our own studio and with selected partners in Europe.
Small production quantities mean higher unit costs but prevent overproduction and unnecessary inventory. We know our production partners personally. We know who sews our clothes.
Because large quantities may lower prices, but they often lead to surpluses, pressure to discount, and unnecessary resource consumption.
Why ethical fashion has its price
We often hear the question about price, and we believe it is absolutely justified. A piece of clothing not only carries material costs but also many decisions along the entire journey.
- High-quality, certified materialsOrganic cotton, Lyocell, and linen from controlled sources cost more than conventional alternatives
- Fair wages along the production chainEuropean partners with fair working conditions — this is directly reflected in the unit price
- Careful development with multiple prototypesTime, expertise, and adjustment rounds before a piece goes into production
- Small production quantities without bulk discountsConsciously planned editions instead of overproduction — no discount pressure, no surpluses
- Durable qualityA piece of clothing that doesn't need to be replaced after one season is ultimately the more affordable option
Step by step.
Consciously.
Not perfect, but with proximity to the product, transparent decisions, and the ambition to make things better step by step. For us, the question Who made my clothes? is not a one-week campaign, but part of our daily work. 🤍