Ethical Fashion in Practice at Armore

Hi, Amor.

Previously, we wrote about Seeing women in the fashion value chain where we shared some resources that covered this topic. This article is a reflection on not just seeing them but standing with them and charting a path for social mobility. 

In today’s fashion landscape, talks about sustainability have increased, mostly driven by consumer demand. Progress in sustainability is often framed around innovation in fabrics, reducing carbon footprints, or using eco-friendly packaging.

But fashion’s human footprint, where millions of women remain largely invisible, is equally—if not more—important. They stitch, cut, press, embroider, and assemble garments that travel the world. They are seamstresses, cutters, embroiderers, pressers, pattern makers, sample room specialists, and trusted workshop partners. They are the backbone of an industry that would not exist without their skill, yet their lives and realities rarely enter the conversation.

A century-old reminder of where this began

During our research, one historical detail was an eye-opener: The global women’s rights movement was sparked by garment workers.

In 1908, thousands of women garment workers in the U.S. went on strike to demand fair wages and safer conditions. A year later, in 1909, the very first National Women’s Day was celebrated in their honor.

However, more than 100 years later, many women in today’s global supply chain still face the same challenges—or in some cases, even harsher ones. It’s a reminder that the conversation about “ethical fashion” is not new. It’s simply unfinished.

🔍 What’s Often Overlooked

• Pressure to meet unrealistic production timelines. Short deadlines result in long hours and repetitive tasks which in turn can lead to physical health problems and injuries.
• Poverty wages and wage theft. Many garment workers don’t receive a living wage, and overtime often goes unpaid.
• Unsafe and demeaning working conditions. From unsanitary environments to workplace harassment and gender-based violence, the reality for many women in factories is harsh.
• Lack of power and representation. Even though women form the overwhelming majority of the workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership — reinforcing structural inequalities across the supply chain.
• Limited opportunities for advancement. In the Philippines, garment workers face the same challenges as farmers - they are older, unable to pass on their craft, and desire a different life for their children.

Some argue that providing jobs is inherently good — that having some income is better than none. But when women are in a situation where they have no choice and no voice, when those jobs come with exploitation, unfair pay, and unsafe conditions, we are called upon to do better.

📌 An inclusive vision of sustainability

Ethical fashion is the ongoing work of seeing, supporting, and uplifting the women who make this industry possible. No discussion on sustainable fashion is complete without talking about the human side of production. But it shouldn't end with just talk. Visibility matters but visibility alone does not change conditions. Seeing them is the first step. But it’s not the last. As an industry and as consumers, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to support garment workers in ways that are meaningful and lasting.

🌿 What this looks like at Armore

At Armore, we strive to build a company that truly adheres to what ethical fashion really means. Our dream is to create an apprenticeship and training program for women in fashion production so that they get fair and humane treatment, opportunity, and social mobility. We believe that when women are supported—not rushed, unseen, or undervalued—quality becomes a natural outcome. We believe that fashion should be a partnership, a collective, that is a force for good.

From Visibility to Responsibility: Ethical Fashion in Practice

To this end, our work is to continuously meet the following standards:

1. Ensuring good working conditions

A safe, clean, and respectful environment should be the baseline—not a premium feature of ethical brands.

Good working conditions mean:

• Adequate space and ventilation
• Reasonable working hours
• Non-toxic materials and safe machinery
• Predictable timelines that don’t demand overnight rush work
• A culture of dignity and respect

2. Fair and consistent wages

For many garment workers, wages fluctuate with orders, seasons, and brand timelines. Ethical production requires stability.

Fair wages include:

• Transparent pricing
• Compensation that reflects skill, not just output
• Payment that is punctual and predictable
• Avoiding cost-cutting practices that push pressure down the chain

3. Opportunities to develop skills and craft

Skill development isn’t just good for production—it creates pathways for empowerment and higher earning potential.

Garment workers can be supported through:

• Training in advanced techniques
• Cross-skilling (cutting, finishing, pattern work)
• Providing tools, guidance, and updated learning
• Encouraging mastery over speed

4. Real pathways for social mobility

The fashion supply chain is full of talented women who simply haven’t been given opportunities to move upward.

Social mobility can look like:

• Moving from daily worker to regular collaborator
• Becoming a team lead or sample room specialist
• Starting their own small workshop
• Accessing consistent, long-term partnerships
• Being recognized as artisans, not just laborers

When women grow their craft, they expand their possibilities, while fair wages allow women to plan, support their families, and break cycles of poverty and vulnerability.

A century after garment workers fought for dignity, the work continues. If you share our vision, we would love to chat!